On a quiet street in Brooklyn Heights Sunday morning, over 150 people gathered at Congregation Bnai Avraham to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Mei Menachem Mikvah after the successful completion of a year-long renovation.
The gorgeous renovation is the work of renowned designer Abe Jerome, who also designed the original mikvah when it opened nearly 30 years ago. The mikvah, nestled below the shul in a charming brownstone building, exudes the timeless elegance characteristic of its historic neighborhood.
The entrance is tucked away on the garden floor. It opens into an intimate waiting room with a calming air of serenity and privacy. It is revealed to the public for the first time Sunday with a tour of the mikvah after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The event’s program featured an inspiring lineup of speakers, including Rabbi Aaron Raskin, spiritual leader of Congregation Bnai Avraham and Chabad of Brooklyn Heights; Rabbi Yitzchok Bistritzky, founder of Mikvah USA; Sara Blau, educator, and author; and CBA community member Maxine Weisenfeld Goldman, an assistant district attorney in Kings County.
The speeches were not just informative but also deeply personal, with moving stories about the experience of using the mikvah and its power to sustain a healthy, happy marriage, fostering a sense of connection and empathy among the audience.
The mood was electric with anticipation as community members of all ages, families, and children eagerly awaited the much-anticipated re-opening. The festive mood was further heightened by the presence of a magician, who was on hand to entertain the children, adding to the sense of community and shared joy.
The stunning renovation was made possible by community donations and a generous donation from Mikvah USA, a testament to their mission to help ensure that every Jewish community has a proper mikvah. Thanks to this generous support, the Mei Menachem Mikvah, the only mikvah in Brooklyn Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods, is now restored to its former glory.
VIDEO
Mazal Tov!
Hatzlocha