PLEASE NOTE: The Mikvah IS open during renovations! The phone number for mikvah hours and appointments is 215-745-3334.
*Information About the Third Annual Chinese Auction and the Order Form Are Now Available Online*
The Future is Upon Us...
The moment in time has arrived in which our Mikvah, a mainstay in the Northeast Jewish Community of Philadelphia,
must expand and enhance its present facility.
This is a wonderful accomplishment for all of us involved in this very special mitzvah. It means
that use of the Mikvah facility has increased, which is a thoroughly positive and appropriate development. It
speaks highly of the commitment of everyone in our community to this fundamental mitzvah.
Before we can look forward, however, it is important to look back. To see where the present Mikvah came
from and give duly deserved honor to those people who had the insight and initiative to inaugurate this
vital aspect of Jewish life.
A Look Back…
The Sages tell us that the fi rst thing we are enjoined to create when beginning a Jewish community is
a Mikvah. Even before a Bais Hakenesses or Bais Hamedrash, we must have a Mikvah to be able to
function as a Jewish community.
So critical and central to Jewish life is this mitzvah, that the Jews who were trapped on top of Masada
nearly 2000 years ago, fighting the Roman army that surrounded them, constructed not one but two
Mikvaos. Even in the midst of those most difficult circumstances, this ancient Jewish community could
not function without a Mikvah.
Here in Northeast Philadelphia it became apparent twenty five years ago that traveling to neighboring
areas to use the Mikvah (as everyone was doing at that time) was no longer practical. The time had
come to build our own Mikvah.
Spearheaded by Rabbi Yochanan Greenwald, the campaign to raise funds took shape and form.
Enlisting members of our community to work closely with him, the Rabbi and his committee literally went
door to door speaking with each family and soliciting their support to be part of this community-wide
undertaking.
Working with Ephraim Geretz, designer of Mikvaos, the plans evolved. The goal was to raise $35,000, a
huge sum at that time. This would cover building the Mikvah itself, two small preparation rooms, and a waiting
room in the basement of Congregation Ahavas Torah.
The decision had been made that when the frst $25,000 was secured, work would commence. And so
it did. It was a triumph for the community to have a Mikvah in their midst.
In 1997, the Mikvah Association purchased the entire building. With the added space the Mikvah was able
to add an additional preparation room and expand the waiting room. At the same time, a separate keilim
(vessel) Mikvah was added.
Over the years the Northeast Philadelphia Jewish Community has seen steady growth, and with it the
use of the Mikvah has also grown.
The Future Beckons…
With tremendous gratitude to Hashem, we can say that the Jewish community in the Northeast has
grown tremendously in the twenty-five years since our Mikvah opened its doors.
There has been a natural progression of both young families and others to the neighborhood as word of the beautiful
observant lifestyle available here spread. As a result, the Orthodox synagogues in the area have seen
considerable growth in their membership bases.
The Northeast Philadelphia Jewish community now numbers well over 500 families, which has created
increased need for Mikvah facilities. In addition, there are surrounding smaller communities that need the
services of our Mikvah.
So, with gratitude to Hashem, we must again expand our Mikvah and enhance the existing
facilities so that the observance of this beautiful Mitzvah can be done in comfort and dignity by
more and more people.
Phase One of the refurbishing is already complete. A new state-of-the-art filtration system has been
installed in the Mikvah. The Mikvah has also been retiled with great care given to décor and beauty.
Phases Two and Three will include two completely new preparation rooms and the expansion and
renovation of the existing preparation rooms, bringing the total to four rooms.
The waiting room will be updated and reconfigured as will the attendant’s areas, allowing for two
hallways to and from the Mikvah.
Temporary walls will be erected during the construction period so that there will be no
interruption of services whatsoever.
In Conclusion...
We are pleased and proud that our community in Northeast Philadelphia has reached this milestone.
We look forward eagerly to the participation of all families in this project.
The illustrious Chofetz Chaim said, “
I envy the share of Olam Habah of one who causes even one
person to go to the Mikvah.”
It is our hope and prayer that by creating an updated, attractive, pleasing new Mikvah facility,
we will encourage many new people to begin observing this beautiful Mitzvah.
By participating in this campaign, you will have a share in this wonderful, extraordinary undertaking.
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