Did baptism originate with the Jews?

by Rabbi Yisrael Rice

Library » Intimacy » Family Purity | Subscribe | What is RSS? PRINT EMAIL COMMENT Well, it isn't called baptism, but the idea of immersing in a body of water is certainly in Judaism. It has many applications. The primary one is that married women go once a month. Another usage is for men: they go before the sabbath, or before prayer service. One of the rites of passage for a convert to Judaism is to immerse in water. Where do they go? They go in a Mikvah. It is an indoor body of water located oft-times at synagogues. TAGS: baptism ADD A COMMENT Please email me when new comments are posted (you must be  logged in). COMMENTS Baptism and Mikveh Posted by: x ben x on Dec 31, 2005 The origin of Christain baptism stems from John the Baptist (one who baptises). It is highly likely that this man, John, was immersing people in a mikveh in his river. Hence, the original 'baptism' (Jesus being baptized by John) was almost certainly in fact a mikveh. read more less RELATED CATEGORIES Jewish Identity » Non-Jews » Other Religions - Missionaries Life Cycle » Marriage » Family Purity » The Laws Email to a friend Post a comment cancel Loading...