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How Mikveh Immersion Soothes Jewish Survivors of Trauma, Grief and Loss: A Narrative Study
Uppsala University, Disciplinary Domain of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Department of Theology.
2023 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
Abstract [en]

This thesis explores how the act of mikveh immersion serves as a source of solace and healing for Jewsconfronted with the trauma, grief, and loss. Through the lens of a narrative study, I aim to shed light onthe transformative potential of mikvah immersion in the lives of individuals who have experienced painand suffering.Previous research in this area has primarily focused on the historical and religious significance of mikvah,examining its ritual aspects and associations with purification and spiritual renewal. However, there is alimited understanding of how mikvah immersion specifically impacts Jewish survivors of trauma, grief,and loss, and how it functions as a healing practice as presented with their own narratives.The thesis gives attention to the lived experiences of Jewish survivors who have engaged in mikvahimmersion as a means of processing their traumas and losses and finding renewal. This study therebyseeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the subjective meaning and transformative effects of thisritual practice.My approach has been to collect personal from academic and popular sources narratives from a diversegroup of Jewish survivors who have utilised mikvah immersion as a tool for healing. Using thematic andnarrative analysis, I delve into the individual stories and experiences shared by participants, uncoveringthe multifaceted ways in which mikvah immersion has impacted their healing and growth.The study shows that mikvah immersion can serve as a powerful and transformative practice for Jewishsurvivors, offering them a sacred space for emotional release, spiritual connection, and personaldevelopment. Participants described the act of immersion as allowing them to symbolically wash awaytheir pain and reclaim a sense of agency over their lives. The mikvah emerged as a source of comfort,providing solace and renewed hope in the face of adversity. In addition, I describe a number of instanceswhen ritual immersion caused negative experiences and emotions – a common occurrence in thecontext of human fallibility.The thesis proceeds by examining the key themes that emerged from participants' narratives, such asthe role of ritual in processing trauma, the significance of communal support, the connection to Jewishidentity, and the experience of rebirth and renewal through immersion. By exploring these themes, thisthesis highlights the ways in which mikvah immersion resonates with Jewish survivors, offering them apathway towards healing, resilience and reclaiming their sense of self.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2023. , p. 68
Keywords [en]
Judaism, ritual, purification, healing, mikveh, jewish, trauma
National Category
Religious Studies
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-506500OAI: oai:DiVA.org:uu-506500DiVA, id: diva2:1776057
Subject / course
The Study of Religion
Educational program
Master Programme in Religion in Peace and Conflict
Supervisors
Examiners
Available from: 2023-06-28 Created: 2023-06-27 Last updated: 2023-06-28Bibliographically approved

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