Welcome to our Mikvah
Rohr Chabad at the University of Chicago and Hyde Park
What is a Mikvah?
A Mikvah is a natural body of water or a gathering of water that has a designated connection to natural water. The pool is designed specifically for immersion, according to the rules and customs of Jewish law. It contains about 200 gallons of water.
What is special about the water in a Mikvah?
Water is the primary source of all living things. It has the power to purify, to restore, and replenish life. A Mikvah must be filled with living waters from a flowing source that has never been dormant, such as fresh spring water, rainwater, or even melted snow. The water is kept under strict hygienic control, cleaned daily, and chlorinated.
What is Taharas Hamishpacha, Family Sanctity?
The Jewish marriage sanctifies the husband and wife. Taharas Hamishpacha observance introduces times of separation and reunion as part of a cycle in married life. Separation begins with the onset of the menstrual flow. It is a time when the depth of the husband-wife relationship is expressed without physical intimacy. It is a period of anticipation and preparation for Mikvah immersion. The following reunion holds the greatest potential for sanctity in marriage.
How does one prepare for Mikvah immersion?
Following one's monthly menstruation, a woman counts seven "spotless" days. During this entire time, from the onset of menstruation until Mikvah immersion, couples should refrain from marital relations. Prior to immersion, a woman must cleanse herself thoroughly. She immerses after nightfall.
Why should I go to the Mikvah?
Immersion in the Mikvah is a biblical commandment of the highest ordinance, equated with mitzvos (commandments), such as Kashruth, Shabbos, and fasting on Yom Kippur.
Immersion is also a way of drawing G‑d into your marriage by making Him an integral part of it. Mikvah helps create a husband-wife relationship that is in a state of continuous renewal. With marriages failing daily, the laws of Family Sanctity may help you find fulfillment within a sanctified marriage that is caring, romantic, and strong enough to last a lifetime.
Is a Mikvah only for women?
No, the Mikvah is used for various purposes: it is the final stage of conversion to Judaism; it is used by men, customarily at auspicious times, such as before Yom Kippur and on a groom's wedding day. Our Mikvah is a jewish women’s-only Mikvah, and there are many Mikvaot in the city for men to use.
Want to learn more?
Complete understanding and observance of these laws necessitates in-depth study and subsequent review on a woman-to-woman basis, in private or group settings, with open sharing of knowledge and experience. To learn more about the Mikvah, please contact Baila Brackman at baila.brackman@gmail.com. She will be glad to discuss and study with you!
We look forward to welcoming you.
History of the Chicago South Side Mikvah
For the first time in over 50 years, Chicago’s South Side once again has a beautiful, state-of-the-art mikvah.
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When Jews first began settling in Chicago, many established their homes and communities on the South Side. Synagogues, schools, mikvahs, and vibrant Jewish institutions flourished throughout the neighborhood.
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In the mid-20th century, however, much of the Jewish population moved north and to the suburbs. As the community shifted, Jewish life on the South Side gradually diminished.
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The last mikvah that served the area, Anshe Israel South Side Ritualarium, was built in the 1950s. When it eventually closed, Jewish women living on the South Side had to travel across the city to use a mikvah.
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In 2000, Rabbi Yossi Brackman and Baila Brackman founded Rohr Chabad at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park, Chicago, with the goal of rebuilding and strengthening Jewish life in the area.
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As part of the center’s recent expansion, a beautiful new mikvah has been built and opened, the first Mikvah on the South Side in decades.
Get in Touch
Our Mikvah is located at 5700 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
To make an appointment, please email mikvah@chabaduchicago.com