(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

The groundbreaking for the new Mill Basin Mikvah Taharah took place on Tuesday evening, Aseres Yemei Teshuva. The timing was particularly appropriate, as this is when Klal Yisroel beseeches Hashem to grant us taharah.

A select group of Rabbonim, community members and supporters joined to celebrate this milestone. Ariel Levy, President of the Mill Basin Mikvah Association spoke of how the new mikvah will have a tremendous impact on the taharah of the community and expressed his appreciation to all the people who have stepped forward to build the mikvah. Jeffery and Agnes Shemia, who are generously naming the mikvah building; members of the Mill Basin Mikvah board; and a contingent of supporters from Mikvah USA; physically broke the ground for the new mikvah –where the foundation will be built. Rabbi Yitzchok Bistritzky, President of Mikvah USA spoke to a local resident of the relationship between the Mill Basin community and Mikvah USA donors. “Mill Basin is so close to where we live, we are neighbors” said Rabbi Bistritzky, “we simply could not ignore the need for Mill Basin to have a mikvah of its own!” Indeed, Mikvah USA has been supporting this project since its inception.

Rabbi Baruch Cywiak, Director of Special Projects for Mikvah USA and a Board Member of the Mill Basin Mikvah Association, closed the event with warm words “We come from so many different backgrounds yet share the common theme of growth in taharas Yisroel. Hashem is certainly watching us right now and shepping nachas. With our combined efforts and Hashem’s help this mikvah will be built and every one of us who participates will surely see bracha and hatzlacha.”

Photos by JDN