Shabbat Gathering: Mika and preparing for the High Holy Days.

Gud Shabbos Khaveyrim, as is our custom, we will gather tonight at 5.45p ct to welcome Shabbat. These are the coordinates:

Zoom
Meeting ID: 883 8469 4181
Password: 822665
Phone: +1 312 626 6799

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Here we go.

I've been to mikva twice.

The first time, was when I converted to Judasim about 30 years ago. It was at a conservative shul in Oakland, Beth Jacob Congregation. It was an intense experience, as it should be. If you want to read about it, The Forward ran an article I wrote about the experience.

The second time was about 10 years later, just before the High Holy Days. Along with being a member at Congregation Beth Emek in Pleasanton, Calif., the Reform congregation where I converted, I also belonged to Chochmat HaLev, a Renewal shul in Berkeley. Chochmat HaLev organized a group mikva experience to prepare us for the High Holy Days.

This is what happened.

Around dawn, a group of us met at Lake Anza in Berkeley. Someone brought a shofar. We talked about the coming Holy Days and our desire to purify ourselves as part of our Teshuva practice. The shofar was blown. We said some prayers, shucked off our clothes, and waded into the lake. We said more prayers. We dunked three times. We said more prayers. We waded back to the shore, toweled off, got dressed, I think the shofar was blown again, and then we went on with our day. It was a very moving experience for everyone and has stayed with me ever since.

When I came to Madison, what with all the lakes around here, I wanted to share the experience I had in Berkeley with Congregation Shaarei Shamayim. I brought the idea to Rabbi Laurie and that's when I found out that most of the lakes around here aren't fit for swimming (or using as a mikva). You know, blue green algae and all that.

Then, I disappeared down to Arkansas to take care of my mother. Her home was deep in a forest and adjacent to Lake Alma. I tried to organize going to mikva in Lake Alma, but never could get away long enough from Mom to do it. My intention was to mark a new period in my life.

This year, I'm going to mikva at Beth Israel Center, September 15, a week before the High Holy Days. Beth Israel provides towels and robes and asks for a $36 donation. I'm very much looking forward to the experience. --If it turns out to be a good story, I'll let you know how it turns out.

And may it be for all of us a blessing.

See you tonight!

Mit vareme grusn,
(With warm regards,)

All my love,
brian.

PS

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