This week, Ma’ayanot seniors took a virtual tour of the Teaneck Mikvah as a culmination of their learning about taharat hamishpacha. Throughout their learning together, seniors continued to develop an appreciation for the depth, complexity and nuance of Halacha that is always a hallmark of learning at Ma’ayanot. Additionally, there is a focus on conveying Torah values related to healthy relationships and physical intimacy including emotional connectedness, mutual respect and giving to each other. The Zoom mikvah tour not only brought the learning to life, but also gave them insight into our community’s investment and commitment to this important mitzvah. Seeing such a beautiful mikvah building and hearing from women who have invested countless volunteer hours to our community’s mikvah was extremely impactful. Recognizing that each component of the mikvah’s design was arrived at thoughtfully and intentionally, to help women observe this mitzvah with privacy and dignity, and in a mehudar way, was inspiring.

After their Zoom tour, the entire senior class were treated to Dunkin Donuts and participated in a panel discussion with their taharat hamishpacha teachers, all of whom are Yoatzot Halacha. Students asked thoughtful questions based on their tour and classroom discussions. Dena Block reflected on the program saying, “As our students graduate from high school, it’s important to us that they know about this fundamental area of Jewish observance and have positive associations with these halachot from relatable role models. Our hope is that our students continue the conversations we have begun in our classrooms at home and that our relationships with our students last well beyond their high school years so that they always feel comfortable coming back to us to continue talking, learning and applying these values to their lives.”