Teaneck—On any given weekday night in Teaneck area, especially in the winter, there is bound to be an event of some sort—a shiur, a parent-teacher conference, a fundraiser for an Israeli charity, an open house for a school, a parlor meeting—the possible list is endless. But no single event could ever possibly hope to attract the massive crowd that came out for the Fourth Annual Mikvah Event, held at Congregation Keter Torah on November 18. What was even more significant was that it was only for women—over 800 women from the community came out on a weeknight for one reason only—to pay tribute to a tradition that matters very much. “The evening was truly inspirational. Over 800 women of all ages came together in a beautiful, unifying and well deserved tribute,” said Ruchi Tiger, event co- chair.
First built in the 1970s, the Teaneck Mikvah recently underwent a full scale renovation and construction project to meet the needs of the growing community. The mikvah serves the communities of Teaneck, Bergenfield and New Milford, and while Englewood, Fair Lawn and Tenafly have their own mikvaot, many women from surrounding areas come to the Teaneck Mikvah as well, especially since the renovation and availability of 18 beautifully appointed preparation rooms. A Friday Night Satellite Mikvah, closer to the middle-south side of Teaneck to service women who do not live in comfortable walking distance of the main facility, has been a long-time dream that will finally become a reality when it opens next month.
While funding for the initial renovation was done through mail solicitations and shul pulpit appeals, the ongoing needs of the mikvah are not covered by regular usage fees and require a more sustained fundraising effort. The mostly volunteer board decided four years ago that an event with dinner—a small goods and services auction and perhaps some musical or theater entertainment—would be a nice way to bring the women of the community out for a good cause. The very first mikvah fundraiser event brought over 500 women out on a weeknight and the organizers knew they were on to something. “This event is the mikvah’s major and essential fundraiser,” said Bryna Malitzky, the mikvah’s administrator. Each year the event’s popularity has grown because it is a cause so many can relate to, but this year was special. Miriam Feman, “The Mikvah Lady” or Head Shomeret, was the guest of honor. Miriam has been working for the Teaneck Mikvah for over 27 years and her name has become synonymous with the beautiful, warm, and sensitive experience the Teaneck Mikvah is known for.
Monday night’s event was a tribute to Miriam. Every inch of indoor space was filled, along with a huge heated tent, to accommodate the crowd. Following the auction basket viewing and a unique salad and soup cocktail hour, replete with what can only be described as a “shehechiyanu” table filled with dragon fruit, rambutan, gooseberries and other exotic fruits, guests were ushered to their seats in the dining areas. Brightly colored and tastefully appointed tables and décor greeted the guests along with a colorful take-home pashmina for each guest at her seat. In honor of Miriam’s heritage, Middle Eastern breads and spreads were served as an appetizer followed by dinner.
The highlight of the event was a moving and poignant video of Miriam Feman recounting her harrowing escape from the revolution in Iran in 1979 and her eventual settling in Teaneck with her husband and children. Every one of the 800 women, representing every shul, every school, and every age group was riveted as Miriam spoke about her journey and how she became the woman she is today—dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, Head Shomeret and the face of one of the foundations of the Teaneck Jewish community.
The video continued as Miriam’s staff, the other Shomrot of the Mikvah, as well as board members and local rabbis spoke about her dedication, her professionalism and her warmth. They talked about how countless community members were positively affected by her sensitivity and compassion concerning such private and intimate matters in their lives. Guests were invited to share their stories about their encounters with Miriam and her positive impact on them and the community to be included in a private scrapbook that will be presented to her.
“Tonight was probably the biggest, most beautiful, most meaningful program to have ever taken place in Teaneck,” said Donna Hoenig, an attendee. Aliza Frohlich, also a guest, added, “Miriam is someone who connects to every type of woman with her unique sincerity and care for each individual. It was fitting that all types of women were represented at the dinner and came out to honor her.”
Finally, Miriam was presented with a framed Judaic paper cut with the theme of Be’er Miriam—Miriam’s Well, the wellspring of the water that quenched the thirst of the Jews wandering in the desert, who were blessed in honor of the Biblical Miriam. Teaneck’s wellspring, the Teaneck Mikvah, is certainly blessed in honor of the modern day Miriam Feman.
For information about contributing to the fundraising campaign or to submit anecdotes (can be anonymous) for the scrapbook, go to www.teaneckmikvah.com.
By L’via Weisinger
