The vision for Mayyim Hayyim, articulated by founder, Anita Diamant:

"The reason I really want a mikveh is to explore the possibilities of what a community mikveh could lead to-as a place, as an idea, as a mitzvah. I want a mikveh that encourages the prayers of the heart in Jews of every denomination and description. Thus I want a mikveh that is kosher in every dimension, that follows all Halachic requirements regarding shape, space, the collection of natural water, maintenance. I want a mikveh that respects the modesty of the people who visit. I also want a mikveh that is beautiful in design and decoration, a welcoming and inviting place, from the minute you walk through the door. A place for laughter and mazel tovs, with a gracious room in which to celebrate with brides and grooms, a place for the newly Jewish to raise a glass of wine. I want a mikveh where Jews can physically enact the profound process of teshuva-of turning toward God-in the days prior to Yom Kippur. A mikveh where women can explore the intimate mitzvah of monthly immersion, and for women to use as a place for study and celebration on Rosh Hodesh." - Anita Diamant, Founder of Mayyim Hayyim

The work of turning this vision into reality began in earnest in 2000, when a small group of dreamers, including Anita Diamant, Rabbi Barbara Penzner, Dr. Paula Brody, Judy Greene and Roz Garber met to form Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters Community Mikveh and Education Center. With input from clergy and lay leaders from across the denominational spectrum, Mayyim Hayyim set the following mission statement: "To reclaim and reinvent one of our most ancient Jewish rituals - immersion in the mikveh - for contemporary spiritual uses and to make this new, sacred space open and accessible to all Jews in the Greater Boston area."

In 2001, Mayyim Hayyim was incorporated as a nonprofit organization, hired an executive director (Aliza Kline) and began to make plans for building, fundraising and marketing. Mayyim Hayyim's site at 1838 Washington Street in Newton, MA, is based in a Victorian home built in the 1860s. Purchased in 2002, the home was renovated and a large addition built to house the mikveh pools and preparation rooms. On May 14, 2004 the dream came true when construction was completed and Mayyim Hayyim opened its doors for the first time.