(Courtesy of West Orange Mikvah) The Essex County Ritualarium, otherwise known as the West Orange Mikvah, hosted a virtual mixology fundraising event on Saturday evening, January 16. The fun evening, co-chaired by Renee Glick and Haley Vogel, included a presentation by Jewish mixologist Dammara Kovnats Hall, who instructed more than 150 participants on close to 90 Zoom screens how to create two signature cocktails infused with a dose of Jewish spirituality. The event also included a presentation on mikvahs around the world and mikvah-related trivia questions.

“According to Jewish law, building a mikvah takes precedence over building a house of worship, because it is the one of the primary cornerstones of Jewish family life,” remarked Larry Rein, mikvah executive committee member. “We are so excited to have raised further awareness in our community for this significant mitzvah, and were able to raise significant funds, particularly needed during this challenging time.”

A community institution, the mikvah is guided by a local Orthodox rabbinic advisory committee, its co-presidents, Sara Braverman and Nina Taub, and board. The West Orange and Livingston communities are fortunate to have a yoetzet halacha, Nechama Price, to provide invaluable support and guidance on issues pertaining to taharat hamishpacha.