Historic Campaign Underway to Build First Mikvah in Zhejiang, China
A historic campaign is underway to build the first mikvah in Zhejiang Province, China, providing Jewish families across a large region of Southeast China with access to Taharat Hamishpacha without the need for hours of travel.
The effort is being led by Rabbi Shalom Weisfish, Chabad Shaliach in Yiwu, a city known as one of the world’s major international trading hubs and home to a growing Jewish presence. Chabad of Yiwu is an established Chabad center serving local Jewish residents, businesspeople and visitors from around the world.
For Jewish families in the region, the need is particularly urgent.
The nearest mikvah is currently approximately four hours away, meaning that using a mikvah can require a journey of up to 10 hours round trip. For families living and working throughout the region, that distance can make an essential mitzvah extremely difficult—and, for some, effectively out of reach.
The proposed mikvah in Yiwu would change that reality, creating a permanent infrastructure for Taharat Hamishpacha in the heart of Zhejiang.
The project is being launched during the month of Elul with an appeal to Jews around the world to participate in establishing what would be the first and only mikvah in Zhejiang Province.
Beyond serving the immediate Jewish community in Yiwu, the mikvah is envisioned as a resource for Jewish families and travelers throughout Southeast China, strengthening Jewish life in the region for generations to come.
Chabad’s presence in Yiwu is part of the broader network of Chabad-Lubavitch centers serving Jewish communities throughout China. The Chabad Locator lists Chabad of Yiwu in Zhejiang, alongside centers in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other cities across the country.
Organizers are calling on the public to help turn the vision into reality and establish a mikvah that will provide Jewish women with access to this fundamental mitzvah close to home.
“This Elul, help build something that will last for generations.”
Those wishing to support the campaign can contribute through the campaign page.
