The Immersion Series is my exploration of the Jewish custom of immersing oneself in water, and was started in the late 1990’s when I first started taking up a serious study of Jewish texts.

Ritual immersion is the total submersion of the body in a pool of water. This ancient act of purification, holds deep resonance in Jewish tradition, signifying transformation, and the intimate connection between body and soul. It is part of a traditional procedure for conversion to Judaism. It signifies the transition from non-Jew to Jew. Other immersion ceremonies may center on lifetime events such as married life, major holidays, birthdays, etc.

The immersion in water is not just a physical act; it is a journey from one state of being to another. My paintings aim to convey this transformative experience, focusing on the serenity, bliss and strength inherent in the ritual. I strive to illuminate the fluidity of the woman’s form, and the profound connection between the two, symbolizing spiritual rebirth and the power of faith.

In my work, water becomes a metaphor for both life and purification—flowing, cleansing, and renewing. I explore themes of vulnerability and strength, the sacredness of ritual, and the timeless connection to Jewish heritage and spirituality. In the solitude of the mikvah, a woman emerges not only purified but spiritually uplifted.

The act of immersion is deeply personal yet universal, and through my paintings, I aim to create a space for reflection and connection, inviting viewers to contemplate the power of purification, renewal, and the intimate relationship between tradition, water, and womanhood.

Immersion VIII captures the profound experience of the mikvah, encompassing the exhilaration of submerging into the water, the euphoria of weightlessness, its connection to marriage, and the sensation of spiritual ascension. The central figure is depicted in a backward plunge into the water, surrounded by motifs inspired by the work of artist Hieronymus Bosch, who lived 900 years ago in the Netherlands—the same country where Verwer was born and raised. In the top left, Bosch’s Fountain of Life is presented, referencing one of the most significant biblical metaphors for God, the "Fountain of Living Waters". The bottom right features Bosch’s iconic couple encased within a transparent sphere, symbolizing the union of marriage.

Immersion VII was inspired by an immersion which took place in the Atlantic Ocean, when a  regular mikva was not available. Light descends in ethereal streaks from above, illuminating the swirling motion of the ocean water, set into motion by the act of immersion. The experience of sharing this sacred moment with the sea’s creatures in the icy water evokes a powerful contrast—where the sanctity of the ritual intertwines with a sense of awe, fear, and the intense chill of the freezing waters.

The Holy Waters paintings are about healing amidst adversity. Created for the 2024 Jerusalem Biennale, the works portray women who have survived abuse by Hamas, immersed underwater for spiritual cleansing and renewal. Encased in a womb-like bubble, they symbolize rebirth and separation from the mundane. Water, a source of life and purification, holds profound significance in Jewish tradition. Ritual immersion signifies transformation and renewal, echoing the resilience of these women.

The existence of a mikveh is so important in Judaism that an Orthodox community is required to construct a mikveh before building a synagogue. If no funds are available, one must sell Torah scrolls to pay for the construction.