Overview

For thousands of years, the Jewish ritual bath called mikveh has been an exclusive and integral part of Jewish life. In ancient times, purity rituals were indispensable to Jewish observance. With the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the use of mikveh continued for nearly two thousands years primarily as a ritual for women. In recent decades, there has been renewed interest in reinventing and rejuvenating this time-honored and quintessentially Jewish rite. In 2002, a community mikveh was built in Wynnewood, PA with Lori T. Cooper as its Director. In addition to encouraging traditional usages of mikveh, Cooper formed new rituals punctuated by poetry, songs, and prayers to mark the transitions in our lives. This volume is her compilation of deeply personal stories and experiences told from multiple perspectives of the visiting families and individuals, as well as Cooper's own voice. Organized into five catagories of stories; Marriage, Healing, Monthly Usage, Conversion, and Celebration, each story concludes with a careful selection designed for your contemplation and consideration. You will emerge from these incredible journeys with a unique recognition of the spiritual power and transformational abilities of the mikveh's sacred waters.

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9780998049502

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Lori Taubman Cooper has been the director of The Mikveh at Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania since it opened in 2002. She serves as a guide and facilitator, creating rituals and helping to provide an inclusive, gender neutral and safe space for all who come. She splits her time traveling between Philadelphia and Israel visiting her children and grandchildren.

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