Mayyim Hayyim: Living Waters

Mikveh: (Hebrew. "Collection [of water]") Pool of living water. Immersion in a mikveh renders ritually pure a person who has become ritually impure; immersion is also a way to signify a change of status, i.e.: from unmarried to married; from non-Jewish to Jewish. Also the building that houses such a pool.

Since 2000, Anita Diamant has worked with a dedicated group of volunteers, staff, and donors to create a unique resource for the Jewish community - Mayyim Hayyim: Living Waters Community Mikveh and the Paula J. Brody & Education Center, a model of interdenominational cooperation, a home for study, celebration, and authentic, creative Jewish spirituality.

Explaining her involvement, Diamant writes, "There were, of course, mikvehs in Boston when we embarked upon this project. I went to one in 1983 as a bride, because I was planning to write a book about Jewish weddings and thought I ought to have that traditional Jewish experience under my belt. I was there once before that, as well, for the conversion of my groom.

"But it was at another conversion a few years later that I understood why that particular mikveh could not be ‘mine.’ I was working on a book about conversion to Judaism and it was during the two hours a week set aside for that purpose -- and there was a line out the door. A dozen men, women, and children spilled down the stairs and onto the walkway. In a way, it was inspiring to see so many people waiting, wanting to become Jews. But it was hot in the sun, and the mikveh is no place for a queue.

The Mikveh Photo by Peter Lewitt

"It seemed to me that the mivkeh should be place for reflection and celebration, but there was no time, that day, for any of those people to meditate or sing. There was no where and no way for the assembled rabbis to lead each of those new Jews through a thoughtful, personal ritual. And afterward, there was nothing to do but get back in the car. As if it was no big deal to change your identity, alter your family constellation, and transform the Jewish people forever.

"It was my dream to create a mikveh where time and space were available for converts and their family and friends. A space for marking all kinds of transitions - both joyful and sad. For brides and for mourners. For those celebrating a milestone, such as becoming a grandparent, and for those suffering losses, such as miscarriage or mastectomy."

Diamant’s dream is now a thriving reality. Mayyim Hayyim opened in May, 2004, and as of January, 2009, more than 6000 immersions have taken place, including more than 1000 conversions to Judaism. Many thousands have come to study, tour, and celebrate with family and friends in the gracious education center. Mayyim Hayyim also consults to communities around the US and around the world, who have been inspired to learn about this new model for Jewish ritual, community, and learning.

There is no place on earth quite like Mayyim Hayyim, a community mikveh that houses an art gallery and produces professionally-mounted theatrical and musical productions, that openly celebrates a once-secretive and largely abandoned practice and welcomes Jews of all descriptions and affiliations, as well as those becoming Jewish and their family and friends.

An example of the creative vitality of American Judaism, Mayyim Hayyim has been featured in media reports on National Public Radio, PBS, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, Hadassah Magazine, Tikkun Magazine, The Jerusalem Report, JEWcy.com and in local Jewish papers across the country and in Israel.

To view a video about Mayyim Hayyim, including an interview with Anita Diamant: http://www.boomerstv.com/episodes_episode.php?epid=31

To learn more: www.mayyimhayyim.org.