Temple Beth-El is proud to have a beautiful, spiritual and inspiring Mikvah which is open to all segments of the Jewish community. It serves the greater Richmond area, central Virginia and the communities of the Shenandoah Valley.

What is a Mikvah?

A Mikvah is a place where natural water – mayyim chayyim – not tap water, is collected. The rainwater is contained in the cistern, called in Hebrew, bor. It is attached to the immersion pool, which is the Mikvah. The waters of the bor and mikvah “kiss” in a pipe that connects the two chambers, and the waters in the bathing area are thus purified and made fit for the purpose of ritual immersion. In modern mikvaot (plural) the water is filtered and warmed. The term Mikvah usually refers to the whole system. A person immerses in the Mikvah in order to affect their spiritual state besides signifying physical wholeness. Immersion, tevilah, is done in modesty, respectfully and with deep religious feeling.

Mikvah is an authentic part of the physical reality of Judaism and Jewish life. It has been an integral part of Jewish practice for thousands of years. It far transcends its use for conversion, but reflects upon our sexuality, family unity, illness and recovery, and a sense of God’s love and nearness.

Where is the Mikvah?

The Mikvah is located at Temple Beth-El, 3330 Grove Avenue, Richmond, Virginia. We are located at the corner of Grove Avenue and Roseneath in the Fan District. Our Mikvah is located in Temple Beth-El’s building at 213 Roseneath Road, on the first floor.

When did the Mikvah open?

The Mikvah at Temple Beth-El opened in May of 2001 and was dedicated by Morton and Shirley Brown to their mothers, Molly Brown and Sylvia Janus and their commitment to our faith in September of 2001.

For further information on the Mikvah contact Rabbi Creditor and he will be happy to help you at (804) 355-3564 or rabbi.creditor@bethelrichmond.org.