Several months ago I was contacted by Glenda and Maxine from the Young Israel-Kehillath Jacob sisterhood in Randolph, MA. They were coordinating a Columbus Day outing for their group of women and thought that a mikvah tour would be the perfect combination of something Jewish, educational, enjoyable and inspiring. We discussed some highlights of the tour and the date was set. They also thought that it would be great to round off the program with a lunch. At that point I referred them to our local and wonderful Catering by Motti who could deliver to the Chabad Center whatever they would order.
This past Monday a school bus pulled up into the parking lot. It was a glorious autumn late morning as 22 women filed out and came in to the Chabad Center. We started with a discussion about the beautiful and important mitzvah of "Taharat Hamishpocho" Family Purity, and the use of mikvah after which the women walked over next door to the mikvah building.
The women were in awe as they entered the beautiful spa-like Mei Menachem Western Well Community Mikvah. They were greeted by the stunning Wall of Reflection as they stepped into the lobby. Then everyone sqeezed into the prep room - a room that is otherwise quite spacious for its typica
l one-at-a-time patron usage. As we discussed how one prepares for the mikvah, they noticed the beautifully folded towels and luxurious robes as well as the various products. Next, everyone was led into the actual Mikvah room. As they all stood around the mikvah we discussed what makes a mikvah kosher. On their way out - you
might notice in the photos - the women were looking under the stairs to see where the rain water collection meets the upper pool. The last part of the tour was a hands-on experience at the dish mikvah. Each woman was given a mug to immerse or "toivel" in the dish mikvah. Then everyone gathered outside at the end, proudly held up their souvenir mugs - and said "L'Chaim".
At this point the appetites were quite worked up. The women went back in
to the Chabad Center and brought out the delicious wraps, salad, and humous that was prepared by Motti and had a feast.
YOU CAN CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS OF THIS TOUR.
I would like to wish a Mazel Tov to Rivky and Rabbi Hurwitz, the Rabbi and Rebbetzin of the shul that these women are part of, upon the birth of their new son who was born the same day as the tour (as we found out afterwards).
If you would like to bring a group of any size - large or small - to visit the mikvah, contact me and I'll be happy to help you schedule a tour that will be a memorable experience for your group.
Wishing you well from the Western Well,
Chanie
P.S. Don't be shy - please post your comments. I'd love to hear from you.