Chof Beis Shvat 2019: Rabbi Yossi Schildkraut, a Shliach to S. Paulo, Brazil, and Ralph M., a friend and supporter of Chabad activities in the same city, approached Rabbi Mendy Kotlsrsky with an ambitious initiative. The idea was to create a fund that would serve as the driving force behind shluchim as they embark on establishing local Mikvahs across the globe.
And so, in honor of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, The Global Mikvah Project was born. Ralph gave some insight into the origins of the idea. “Years ago,” he shared, “business was down and out and someone asked me for a donation. I made a silent pledge that when I got back in the game I would support Mikvahs. And here we are today, excited to embark on an incredible initiative.”
The project aims to simultaneously provide financial support and guide Shluchim in raising awareness within their communities about the Mitzvah of Taharas Hamishpacha. In tandem with various Chabad organizations, the goal is to effectively give Shluchim a financial boost as well as the tools they need to not only build a Mikvah but to open a world of education about Tahara and Kedusha for the women in their communities.
“That’s what’s so unique about this initiative,” says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive director at Merkos 302, “it creates a synergy between all the organizations working to further the mitzvah of Taharas Hamishpacha.” This one campaign is effectively streamlining the work of organizations like Mikvah.org, Rohr JLI, Merkos302, and of course, the Bring Mikvah Home campaign.
Chof Beis Shvat 2021: The need has never been greater.
Seven Shluchos are currently participating in the Bring Mikvah Home campaign, aiming to raise the funds needed to build a Mikvah in each of the remote cities they live in. The campaign has yet to meet its goal. However, the thousands of donations and mammoth effort on part of the Shluchos has inspired The Global Mikvah Project, along with the Mashiyev Family Foundation, Keren Meromim, and Keren Hashluchim, to step in as matchers and triple every dollar you donate.
Rabbi Kotlarsky put it simply, “We are here to make a difference, and Bring Mikvah Home is a campaign with a real need, in real-time.” There are hundreds of Mikvahs waiting to be built around the world, and now we can help seven of them become a reality.
It’s crunch time. The road ahead has now been paved for us to have a hand in helping the participating shluchim make it to the finish line. Visit bringmikvahhome.com to donate now.
“May it be Hashem’s will that all those involved in the great mitzvah be granted from Hashem all that they need, specifically with much nachas and enjoyment from their children, in all areas.” – The Rebbe in a letter to a community in the midst of building a Mikvah of their own.
