SAN DIEGO (Press Release)–The Board of Directors of Waters of Eden: San Diego Community Mikvah and Education Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Rabbi Lenore Bohm as its new Executive Director. She began her tenure in early July, 2013. Contemporaneous to assuming this position, Rabbi Bohm resigned from the Board of the Leichtag Foundation. Rabbi Bohm was the first ordained female rabbi to work in San Diego County and has served the community for over 30 years as a pulpit rabbi, chaplain, teacher and pastoral counselor.
“It will be a privilege to lead and represent Waters of Eden as it begins to fulfill its mandate of accompanying men and women in an authentic Jewish ritual at significant transition points in their lives. Whether for Shabbat or holiday preparation, life cycle event, thanksgiving, commencement or fulfillment of a goal or process, recovery from illness or trauma or integrating a loss, preparation for and immersion in a mikvah will provide profound Jewish connection to those seeking renewal through this time--honored spiritual practice,” stated Rabbi Bohm.
The mission of Waters of Eden is to provide a beautiful and welcoming pluralistic mikvah for our multifaceted 21st century Jewish community, to facilitate renewal, growth, exploration and transformation through the uniquely Jewish act of immersion, and through programs and education that support spiritual growth.
Regarding Bohm’s new position, Founding Board President Dr. Lisa Braun Glazer, said, “We are excited to have someone of Rabbi Bohm’s caliber and experience leading the organization at this point in time. Not only is she eminently qualified to provide and direct outstanding programming, but she is well connected to and beloved by so many people in our diverse San Diego Jewish Community.”
Waters of Eden Board member Todd Kobernick, one of the founders of Camp Mountain Chai and a member of CMC’s Board and Executive Committee added, “Blending knowledge, modernity and spirituality is Rabbi Bohm’s expertise and beauty. Accepting the position of Executive Director with Waters of Eden manifests her continuing desire to share her love of Judaism and of the human spirit with the entire community.”
Although there are a few dozen non--Orthodox mikvaot in the world, only a handful such as Waters of Eden and Mayyim Hayyim in Boston, are not connected to a synagogue or denomination. Waters of Eden’s kashrut will be overseen by Rabbi David Rue, a halachic consultant who serves as Av Beit Din of Los Angeles.
Since its founding as a 501c3 organization five years ago, Waters of Eden has partnered with many local synagogues, the Center for Jewish Culture, JFS and San Diego Wexner Alumni Leadership to host Healing Circles, Rosh Chodesh gatherings, Pre--High Holy ocean immersions and other events including a sold--out production of “The Mikvah Monologues” in 2010.
Until the kosher mikvah is built, Waters of Eden will continue to hold programs facilitating exploration of many aspects of Jewish identity at diverse locations across the community. Waters of Eden has also become a member of the North County Jewish Hub, a collaboration of existing projects and start--up organizations that share the Leichtag Foundation’s goals, including the creating and sustaining of vibrant Jewish life in North County.
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Preceding provided by Waters of Eden