Champaign Mikvah Almost Reality

By COLlive Reporter

Since founding the Chabad center of Champaign, Illinois 10 years ago, Shluchim Dovid and Goldie Teichtel have been working towards the goal of building a Mikvah for the community.

Located in East Central Illinois, the closest Mikvah is a 2 hour drive away, and the inconvenience of the long trip has been an obstacle for some in keeping the crucial Mitzvah, Rabbi Teichtel told COLlive.

In the past three months the Teichtel’s dream is coming closer to reality. A generous donor in the community has donated space to house the Mikvah in a new development he is building, and has offered to oversee the project to completion, as long as $250,000 for building costs are raised.

“The good news is, over 75% of the funds were raised,” says Rabbi Teichtel. “But unfortunately we had to stop all further construction until we can raise the rest. We are so close – yet so far from our dream.”

The project is nearly complete, with a beautifully designed Mikvah planned and the boros already in place.

Once the Mikvah is ready, Teichtel explains, there are 9 couples who have pledged to use it, and many more that said they would consider it if a local Mikvah is available.

“We can be ready for use by the end of October, but only if we can raise the last 25%,” says Teichtel. “For those who can help, the zchus is huge. Your gift will become a reality in just a few months. Every dollar helps.”

To donate to the mikva visit www.jewishillini.org/donate and note that the gift is for the Mikva.

To discuss giving, contact Rabbi Dovid Tiechtel at 217 355-8672 or rabbi@illinois.edu.