“Rare Second Temple Era Mikva (Ritual Purity Pool) Discovered in Jerusalem | מקוה עתיקה שהתגלתה בי-ם” is a video from YWN, published on April 10, 2013 and available to watch on VideoVinkel. The total runtime is 13:14. It has been viewed 8,308 times so far. Press play above to stream the full video right here, or open the original on YouTube.
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JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - APRIL 10, 2013
According to Benyamin Storchan, director of the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, "Numerous ritual baths have been excavated in Jerusalem in recent years, but the water supply system that we exposed in this excavation is unique and unusual. The ritual bath consists of an underground chamber entered by way of steps. The mikva received the rainwater from three collecting basins (otzar) that were hewn on the roof of the bath, and the pure water was conveyed inside the chamber through channels. The ritual baths known until now usually consist of a closed cavity that was supplied with rainwater conveyed from a small rock-cut pool located nearby. The complex that was exposed at this time is a more sophisticated and intricate system. The bath was apparently associated with a settlement that was situated there in the Second Temple period. Presumably, due to the rainfall regime and arid conditions of the region, the inhabitants sought special techniques that would make it possible to store every drop of water. It is interesting to note that the bath conforms to all of the laws of kashrut, like collecting the water in it naturally without human contact, and ensuring that the water does not seep into the earth which is why the bath was treated with a special kind of plaster".
The ritual bath, which is located in a picturesque valley where there are ancient agricultural installations, was uncovered a short distance from the houses in the Kiryat Menachem quarter.
According to the Jerusalem district archaeologist, Amit Re'em, "The neighborhood community has expressed great interest in the conservation of the mikva. The Israel Antiquities Authority and the Moriah Company are working to make this delightful treasure a site for the benefit of the residents and visitors".
After the ritual bath went out of use, the place served as a quarry and the channels filled up with earth. During the twentieth century the immersion chamber was cleaned, a round opening was breached in its ceiling and it was used as a cistern.
“Rare Second Temple Era Mikva (Ritual Purity Pool) Discovered in Jerusalem | מקוה עתיקה שהתגלתה בי-ם” was uploaded by YWN on April 10, 2013. You can browse more uploads from YWN on VideoVinkel.
How long is this video?
The total runtime is 13:14.
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As of the latest sync, this video has been viewed 8,308 times and liked 33 times.
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