WELLINGTON, New Zealand (SDJW) — The Jewish community in this capital city has concluded its current mikvah has come to the end of its usefulness. A new mikvah will be built.
“Our current mikvah is over forty years old and in such severe disrepair it has become a health risk to our community,” a spokesperson for the Wellington Jewish Community Center said.
Furthermore, “The mikvah is a barely functional and unsafe facility located inside a parking garage off of a dark alley. We are unable to keep the water heated, the stairs are crumbling, and there is no cleaning filtration system set in place. It is therefore no surprise that many people in our community have stopped coming altogether!”
Noting that the mikvah is the only one “for most of New Zealand,” the spokesperson said, “the continuity of Jewish life in New Zealand is dependent on a working Mikvah. As it is, religious life is not easy for those in our country. But young Jewish families and Jewish life in general is counting on us to keep Jewish life alive in our community. Having a working Mikvah is the first step in the right direction.”
The congregation said a fundraising campaign, now in progress, “will provide a new mikvah facility. One that is a cleaner, more sustainable and provides the community with positive experience. The new mikvah will include separate entrances and privacy for women, wall-to-floor tiles, a safety rail, unlimited piping-hot water and wheelchair access.
“We will utilize rainwater catchment from the existing synagogue roof structure in order to conserve water. All this and more will help create an inviting mikvah to encourage the observance of important mitzvot.”
More information is available by clicking here.
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Preceding based on information provided by the Wellington Jewish Community Center