Ohev Sholom Mikvah Chaim

Regular women’s hours are in the evening. Please check in weekly for updated evening hours. Please click here to make an appointment. Appointments are 30 or 60 minutes in length. Please specify your preference. Effective Oct. 1, 2020, the fee per immersion is $25 for members / $36 for non-members. Please make all appointments at least 48 hours in advance. If you would like to make an appointment with less than 48 hours advance notice, or if you need to go on a Friday night or during the day, please contact attendant@mikvahchaim.org.

What happens when you arrive the mikvah for a night-time immersion?

The entrance to the women’s mikvah is located at the south side of the grand stairs on 16th street. There is a path leading from 16th Street directly to the mikvah entrance. You may also park in the Ohev Sholom parking lot behind the synagogue and walk along the back and south side of the building if you would like to reach the entrance more discreetly. This area is well-lit and monitored by security cameras. If you are having trouble finding the entrance please call 202-723-0292.

When you reach the door, please ring the bell. The mikvah attendant will then buzz you inside. If the attendant does not answer then please wait a minute and buzz again.

When you arrive at the mikvah, your mikvah attendant will introduce herself and then show to you to your preparation room, where she will show you how to page her when you are ready to immerse.

Each preparation room is equipped with with towels and basic supplies such as shampoo, body wash, q-tips, nail polish remover, hair dryer, and more. You will also find a robe and slippers available for your use. The slippers provided are for your walk from the preparation room to the mikvah. The mikvah attendant will be happy to bring you any supplies we have available. There is a closet and hangers available for your personal belongings as well.

Each preparation room is also equipped with ceremonies and resources from the Mayyim Hayyim Mikvah in Newton, MA, in addition to a preparation checklist guide for a standard halachic immersion.

Should you have any questions or require any assistance in the course of your preparations, please do not hesitate to call your mikvah attendant. She is there to help you.

When you have completed your preparations and are waiting in the robe and slippers provided (you are certainly welcome to bring your own), please alert the mikvah attendant via the intercom and wait for her to come to your room. She will knock on your door and then guide you to the mikvah. For your privacy and the privacy of other users, please wait until your attendant comes to your room to escort you.

Your mikvah attendant customarily will ask if you would like her to check you for anything you might have missed that might serve as a barrier between you and the water. You do not have to have her check you if you do not wish her to do so.

Your mikvah attendant will then offer to hold your robe for you as you step into the water. She will do so discreetly and with the utmost concern for your privacy and modesty. When you are fully submerged, please let your attendant know that you are ready to begin your immersions.

Traditionally a woman immerses once, recites the blessing, and then immerses twice more. The mikvah attendant is present to ensure that your hair goes fully under the water. After each immersion, she will confirm that your hair was fully submerged.

The blessing is available in Hebrew and transliteration in the mikvah room. You can also ask the mikvah attendant to help you recite it.

You are also welcome to take time to yourself in the mikvah. Immersing is often a spiritual moment for reflection and prayer. If you would like some time in the mikvah alone, please let your attendant know so that she can give you the time you need.

When your immersions are complete, your attendant can either step out of the room for you to emerge, or assist you discretely. She will then guide you back to your preparation room where you can get dressed. Each preparation room is equipped with a hair dryer.

Other information

Our mikvah attendants are trained to discreetly and sensitively assist in creating a positive mikvah experience for all mikvah users. Please let your mikvah attendant know how best she can serve you during your visit to our mikvah.

Each visitor to our mikvah is invited to follow her own custom. If you prefer to immerse alone, or with your own guest, just let your mikvah attendant know. Your attendant is there to create an atmosphere that is spiritual and supportive in whatever way she can.

Should any questions arise during your time at our mikvah that cannot be answered to your satisfaction by the mikvah attendant, please do not hesitate to contact Maharat Friedman at MaharatRuth@ostns.org.

WATER INFORMATION

Our mikvaot are treated with chlorine and have a halachic filter to help maintain clean and clear water. Chlorine and pH levels are monitored for your safety. Additionally, the mikvah pools are thoroughly cleaned monthly. The water temperature in the women's mikvah is set to a comfortable 94 degrees.

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

Bedikah cloths (used after a women’s monthly cycle) are available for purchase at our mikvah. Please ask the mikvah attendant to give them to you.

Your mikvah attendant is there to help make your mikvah experience as meaningful as possible.

The presence of a mikvah attendant is traditionally required in order to achieve a halachic immersion by witnessing that a woman’s hair is fully submerged under the water. All of the mikvah attendants at our mikvah have been trained to create a safe and nurturing space for those immersing. You are welcome to bring a female guest to serve as your mikvah attendant if you prefer.

Our mikvah attendants are trained to discreetly and sensitively assist in creating a positive mikvah experience for all mikvah users. Please let your mikvah attendant know how best she can serve you during your visit to our mikvah. Each visitor to our mikvah is invited to follow their own custom. If you prefer to immerse alone, or with your own female guest, just let your mikvah attendant know. Your attendant is there to create an atmosphere that is spiritual and supportive in whatever way she can.