Special Updates

It is of utmost importance to us that we ensure the safety of all women, both users and attendants.  We are not, under any circumstance, allowing out-of-town visitors to use our Mikvah, nor are we allowing women who have hosted out-of-town guests to use the Mikvah.

*** All Mikvah users and attendants are screened with the following questions prior to entry:***

1. During the last 14 days, have you had contact with anyone who has lab-confirmed COVID-19, is under investigation for COVID-19, or is hospitalized or being treated at home for a respiratory or febrile illness?

2. Have you had any of the following symptoms in the past 14 days?

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher?
• Cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat?
• Diarrhea?
• Muscle aches?
• Pneumonia/flu symptoms?

3. Have you traveled outside of the US or to New York in the last 14 days?

4. Please check your temperature at home regardless of symptoms.  Anyone with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher should refrain from entering the Mikvah.

In addition we are implementing the following updated protocols recommended by Mikvah USA:

1. The Mikvah attendant will wear nitrile gloves at all times, and will put on a fresh pair between users. A six foot distance will be maintained between all women.

2. We are asking that all preparations for the Mikvah be made at home as if it was Shabbos. For the foreseeable future all changing rooms should only be used for changing.

3. Every user must bring two (2) of her own towels, robe or sheet, and flip flops for use at the Mikvah. No towels or robes will be provided.

4. Every user must wash her hands with soap before coming to the Mikvah. It is critical that she washes them thoroughly again in the prep room before entering the Mikvah pool for immersion.

5. On returning to the prep room after immersion, and before leaving the Mikvah, every user must wipe down all surfaces that have been touched. Disinfectant wipes and nitrile gloves are provided in every room.

6. All laundry and trash must be taken home with the user. No personal property is to remain at the Mikvah.

*Please be assured that the water in the Mikvah pool is properly chlorinated and presents no hazard. To allay any of your potential concerns, the chlorine in the Mikvah water is potent enough to destroy the virus.

Thank you for your diligence in following all of the above protocols for the welfare of all concerned.

With Hashem's help we will all come through this difficult time healthy and well.

Sincerely,

Debi Epstein & Shari Goldberg

Health and Safety Procedures

• Mikvah Ohel Leah has contracted with our cleaning crew to clean the facilities on a daily basis. This is in addition to the cleaning done by the attendants in the evenings. Disinfectants are being used and we are specifically focusing on all handheld items, doorknobs and counters.
• We have antibacterial wipes and gloves in all prep rooms
• We are requesting a donation of an extra $5 to help defray the added expense of the daily cleaning during the current health crisis.
• We have and will continue to consult with Medical Professionals as well as Rabbinic authority for further updates.

TAMMUZ 5780

The Mitzvah of Hafrashat Challah

This past Shabbat we read the Torah portion of Shelach, where it states the Mitzvah of Hafrashat Challah (separating a portion of dough when baking Challah).  Challah is the mainstay food at every meal on Shabbos and holidays. There is an added idea, that by baking Challah, we bring blessings into our home.

There are three Mitzvot specific to women:

1. Challah- separating a portion of dough when baking Challah
2. Kindling the Shabbos candles eighteen minutes prior to sundown
3. Maintaining the laws of Family Purity - immersing in a Mikvah

Furthermore, when performing any of these Mitzvot designated to women, it is considered an auspicious time for Tefillah.

How to perform Hafrashat Challah (separating Challah):

Challah is separated from the dough after the flour and liquid are well mixed together, while the dough is still whole, before it has been divided and shaped into loaves.

When using a minimum of five pounds of dough, the blessing... Lehafrish Challah is recited.

When using between 8 and 14 cups of dough - the separation of dough is required without a Bracha.

Separate a piece of dough about the size of an egg.

Declare: This is Challah.

Wrap up the piece of dough you separated and burn it on the stove top.

We enjoy two loaves of Challah at each of the three Shabbat meals which reminds us of the double portion of Mannah which we received in the desert. 

Chodesh Tov! (Best wishes for a good month!)

Debi Epstein