The Most Beautiful Mikvahs in the World

“I’ve seen Mikvahs in Beijing and Alaska, in New York and California, in Israel and Russia, and today I have seen the most beautiful Mikvahs in the world”, said Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, who graced the dedication of the three Mikvahs built in Hallandale Beach, Florida, moments before the 28th Annual Dinner of Chabad of South Broward, this past Sunday, September 6, Erev Chai Elul.

Three hundred people participated in the dedication of Mei Menachem-Mikvah Israel, the Elana Leah Women’s Mikvah, the Yoseph Mordechai Men’s Mikvah, and the Kelim Mikvah, all state-of-the-art, exquisite and resembling a high end Japanese spa. The Mikvahs are unique, as they are accessible to the physically challenged community with special ramps, hydraulic lifts and a prep room for the physically challenged.

The general project is named after the Rebbe and Rabbi Yisroel Tennenhaus, brother of Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus, who passed away earlier this year after a lengthy illness.

The women’s Mikvah was dedicated to the complete and speedy recovery of Elana Leah bas Shaindel Rochel Kasle, a student of the Chaya Aydel Seminary who was seriously injured by a car on Hallandale Beach Blvd. in December 2007.

The Men’s Mikvah was dedicated in memory of Reb Yoseph Fellig, whose eighteenth Yahrtzeit is soon approaching.

The Reception Salon was dedicated in memory of Franne Alter, wife of Dr. Barry Alter, past President of the Jewish Federation of Broward County. Mrs. Alter passed away two weeks ago.

Rabbi Kotlarsky spoke warmly about his memories of Mr. Fellig when Rabbi Kotlarsky studied for four years in the Lubavitcher Yeshiva in Montreal and blessed Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Kasle that “they shall take Elana to the Chupah”.

Mrs. Shaindel Kasle, the Dinners’ Eishes Chayil, spoke at the Mikvah dedication about the incredible outpouring of love, support and Mitvzaim when Elana was in the hospital in Florida. There was not a dry eye in the crowd, as Mrs. Kasle regally thanked many individuals and the general South Florida community for banding together in an endless effort to help Elana and her family during the first six weeks following the accident.

The Shluchim of South Broward and relatives of Rabbi Yisroel Tennenhaus uncovered the stunning Mei Menachem-Mikvah Israel sign, the Fellig children unveiled the Yoseph Mordechai sign, and Dr. and Mrs.Kasle uncovered the Elana Leah sign.

Mrs. Kasle and Rebbitzen Goldie Tennenhaus took a ceremonial four-foot pair of scissors to cut the beautiful red ribbon and officially opened the Mikvah entrance door.

The dinner set-up at Chabad’s headquarters was breathtaking. The centerpieces were tall, beautiful and with blue water, reflecting the aqua theme of the dinner, and the special lighting effects and decorations was so stunning that in the words of many Dinner participants ““it was far more elegant than the Dinners held in the luxurious Westin Diplomat Hotel”.

Highlights of the Dinner included a most delightful and charming singing performance by 10-year-old Yisroel Amar, a wonderful cantorial selection by Cantor Rabbi Yossy Lebovics, and a heartwarming and uplifting production by the Yossy Bayles Orchestra.

The food was sumptuous and mouth-watering, the Award Ceremony was moving and inspiring and Rebbitzen Goldie Tennenhaus spoke eloquently and movingly about her nearly 30 years on Shlichus, sharing fond memories of her father, a”h, and passionately enlightening the Dinner guests about the many challenges of creating this over-whelming Mikvah project.

Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti addressed the Dinner crowd, and said that the Sheriff’s Office will do all what is necessary to protect all houses of worship.

An exciting seven-minute video was shown, depicting a sample of Chabad’s activities throughout the year, produced by Chabad’s Program Director, Rabbi Levi Tennenhaus.

Rabbi Yaakov Fellig, Director of Chabad of South Dade, read a letter from the Rebbe addressed to the Congregation in 5745, Rabbi Dovid Kudan of the Chabad Ocean Synagogue, recited the Rebbe’s Kapitel Tehillim, and Rabbi Yossy Lebovics, principal of the Chaya Aydel Seminary led the recital of Tehillim for Elana Leah.

In addition to Mrs. Kasle receiving the Eishes Chayil Award, the Beauty of Seniors Award was received by Mr. and Mrs. Hyman Kriss, the Ahavas Yisroel Award was accepted by Mr. and Mrs. Boris Wainstock and the Young Leadership Award was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Brener.

The most exciting and awe-inspiring moments of the Dinner, by far, took place during the tour of the Mikvahs. “People heard that they were beautiful, but when they actually took the tour, they were speechless”, remarked Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus, Chabad’s executive vice president.

In addition to four differently designed, glamorous prep rooms, the Women’s Mikvah features a Japanese soaking tub, while the Men’s Mikvah features a state-of- the-art steam room. Hundreds of locals and tourists are expected to use the Mikvahs regularly, as Hallandale Beach has a high volume of Mikvah users and religious visitors. “Due to the beauty of the Mikvahs, it is expected that many newcomers and those not yet that traditional, will be attracted to this ancient and beautiful Mitzvah that guarantees Jewish continuity”, the rabbi concluded.

Most of the 38 Shluchim and Shluchos of South Broward were in attendance, as were other Shluchim from Dade County. Also attending was Rabbi and Mrs. Edward Davis of the Young Israel of Hollywood-Ft. Lauderdale, and many other prominent community leaders.