THE MIKVEH AT TEMPLE BETH HILLEL-BETH EL

For information or to make an appointment contact our Mikveh Director, Lori Cooper 610-642-9844

The Mikveh at Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El is located at the S.W. corner of Remington Road and Lancaster Avenue, (Rt. 30), 1001 Remington Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096.  

Mikveh is open for monthly usage for one hour Sunday - Thursday starting at the time below. After Shabbat and after a Yom Tov, the Mikveh will be open as shown below. No appointment is needed. For all other appointments, please contact Lori Cooper, Mikveh Director at 610-642-9844.

Philadelphia Inquirer Article on Mikveh - Feb 11, 2008 - Immersing themselves in an ancient tradition - html   or  pdf  

Mikveh Hours

 ON WHAT OCCASIONS IS THE MIKVEH USED?            WHAT IS A MIKVEH?

PREPARING FOR THE MIKVEH        IS THERE A CHECKLIST OF THINGS I SHOULD DO?

SUGGESTED DONATIONS              SOME COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

            “It is a fountain in the gardens, a well of living waters.”

            -Song of Songs 4:15

Opened in May of 2002, the Mikveh at Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El was constructed in accordance with the highest Halachic (Jewish Law) Standards.  The Mikveh was created for the Jewish community to enhance the Mitzvah of Mikveh and to encourage its use in the course of Jewish life.  We look forward to welcoming you and helping to provide for you a beautiful, spiritual and uplifting experience.

On What Occasions is the Mikveh Used?

For centuries, women have come to the Mikveh to embrace life's rhythms through monthly immersions. The Mikveh is used also at times of change of status and at moments of personal transformation.  Brides and grooms use the Mikveh in preparation for their weddings. The Mikveh is an essential part of the process of Conversion to Judaism. Some men and women observe a tradition of using the Mikveh before Shabbat, Holidays or on a Rosh Chodesh. Today the Mikveh is used as a place of healing, of reflection and of spiritual renewal.

WHAT IS A MIKVEH?

A Mikveh is a gathering of natural water for ritual immersion.  To be suitable for immersions, a mikveh must:  1.  be comprised of a minimum of forty se’ah, approx. 200 gallons of “natural” water such as rainwater, springs, rivers, lakes, oceans, snow, ice, but excludes “drawn water”.   2.  be constructed as to permit complete immersion in one act   3.  be a container built permanently into the ground and may not be a portable receptacle.

PREPARING FOR THE MIKVEH

Before immersing in the Mikveh, we remove anything that would act as a barrier between the waters and ourselves.  We enter the waters when we are physically clean.  When immersing we must make sure that all of our body and hair is submerged.  A Mikveh attendant of the same sex as the person immersing stands near the mikveh to make sure this occurs.  We immerse once, say the appropriate blessings and then immerse twice more.  Some may immerse a total of seven or even ten times depending on their own minhag (custom).  The blessings are provided on a laminated sheet, which you may hold while in the water if you need to.

IS THERE A CHECKLIST OF THINGS I SHOULD DO?

This suggested checklist should act as a guide for preparing for your immersion.

-remove all jewelry

-remove contact lenses

-remove false teeth, bridges, etc.

-shower or bathe

-shampoo your hair but DO NOT use conditioner

-clean all crevices

-wash your ears

-clean pierced ears, nose, etc.

-clean the corners of your eyes

-blow your nose

-clean your navel         

-brush and floss your teeth

-soften scabs and remove dried blood

-wash your face

-remove all make-up

-check your knees, elbows and feet for dry or loose skin

-remove all nail polish

-remove acrylic nails

-remove dirt from nails and cuticles

-remove band-aids and any remaining adhesive

-comb all hairs free of tangles

-remove unattached loose hair

-use the toilet

RECHECK yourself and shower again at the mikveh if your preparations are done at home.
 

SOME COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q.    How do I physically prepare for Mikveh?

  A.  We have a suggested checklist as a guide for your immersion.       

17. What Should I Bring?
     

1. We provide bath towel and robes.  Toilet articles such as shampoo, soap, nail polish remover, etc., are provided at the mikveh though you may prefer to bring your own.  We have hairdryers.  Please bring your own comb, brush and toothbrush.
    

17. How long is my appointment?
     

1. Appointments are scheduled approximately 30 minutes apart to allow for preparation, bathing and immersion.
    

17. How much does it cost?
     

1. Suggested donations for using the Mikveh are:

$72.00             Conversions

$54.00             Bride/Groom

$18.00             Regular monthly users

$18.00             Pre-Shabbat and Holidays 

$36.00             Occasional usage

17. May I remain in the water after my immersion?
     

1. Yes, if you desire.  Some like to read a special poem or meditation, or sing or say a prayer.  There are some laminated sheets with meditations, prayers and books at the Mikveh or you can bring your own.
    

17. Can someone come with me to the Mikveh?
     

1. Of course, though only one person at a time may immerse in the water.  Some people like to make their visit to the Mikveh a private affair while others may choose to share their experience with a family member or close friend.  It will depend on how comfortable you are with having others there and your reason for coming to the Mikveh. 

Last Updated: 06/11/2008