Mikvah for Men

It is proper for men to immerse in a Mikvah on Erev Rosh Hashanah to ensure that one is in a state of purity for the holiday. For this purpose, one may even use a swimming pool or other man-made body of water.

If one does not have access to a mikvah or a pool, one should take a thorough shower for three or four minutes in lieu of immersion. One should ensure the water lands on their heads and on their entire body.

• The immersion in the mikvah should take place any time after the hour before midday.
• One should immerse (at least) three times.
• The Kaf HaChaim recommends eight immersions on a regular Erev Rosh Hashanah. During these eight immersions one should intend to 1) cleanse oneself from impurity, 2) cleanse oneself from anger, 3) fix that which one blemished in the 72-letter name of G-d, 4) and in the 63-letter name of G-d, 5) and in the 45-letter name of G-d, 6) and in the 52-letter name of G-d, (for Kabbalistic reasons, the 52 letter name comes after the 45 letter name.) 7) to remove one's “weekday garments” from his soul, 8) and to accept on oneself the holiness of the holiday of Yom HaZikaron (the Day of Remembrance).