Lexington Miqvah Fund: September 2011

Lexington Miqvah Fund

Our mission is to build a small, attractive, egalitarian, kosher miqvah facility in the Central Kentucky area. We want to be able to enjoy the convenience of a local facility to observe mitzvot and to commemorate both private and public lifestyle events, broaden our spirituality, and connect with our ancestors in an unbroken line of observance stretching back to antiquity - and on into the future!

We wish to participate in the growing spiritual trend that is sweeping the nation to reclaim and reinvent one of Judaism's most ancient rituals - immersion in the miqvah - for contemporary spiritual use. We will teach about this resource for all men and women who are interested in new ways to express their individuality, and make the miqvah a sacred space that is open and accessible to all Jews including Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Renewal, Reconstructionist, Unaffiliated, and Secular, including those in the process of becoming Jews.

In order to fulfill this mission, we have these goals in mind:

1. Provide a welcoming, beautiful place for traditional and creative miqvah uses.
2. Foster new ceremonial uses for the miqvah relevant to the 21st century Jewish community.
3. Provide information and accessible hours for those observing the mitzvah of niddah.
4. Recognize and promote the unique interests of men and women in traditional and contemporary miqvah practice.
5. Provide educational resources (both classes and teaching materials) regarding the uses of the miqvah.
6. Secure the financial future of the facility by operating in a fiscally responsible manner and through such means as debt avoidance, annual fund, and endowment development.

The Bluegrass area has been without a community miqvah for many years now. Join the Lexington Miqvah Fund in this historic opportunity to being both tradition and a modern spiritual practice back to the area.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Video links from Mayyim Hayyim

Here is a copy of a message from Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters Community Mikveh and Education Center:

Exactly one year after launching our blog and premiering our first film, "Mikveh Baby," (4,572 views on YouTube!) we are proud to present: "Welcoming Waters," a new video about Mayyim Hayyim's commitment to a truly inclusive Judaism.

Please take four minutes to watch and be inspired. I think you'll be impressed by the care we take to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels a sense of "coming home" to Judaism. This happens because Mayyim Hayyim is a community mikveh -- unaffiliated and independent -- which is why your individual support is crucial. We can't do this without your help.

Our community mikveh belongs to all of us. Join together with the diverse tapestry of our supporters: young, old, Conservative, Reform, Orthodox, unaffiliated, interfaith, gay, straight, black, white -- and passionate.

Thank you for helping shape our future.

Shanah Tovah,
Carrie Bornstein
Acting Executive Director

This facility in Massachusetts is a lovely one, with many programs and educational opportunities. We would love to be able to do something like this here in Lexington - and with your help, we will one day make this a reality for our community.

Miqvah is a component of Jewish spirituality that is practiced all around the world, and is growing fast among non-orthodox Jews. It is a beautiful experience that is intensely personal and profoundly spiritual, and we are looking forward to bringing it back to Lexington. Please join us in our quest to renew and revitalize Judaism in Central Kentucky.

Shalom!