8423 —הדרכה על שיטות בניית מקוה ושיפורים

B"H, Rosh Chodesh Sivan, 5722.

Brooklyn, NY.

Haraha"g Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n etc. Chaim Mordechai Kohen

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I acknowledge receipt of your letter from the 25th of Iyar. ... Regarding the mikvaos—in general, your suggestion is good; however, where (for a reason) you propose to make the qualifying pit on the side—the recent practice has become to make two qualifying pits (on both sides): one by zeriah (pouring), and one by hashakah (connection). This is very proper. And that is sufficient for now.

This was printed in Likkutei Sichos vol. 17 p. 476 and completed based on a copy of the letter. Mohe Chaim Mordechai: Perlov, Melbourne. Additional letters to him—above vol. 18 letter 676 and those referenced in the notes there; below letter 8488.

Regarding mikvaos: In his letter: My opinion is that they should build the mikvah according to the view of the Rebbe Maharash zatzal (may his merit protect us) etc.—a mikvah above a mikvah where the hashakah is below... It is understood that they [the city rabbis] agree to this but say that another pit of rainwater must be made above into which regular water will fall and also be qualified through zeriah (and this is obviously aside from the rainwater pit that must always be ready to replace the hashakah water below and also for zeriah as mentioned above)... But even if we say it is not so necessary, nevertheless there is some enhancement in this.

In continuation—see below letter 8488. Also see above vol. 14 letter 5330 and those referenced in the notes there.

Summary

The Rebbe clarifies best practices for constructing a mikvah, emphasizing both adherence to halachic standards and pursuing enhancements where possible, such as adding extra rainwater pits for greater stringency—even when not strictly required.