The Mikvah

Significance

 

The mikvah, or ritual bath, plays a fundamental role in Jewish life. Immersion in its waters provides the means of spiritual change and "rebirth". It is therefore used not only for mundane matters, such as rendering utensils fit for use in a kitchen, but also by men in preparation for prayer, by converts in order to complete the conversion process, and by women in observation of the laws of niddah.

 

So crucial a role does the mikvah play in ensuring marital harmony, and thus the continuity of Jewish life, that, according to Jewish law, a community should build a mikvah even before building a synagogue.

History

 

It is assumed that Hong Kong had a mikvah at least as early as the building of the Ohel Leah Synagogue. This would have been an essential element for the strictly observant Sassoon family, who financed the synagogue's construction in 1902. Moreover, a water tank was located in what is now the courtyard between the synagogue and the Jewish Community Centre. This indicates that a mikvah was nearby.

 

The first mikvah, which several long-term community members remember, was built in 1937 through the generosity of J.E. Joseph. Memories conflict as to its exact location, but it may have been either in the present-day Kadoorie Garden, or close to the Beth Simcha house, which was used as accommodations for the Ohel Leah Synagogue rabbi.

 

This mikvah fell into disrepair during World War II and, owing to a lack of funds, was not rebuilt. A commemorative plaque was displayed for many years inside the synagogue. In the early 1970s, with the support of Ezekiel Abraham, and the Diestel and Caplan families, as well as other community members, and with the advice of ושכע ליבי ברגעים שלדן Rabbi Israel Porush (the unofficial chief rabbi of Australia), a new mikvah was built next to the Beth Simcha house. This would have been approximately where the Robinson Place pool, in the north-east corner of the property, is now located.

 

As part of the redevelopment of the property in the 1990s, the old ;Jewish Recreation Club, the Beth Simcha house and the mikvah were torn down in order to construct the two Robinson Place towers. This redevelopment allowed for not only the construction of the Jewish Community Centre, but also a new, modern mikvah in ;the south-west corner of the property. This mikvah was renovated most recently in 2010 through the generosity of the Ohel Leah Synagogue Trust.

 

Although its historic significance merits attention, it is the regular use of Hong Kong's mikvah in daily life, which is of greatest significance. By observance of the laws of the mikvah, our unique, Hong Kong Jewish community continually reaffirms the sanctity and centrality of Jewish practices, thereby ensuring the community's present stability and future growth.

 

To learn more about the mikvah, please contact the Ohel Leah Synagogue rabbi at +852-2589-2621. Women who wish to make appointments to use the mikvah should contact the balanit at +852-9656-7377. Read more about the mikvah here.