Recap: Mikva Appreciation Brunch

By: Breindy Lazor

On Sunday May 25, more than 50 women of all ages came out to celebrate and show their gratitude to the mikvah attendants of Jax.  Beth, Tzippy and Rachel are three extraordinary women who have dedicated themselves to ensuring proper adherence to the mitzvah of mikvah tahara for the women of Jax and it was time to show them how much we appreciate everything they do for us!

L to R: Tzippy Zaguri, Rachel Shyken, Beth Beyer

Spearheaded by Cheyn Jaison and assisted by a committee including Rebbetzin Henny Fisch, Freda Sanders and Breindy Lazor, the event took place at the Etz Chaim social hall.  The decor of candles, flowers, neutral and relaxing colors evoked a feeling of calmness and purity in the room, much like a spa.  Delicious light refreshments provided by Miri Katz consisted of a salad bar, fish, fruits, cake and acai bowls with toppings for attendees to create their own.  Refreshing fruit drinks, iced coffee and tea completed the light spa fare.  

After filling their plates and taking their seats, the women assembled heard from Rebbetzin Rena Schochet, Dr. Sarah Green and a special video message by Eve Levy.  Each woman inspired the audience with insights and anecdotes on the incredible mitzvah of mikvah and the great merits of those involved in the mitzvah.  In the spirit of expressing gratitude, Henny Fisch honored Jax’s previous mikvah attendants by naming and thanking them for their efforts.  In particular, Louise Levine was singled out and received special recognition and a beautiful Aishes Chayil plaque for her 25 years as mikvah attendant here!  

Rabbi Yaakov Fisch, senior Rabbi of Etz Chaim, sent his personal gratitude and good wishes to the women being honored via video recording.  Following that, each of the three current mikvah attendants were called up to receive gifts selected for them and sponsored by anonymous members of the community as well as the Etz Chaim Sisterhood.  The women were presented with bouquets of flowers and a magnificent piece of wall art containing the Birchas HaBayis on it.  Each one had a personalized plaque affixed to it, thanking the individual woman for her dedication to the mikvah tahara of our community.   

It was an honor to observe these women receive the hakaras hatov they so rightly deserve and we are fortunate to have them as attendants at both of our mikvaos in Jax!  These righteous women initially declined the honor that the committee wanted to bestow upon them - until it was agreed that the event would also be a fundraiser to help improve and revitalize the Etz Chaim mikvah.  With the support of the women present, anonymous donors and the Sisterhood, this event raised nearly $5,000, all of which will go towards refreshing and improving the Etz Chaim women’s mikvah!  Thank you to everyone who came out and gave towards this important cause.  We look forward to other future events celebrating and thanking our wonderful community members for everything they do to enhance Jewish life in Jax!