Oceanside dedicates a rebuilt, ‘spa-like’ mikvah

The newly reconstructed and redesigned Mikvah of Oceanside is open and operating under the supervision of our new shomeret, Bruriah Wilbur. The waiting room, individual rooms, adornment room and mikvah itself are warm, welcoming and wonderful. The aura is serene, with piped in relaxing music, spa tubs and an elegant décor, designed by Miriam Nathan, her daughter Amanda Nathan Gluck, and Dave Welner.

Four years ago, the mikvah was given a “facelift” and was thus elevated from simply clean and convenient to a beautiful example of hidur mitzvah (beautifying a commandment). Then in October 2012, Hurricane Sandy inflicted havoc on the mikvah, the shuls, and the entire Oceanside community. The mikvah facilities, post Sandy, were sorely missed by the 40 or more young women who have recently relocated to our growing community.

With the help of Mikvah USA, an organization dedicated to the establishment and renovation of mikvaot nationwide, as well as the Orthodox Union and other organizations and individuals, the Oceanside Mikvah has been rebuilt again. This rebuilding, however, resulted in the creation of the most luxurious spa-like atmosphere. Our young families are especially delighted to use this chic and well- designed new facility.

A Chanukat Habayit (dedication ceremony) was held on Sunday, December 15 at the Young Israel of Oceanside. The mikvah building was rededicated in memory of past member and community activist, Judy Williams, a”h. The immersion pool was dedi- cated in memory of Rebbetzin Peshy Brudny, a”h, whose husband, Rabbi Elya Brudny of Mikvah USA, generously donated to the reconstruction project. The pool was further rededicated to the memory of Rebbetzin BrendaGeldwerth,a”h,whosehusbanddo- nated generously to the project in his wife’s z’chus. Rabbi Jonathan Muskat, Moreh D’Asrah of the YIO, reviewed the halachot regarding the construction of a mikvah and heralded the ingenuity utilized in filling the “burrows” in accordance with halacha and — with efficiency, so that the mikvah would operational in short time.