Message from the Director of Education and Family Engagement

On Sunday, I was honored to attend the baptism of my friend Charlotte’s daughter. I was blown away by an element of ritual that I juxtaposed to the Jewish brit and baby-naming rituals I’ve attended. At a brit or baby-naming we welcome the child into the Jewish fold. At the baptism Charlotte’s community rose and committed themselves to supporting her daughter.

Tonight, I get to welcome my fellow “5^th wave” mikva guides, at the JCC Manhattan celebration of the ImmerseNYC mikva guide graduation. My fellow mikva siblings, the elders from the 1^st – 4^th waves will welcome our newly minted mikva guides into our traditions. Our newest siblings will receive pools of water from the ImmerseNYC board members, which they can immerse their feet in. Then the community of guides will dry their feet and offer each new guide soft slippers and warm blessings for the, often solitary, road ahead.

Thank you for caring enough to read about my moments.

Tehilah