by Julie Sullivan, Administrative Director
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."
Ecclesiastes Chapter 3
This quote from the Hebrew Bible has always been a favorite of mine. So much so that it was actually my senior quote in my high school yearbook more than 20 years ago. Even back then, I loved the thought that life is a journey filled with highs and lows, joy and sadness and changing seasons, and that everything comes in its own time.
Recently in my own life, this has proven especially true as I find myself here at Mayyim Hayyim as the new Administrative Director. A year ago I had never even heard of Mayyim Hayyim, so I could never have predicted that I would be sitting where I am today.
In January of 2018, I walked through the doors of Mayyim Hayyim as a participant of an education program. My partner and I were students in an Introduction to Judaism class and part of that four month-long journey was a visit to Mayyim Hayyim.
Prior to that evening, I had only a vague knowledge of what mikveh was. I was intrigued by the history of the ancient tradition of mikveh and how Mayyim Hayyim had been created to honor that tradition while reinventing it. It was so wonderful to have this welcoming space to learn, to ask questions, and to see the pools. I knew by the end of that night just what a special place this is and how fortunate our community is to have a place like this.
My journey here as a staff member began in August of 2018. I am grateful beyond measure that my journey has lead me here. The many reasons that our guests come to Mayyim Hayyim to mark moments along their own journeys are profoundly moving to me. Whether they are coming in a moment of joy or sadness, a moment of beginning or a moment of ending, or to just honor the season or holiday, this sacred quality of marking time and holding space is constant.
Whatever brings you through the doors of Mayyim Hayyim, you are welcomed on your journey.
Julie Sullivan is Mayyim Hayyim’s Administrative Director.