Plans Underway for Women’s Mikva and Center in East Flatbush

Last week, Chayala’s Mikva finalized the purchase of a building for a much-needed mikva and women’s center in the heart of East Flatbush.

The property is located at 340 East 52nd Street between Church Ave. and Linden Blvd. and was used as mikva since 1957. The Rebbe himself donated to the construction of the mikva as did many other rabbonim. Overseeing the building of the mikva were prominent Chabad rabbonim in local shuls—the unforgettable chossid and director of NCFJE, Rabbi Yaakov Yehudah Hecht, and the Rosh Yeshivah of central Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch Rabbi Chaim Meir Bukiet, . However, in the early 1980’s, the community began to dwindle and the finances to upkeep the mikva was at risk. The Rebbe was consulted about the mikva’s future and the Rebbe was adamant that the mikva remain open.

In March of 2018, the mikva building, which had since fallen into disrepair, became available for purchase. On the search for an appropriate site to dedicate a mikva in honor of his sister Chayala a”h, Mr. Sholly Levy and his wife Rivky teamed up with Rabbi Yakov Yosef Raskin and other members of the East Flatbush community and decided to purchase it. With the help of Rabbi Shimon Hecht, director of the Rabbinical Board of East Flatbush, and Rabbi Dovid Zaklikovsky, a grandson of Rabbi Bukiet, they negotiated an affordable price for the building to be renovated for the women of the newly reborn community of East Flatbush and Crown Heights.

The mikva is in a severe state of disrepair and will need to be rebuilt from the ground up. Plans for the mikva include a pool certified to the highest standards of halacha, and numerous beautiful preparation rooms. It will feature a 4000 square foot facility which will serve as a much-needed oasis for women, dedicated to nurturing their bodies and souls. There will be a library and place for shiurim and learning as well as a zone for exercise and recreation. There will be parking available so visitors can arrive and depart in a safe and secure environment while maintaining their privacy.

The Mikva will be dedicated in honor of Chaya Moussia (Chayala) Levy. Chayala was an incredibly lively and positive person. She never complained and always looked at her challenges as G-d’s unique plan. Chayala had an amazing moral compass and was very kind and compassionate. She was never afraid of challenges and found beauty in every moment and always brought a sense of fun and joy to life. She laughed through her challenges and uplifted her friends and family in the process. Chayala tragically passed away in 1999 at the young age of seventeen.

The Mikva still requires significant funding and all donations will help make this urgent need a reality. Dedication opportunities are available.

Chayala’s Mikva, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) charity and all donations are tax deductible.

Donations can be sent to:

PayPal: chayalasmikva@gmail.com

CashApp: $chayalasmikva

Zelle: Chayalasmikva@gmail.com

Please visit Chayalasmikva.org for more information.

Please feel free to contact us at chayalasmikva@gmail.com.