Every November the women of the extended Teaneck, Bergenfield and New Milford community gather to celebrate their community mikvah. This year, the Annual Women’s Event will be held on Monday night, November 18^th, 2013, at Keter Torah. The event is being dedicated to the mikvah’s head shomeret of close to 30 years, Miriam Feman.

“Miriam is more than a shomeret. Countless women in our community have been touched by her warmth and generosity of spirit. Her commitment to the mitzvah of taharat hamishpacha and her sensitivity and kindness have inspired all those who patronize the mikvah,” said Miriam Greenspan, Teaneck Mikvah president.

Miriam Feman’s fascinating and inspirational background will be the focus of a video presentation at the event. Miriam was born in Teheran, Iran, and immigrated to New York in 1979. She married Rabbi Dov Feman and moved to Teaneck in 1986, at which time she began her involvement with the Teaneck Mikvah. For the past several years, Miriam has also taught at Lubavitch on the Palisades Nursery School. Miriam and her husband are also proud parents and grandparents.

“This event is not only a wonderful opportunity to socialize with over 500 women from all shuls, all schools and all ages in support of our mikvah, but it is also an opportunity to express our appreciation to Miriam for her outstanding service and dedication,” Alisa Levy, event co-chair explained.

“Even though the mikvah serves approximately 40 women per night, over 100 kallahs each year, and the keylim mikvah is in constant use, regular usage fees are not enough to cover the operating costs. Without the sponsorships from the event, the mikvah would not be up and running. This event is the mikvah’s major and essential fundraiser,” stressed Bryna Malitzky, the Mikvah’s administrator.

Sponsors of $100 or greater will be listed in a Scroll of Honor at the event. In addition, all sponsorships include raffle tickets for popular packages such as Disney Park Hoppers, a Kindle Fire and gift cards to local eateries.

“The food is always delicious, the décor and theme are always creative, and it’s just a fun night out with friends in honor of such an important cause,” said Shira Isenberg, who has come to mikvah events in the past. “This year it is particularly meaningful as we honor Miriam and the way she has made an impact on so many women’s lives,” added Michelle Gellman, another attendee and event committee member.

To join in paying tribute to Miriam Feman and the Teaneck Mikvah Association, please visit www.teaneckmikvah.com/event or call 201-837-8220.

By Nomi Rotblat