Spiritual transformation at the Edmonton Mikvah

By Regan Lipes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(AJNews) – “What is as holy as Yom Kippur, as powerful as prayer and the secret of a spiritually dynamic marriage? You may not believe it, but the answer is: the mikvah. Water has a mystical quality. It is fundamental to the survival and growth of all living beings, and has the power to restore, cleanse, and refresh.

A mikvah is a collection of water in which one immerses for spiritual purity and renewal. Oceans, rivers, and springs are Mikvahs in their most natural form, but for millennia, man-made mikvah pools – built according to complex halakhic (Jewish law) specifications – have provided safer and more beautiful conditions.

The Torah prescribes many occasions for immersion in a Mikvah – for example, in the days of the Holy Temple, it was an integral part of the Yom Kippur service. Today, a mikvah’s primary function is for women in the context of Family Purity, as well as for converts in their final stage of embracing Judaism. Additionally, some men have the custom of immersing in a mikvah “as a spiritual boost before an auspicious occasion,” according to trusted online resource Mikvah.org.

Many Jewish women know of the mikvah, and some may have even visited one before their chuppah. “I’ve heard from many women who say they went before getting married, but that it was either an awkward experience, or just something they weren’t eager to repeat,” explained one of Edmonton’s dedicated Mikvah Ladies, Nina Bernstein.  “Because we hear this from so many women, we pay very special attention to making sure that women who come to us feel comfortable and supported.”  Recently, the Alberta Jewish News was invited inside two of Edmonton’s fully active mikva’ot for a behind the scenes immersive tour with Bernstein.

Edmontonians may be surprised to learn that there are two women’s mikva’ot in the City: one on the drive to Downtown and another at Beth Israel Synagogue. Visiting the mikvah is a deeply personal ritual for a married Jewish woman, stated Rebbetzin Chaya Sarah Blachman, one of the community’s other Mikvah Ladies, and the caretaker of the Downtown facility. “Women sometimes think the mikvah is only for completely observant women, or they might think they need to come looking a certain way. In fact, this is a sacred and precious mitzvah for all halachically Jewish women who are married to a Jewish man.” She elaborated further: “I love the fact that we have such an eclectic group of women who traffic our mikvah and come comfortably attired as they choose. The ritual is absolutely central to our tradition, and we want to make this mitzvah as accessible as possible to Jewish women in the community regardless of their general level of observance, affiliation or lack thereof.” Both physical intimacy and the ability to bring new life into the world are sacred gifts from G-d; immersion in the mikvah powerfully frames these aspects of life for the Jewish couple.

The mikvah, and what goes on within is a mystery to many, but Bernstein candidly explained the entire process in detail. “Our mikvah is exclusively for Jewish women who are married, and this is connected to the laws of marital purity. We Mikvah Ladies are very discreet, and when a woman contacts us, we make sure to schedule her at a time when she won’t run into anybody else, and she’ll have complete privacy.”  She emphasized that this takes a great deal of careful coordination between the Mikvah Ladies, but that dignity and the personal comfort of the women who visit are top priorities. “One big misunderstanding people have about the mikvah is that you immerse in the waters to cleanse the physical body. Now this is partially true; the body is cleansed but nobody is to enter the mikvah unclean. In fact, immersion in the Mikvah is solely for spiritual transformation, indeed, elevation. Before a woman goes into the Mikvah she bathes and removes anything that might impede total envelopment of her body in the waters of the Mikvah. Bernstein pointed out that Beth Israel’s mikvah recently had one of its private preparation rooms renovated and retiled. The atmosphere boasts the ambiance of a spa with delicate feminine décor, big fluffy towels, and luxurious snuggly robes.

“Some women do their pre immersion preparations at home, but this is where many women choose to get ready and have their own dedicated time to focus inwardly, reflect, and prepare,” she indicated a modern washroom with a big bathtub, and elegantly lit vanity. Next to the sink, a personal checklist is provided to help women ensure they are ready to immerse. “There can be no barrier between the body and the water,” explained Bernstein. Things like contact lenses, glasses, and even makeup must be removed.

“I’m there to be a comforting presence and support the woman,” she continued. “Sometimes I’ll be asked to check something, but we uphold everyone’s dignity so that they want to participate in this incredible mitzvah and come back.”

Rebbetzin Blachman elaborated further: “Yes, the woman has to be undressed for the immersion, but it’s not as though she’s ever made to feel vulnerable. I’m only there to ensure that the immersion is kosher so the mitzvah can be fully realized. She is faced away from me throughout the process. I think women might be under the impression that they’re paraded out and left exposed, and that’s not how it’s done. I watch to see that all parts of the body are submerged three times. Think about how hair is in water; it floats up. The Mikvah Lady is that security person to let the woman know that everything is done according to Jewish Law.” She also explained that sometimes this is also a supportive presence for safety reasons.  “We don’t have this in Edmonton, but some Mikvahs are wheelchair accessible. If a woman here needs a hand getting in and out, then I’m there, and if she needs someone to physically support her in the water, maybe because of balance issues, then I put on a bathing suit and assist.”

These are the more technical details, but both Rebbetzin Blachman and Bernstein stressed the immense spiritual rejuvenation that women feel when a monthly visit to the mikvah becomes part of their routine. “Sometimes I have ladies who begin coming later in life and tell me that they wish they’d known about the mikvah earlier,” said Bernstein as she delicately checked the temperature of the waters. “Even if you’re not ready to commit to going to the mikvah every month, don’t underestimate the power of going even once. Judaism is not an all or nothing religion. Each and every small or big Mitzvah we do is so valuable and encouraged, regardless of what we haven’t yet committed to. A married woman who has not used the Mikvah during her reproductive years, still has the opportunity to immerse now – in her post menopausal stage – and bring sanctity and blessing to her marriage. It’s never too late to embrace this special opportunity,” explained Rebbetzin Blachman. This single act is a powerful way to elevate her femininity in a meaningfully Jewish way.

Mikvah waters, collected from rainfall, are for spiritual cleansing, and provide women with a feeling of rebirth for another month. “With how busy we all get with family, and work, taking this time that is completely for yourself and nobody else is something special,” offered Bernstein. “A thriving Mikvah is the foundation of a healthy Jewish community,” explained Rebbetzin Blachman. “When a new community is established, the first thing that needs to be built is a mikvah, even before a shul. A mikvah guarantees that couples can maintain marital purity, and Jewish communities are all about families. Even at Masada, you can still see what is preserved of the mikva’ot there, and they were constructed according to Halachic specifications down to the exact centimeter.”

“Our mikvah is registered on Mikvah.org which is a resource for women who may be away from home, and in need of immersion,” noted Bernstein. “There’s also lots of information gathered there.”  When asked about how to contact a Mikvah Lady, she explained: “Some women have their regular Mikvah Lady that they like to call on exclusively because that trust and comfort is built over the years, but we have myself, Rebbetzin Tal, Rebbetzin Blachman, and Malka Lutsky who are all trained and experienced Mikvah Ladies.” It really is never too late to make this monthly mitzvah a part of your life. Regardless of affiliation all women are invited to come and take the plunge! There is nothing to lose, and so much to be gained. BI.Mikvah@gmail.com is monitored regularly by the Edmonton Mikvah Ladies. Those interested in visiting the mikvah can also contact Sylvia Benjamin at the Beth Israel office: 780.488.2840.

The mikvah takes a lot of resources to service and maintain in addition to the efforts of the dedicated Mikvah Ladies. There are costs associated with upkeep, cleaning, plumbing, laundry, and equipment, but a mikvah is a critical part of sustaining a functioning Jewish community so such expenses are essential. Coming up on October 18, Beth Israel will host a Women’s Wellness Brunch as a fundraiser to help support its mikvah. Local ladies are asked to save the date and stay tuned for further exciting details. The brunch begins at 11:30 and will give attendees a chance to nourish body and soul while learning about women’s health and the mikvah. Those interested can register with the Beth Israel office before October 11.

The mikvah at Beth Israel is also equipped for immersion of vessels that are used for food preparation and service. This service is open to the entire community, and appointments can be made through the Beth Israel office: 780.488.2840.