At the heart of this renaissance project lies the aspiration to construct an amenity that has been, and remains, the most critical feature of Jewish life throughout the ages: A Mikvah.
It is our intention to build an exquisite and mehudar boutique Mikvah in the heart of the Melbourne CBD.
Just as human life cannot exist without fresh water, Jewish life cannot exist without the water of a Mikvah. Mikvaos are key to fostering the Jewish family and ensuring a Jewish future. Yet, there are thousands of Jews outside of the Jewish areas of Melbourne living without easy access to this essential source of Jewish life.
The history of Mikvaos north of the Yarra is most intriguing. The original Melbourne Hebrew Congregation had one in their Bourke St premises which fell into disrepair in the late 19th century. There is word of Mikvaos having existed for a brief period in Little Collins St, Drummond St and other locations in Carlton. (There is a bath in the Melbourne City Baths called Mikvah, however it is not halachically suitable for Taharat Hamishpacha and other halachic requirements and is unable to be altered or upgraded.)
Despite its storied Jewish history and recent renaissance, the entire northern half of metropolitan Melbourne does not have a Halachically acceptable Mikvah to call its own.
Practically, this means that women, whether locals or visitors, staying in the city, or living in the North, North West or North East of Melbourne are unable to attend a Mikvah on a Friday night or Yomtov at all.
East Melbourne Shul receives dozens of requests for mikvah access, often from travelers and honeymooners staying in the hotel precinct in the city.
On weeknights, the nearest Mikvah is a half an hour drive each way by car from the city, and longer from suburbs in the north and west of Melbourne creating a disincentive for people to engage in this important Mitzvah.
Moreover, through Rebbetzin Rachel Gutnick’s personal involvement in the Mikvah, women from the local community are far more likely to learn about and participate in this important Mitzvah.
There have been considerable challenges in planning a Mikvah on our Shul site. Heritage considerations, especially regarding the need to dig in the vicinity of the historic school room and Shul sanctuary, make the construction of a Mikvah particularly difficult on our site.
However, with significant input from renowned Mikvah experts and the creativity of our architects, a location has been found and plans have been developed. Discreetly positioned on the Western side of the Shul, there is a space to house a compact but fully functioning and halachically sound boutique Mikvah.
The Mikvah will consist of one room that will house the immersion pool, some preparation space and an adjoining bath, shower and toilet. It is designed to take up a minimal footprint fitting in the narrow space between the hall and the title boundary. Yet it is one of the most exquisite mikvah’s of its kind with tasteful design, world leading technology and the highest standard of Halachic compliance.