by Shira Cohen-Goldberg
Mayyim Hayyim hasn’t let a pandemic get in the way of building a more vibrant, inclusive Jewish community. In fact, even while its doors were closed, Mayyim Hayyim found a way to make mikveh open and accessible for everyone, including me.
Because of Mayyim Hayyim, I realized that I was not alone, even in a time of isolation and fear. That’s why I’m asking you to join me in making a donation to Mayyim Hayyim today.
I’ve been married for 10 years. Each month that I menstruated, I immersed at Mayyim Hayyim. When it closed in April, my monthly practice was canceled. I raged at how my life had changed, and how unfair and isolating it felt (and still does).
I wondered how I could continue to mark the end of my cycle. I asked rabbis and friends. I found what I was looking for in Mayyim Hayyim’s “Mikveh To Go” webinar, which helped me re-envision the ritual for myself.
With newfound knowledge and confidence, I found a local pond and went for it. I did not stay long in the water. I did not dunk three times, as is my tradition. But something inside me softened.
When I got out of the water, there were two messages on my phone: one from my eight-year-old, lamenting, “This is officially the worst night of my life,” and one from my husband saying, “You’re amazing, by the way.”
This is how life is right now. The worst. And amazing.
Mayyim Hayyim is making the hard things a little easier: helping design at-home rituals, teaching programs online, and making sure mikveh remains a source of meaning and holiness, even—especially—in a crisis.
The future is uncertain and Mayyim Hayyim still needs to raise $200,000 before the end of the year. Your gift will support Mayyim Hayyim’s virtual programs and help with the high costs of a safe reopening, so please—make a generous donation today.
Gratefully,
Shira Cohen-Goldberg, Mayyim Hayyim Board Member