Let the waters beneath the sky be collected in one place.
Genesis 1:9
THE SHIR AMI GOLDMAN-STROM MIKVEH:
Shir Ami is only the second Reform Congregation in the United States to house a mikveh. The other is in Detroit. Constructed in 1998 and in operation since early 1999, the mikveh at Shir Ami conforms to all the stringent requirements of traditional Jewish law.
RITUAL AND TRADITION:
The Goldman-Strom Mikveh at Shir Ami is 10 feet by 8 feet, with a depth of just over four and a half feet. There are seven steps leading into the mikveh, the lowest step under water to accommodate smaller people. The water is heated to 95 degrees, a pleasantly warm bath water temperature. There are private facilities in our Mikveh room for bathing and changing, a maintenance area, and a small waiting area for families.
WHO USES IT?
Many hundreds of individuals from all streams of Judaism have immersed in the mikveh since its inception. About two-thirds are people choosing Judaism (conversions); many are brides or grooms before their wedding. The remainder represent a variety of newer ways of using the mikveh:
• after chemotherapy
• post-divorce closure
• adoptions and naming of infants
• as part of the healing from childhood trauma
• pre-Yom Kippur and Pesach renewals
• celebration of significant life passages (i.e., a 50th wedding anniversary)
• post-divorce closure
• adoptions and naming of infants
• as part of the healing from childhood trauma
• pre-Yom Kippur and Pesach renewals
• celebration of significant life passages (i.e., a 50th wedding anniversary)
The possibilities are expanding, and the presence of the mikveh allows us to re-examine this ancient Jewish institution and reclaim and recreate ritual with it. The mikveh is staffed by experienced volunteers who assist the rabbis and individuals as needed; the other facilities of Shir Ami – main sanctuary, chapel, space for meditative purposes – are available to all.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:
The Goldman-Strom Mikveh at Shir Ami is available by appointment only. Please contact jafriedman@shiramipa.org to schedule a visit to our Mikveh.
The Goldman-Strom Mikveh at Shir Ami is available by appointment only. Please contact jafriedman@shiramipa.org to schedule a visit to our Mikveh.
For further information, please contact the synagogue office at 215-968-3400 or CLICK HERE to contact our clergy.
Fri, October 4 2024 2 Tishrei 5785