[By Margie Pensak]

Baltimore’s history of providing a community mikvah dates back several generations. Recently, archeologists discovered one of the oldest mikvaos in the United States, built in 1845, in the basement of the Lloyd Street Synagogue in East Baltimore. Subsequently, others were built by Shearith Israel Congregation, Congregation Shomrei Mishmeres HaKodesh, and Khal Arugas Habosem; the first autonomous Mikvah of Baltimore opened in 1963 on Rogers Avenue. The outgrowing of this structure and a further northwest geographical shift was the impetus for building its present facility on Clarks Lane in 1992.

The further rapid growth of the Mikvah of Baltimore since that move—often resulting in an hour plus wait time for the 40-70 daily users—has necessitated its expansion and the solicitation of significant community funding for the first time in 25 years. To help alleviate this financial strain, STAR-K Kosher Certification has pledged a generous grant to the Mikvah of Baltimore as its latest initiative in a string of worthy community causes and institutions that it is honored to help support.

“Our Capital Expansion Project includes the simultaneous expansion of the Clarks Lane mikvah, the renovation of the existing mikvah, and a satellite community-run Shabbos and Yom Tov mikvah,” notes Eliezer Abramson, president of the Mikvah of Baltimore. “There was a consensus that this satellite mikvah should be located in the Ranchleigh area because of the growing number of young families moving there. Thankfully, STAR-K has chosen to be a partial sponsor of this branch which will be dedicated in its name.”

According to Mr. Abramson, no opening date has been announced for the satellite Ranchleigh branch of the Mikvah of Baltimore. He is presently working with contractors to get pricing so it can move forward with the necessary renovations for the already purchased property in Ranchleigh.

STAR-K’s pledge follows in a long line of gifts that it has given to organizations which are unique, important, and extremely necessary, as a way of giving back to and enhancing the Baltimore community.

“STAR-K is thrilled to fill this vital need in our community and have a chalek in this mitzvah,” says STAR-K President Avrom Pollak.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)