This letter was addressed to R. Asher Abramson.
B”H, 8 Cheshvan, 5710
Greetings and blessings,
In response to your letter of 26 Tishrei: I am not aware of any particular fastidious measures involving the construction of a mikveh that only the members of the chassidic brotherhood observe, because I am not familiar with the customs of others in this matter.
I wrote to R. Landau who was involved in the construction of a mikveh in Rostov under the instructions of the Rebbe [Rashab]. If he informs me of any new points, I will certainly inform you. It is certainly unnecessary to inform you that we are careful that the reservoir containing the rainwater itself should always contain an ample measure of 40 seah.1 The hole connecting [this reservoir to the pool of immersion] should always be [above the level of the 40 seah]. When immersing in the pool of immersion, there should be a connection between the pool and the reservoir [of mei geshamim (rainwater)].2 The pipes that convey the rainwater to the reservoir should not be bent.
You wrote about removing the water of the reservoir [of rainwater] via a pump. According to my humble opinion, this is not correct. For the leniency suggested by the Chasam Sofer3 — to create an acceptable mikveh by connecting a pool to a reservoir [of rainwater], then emptying the reservoir, [filling it with ordinary water], and making it acceptable by connecting it to the pool — was not accepted in our [community]. (Perhaps your intent was that [after emptying the reservoir], one would wait until rainwater collects in the reservoir again.) As is well known, an endeavor is made that a mikveh be constructed to fit the requirements of several different opinions.
To add a note: When a short woman comes to immerse and some of the water [in the pool] is removed [for her comfort], it is obvious that an ample measure [of 40 seah] must remain.4 Therefore in some places the pump is not located in the pool of immersion but in a tank of water that is connected to the mikveh [pool] through a hole. In such an instance, one must be careful that the water not be removed — i.e., the pump should not be working — at the time a woman immerses herself. For then, [the pool’s] water is considered to be flowing,5 as is obvious.
[The donation of] 150 was duly received.
To conclude with greetings to the members of your household and wishes for everlasting good in all matters,
M. Schneerson
