Creating a Space for Women to Connect, Learn, and Gather Together

This past week brought a heartwarming development at Chayala’s Mikva, as members of the women’s committee gathered on-site to envision the future of the second floor. Together, they discussed how this special space can best serve the community — a place where women can come not only for the mitzvah of Mikva, but also to relax, connect, and find moments of peace and rejuvenation.

The committee walked through the space thoughtfully, sharing ideas and dreams for how to create an atmosphere of warmth and tranquility. Every suggestion was guided by one central question: How can we make this a place where women truly feel welcomed, cared for, and spiritually uplifted?

This meaningful planning session took place on a particularly significant day — the 22nd of Shevat, the yahrtzeit of the Rebbe’s wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, of blessed memory. Her legacy of quiet strength, kindness, and dedication to Jewish women continues to inspire us in this sacred work.

And on this special day, we received an extraordinary gift — a generous donation of $50,000 designated specifically for the Kallah Suite. This beautiful contribution will help create a dignified, elegant space where brides can prepare for one of the most meaningful moments of their lives.

We are deeply grateful to this donor for being part of this great project, and we invite others in the community to join in bringing Chayala’s Mikva to life. Together, we are building more than a facility — we are creating a home for the Jewish women of our community.

A Key Step in Bringing the Heart of the Mikva to Life!

This past week marked a meaningful milestone in the construction of the Mikva, with a focused on-site meeting centered on the most important element of the entire building — the Mikva pool.

Founder Sholly Levy, Rabbi Webb (member of the Board of Directors), the project contractor, and Rabbi Yermiye Katz, who is overseeing the koshering of the Mikva, came together to carefully review, measure, and discuss the construction of the main pool and side pools. This collaborative meeting ensured that every detail is being carried out according to Halacha, under the Rabbi’s direct guidance.

Together, they reviewed all specifications in depth — including the rainwater entry point, the holding and storage areas, and the precise method by which the rainwater will be transported into the pool. Each measurement and structural element was examined carefully.

This type of hands-on collaboration is essential. The Mikva pool is the heart of the building, and ensuring it is constructed correctly from the outset is of utmost importance. Seeing the Rabbi and contractor review and confirm every detail together on site was both reassuring and exciting.

With this thoughtful review complete, the project continues to move forward with clarity and confidence, knowing that the Mikva is being built with care, precision, and deep respect for its sacred purpose.

We’re thrilled to share an exciting milestone in the mikva construction: the cradle — the circumference area of the pool!

This is the foundational space where the pool will eventually be installed in the center of the building, with dressing rooms surrounding it.

Completing the cradle is a crucial step: it sets the stage for the pool itself, ensuring everything is perfectly aligned and ready for the next phase. Walking around the space, you can already imagine the mikva coming to life — a serene, private, and sacred place for renewal, with every detail carefully considered.

Step by step, the vision is taking shape. With the cradle complete, we’re one step closer to creating a beautiful mikva that will serve the community for generations to come.

Basement Progress Update

We’re excited to share another meaningful step forward! The entire basement has now been completely cleared out, opening the space for the next phase of construction. Over the coming days, the team will be installing new drainage and piping to ensure a strong, reliable foundation for the mikvah’s long-term use. Once that’s in place, a brand-new concrete floor will be poured.

Steady progress — and every step brings us closer to welcoming the community into this beautiful new space.

Please share your memories, ideas, or suggestions — help us preserve and shape the mikva’s legacy

Chayala’s Mikva is returning to East Flatbush, honoring decades of tradition and the vision of the Rebbe. This dedicated women’s center, open seven nights a week, will provide a private, welcoming space for our community. In addition to the mikva itself, a new second-floor women’s center will serve as a daytime gathering place for learning, inspiration, and connection.

We’d love your input! Share your memories, ideas, and stories in the comments below. Some ways to contribute:

• Memories of the original mikvah — Did you, a family member, or a friend use it? What did it mean to you?

• Suggestions for the new mikvah — Ideas for programs, events, or ways to make the space welcoming and meaningful.

• Reflections on our community — Stories, photos, or anecdotes that celebrate the mikvah’s role in East Flatbush and Crown Heights life.

Your contributions help preserve the legacy of the original mikvah while shaping a space that will serve generations to come. Every comment strengthens our shared history and keeps the mikva’s spirit alive.