The vocalists open the Mikveh Monologues II by singing "These Waters" by Josh Nelson

Judy and Jason Chudnofsky, Mikveh Monologues Co-Chairs, welcome everyone to The Mikveh Monologues II

"So, since you're all in my Hebrew school class, you know that I learned about mikveh for my Bat Mitzvah project."

"Okay, settle down now. Could you tell your Moms to stop talking? Thanks."

"The diagnosis of prostate cancer last spring was a shock, but...it all went as well as it could possibly go."

After the immersion, "I was at the beginning again...I can't put into words that moment...Heschel really said it best: 'Radical amazement.' "

The audience is absorbed in the mikveh stories.

"I'm pretty much your classic disaffected GenX kind of gal...Then I went and dunked...the whole experience was just so cool."

"The day I went to the mikveh was just amazing..."

"Carl and I brought all three of our [adopted] kids, and eventually all five of us were in the water-though not at the same time."

The cast enjoys their time in the spotlight.

"I became Ellen's rabbi about a year ago. In August, she informed me that she was very sick and didn't have much more time to live."

"Ellen's determination to go to the mikveh was about completing the cycle of her [Jewish] journey, and also about complet[ing] the cycle of her life."

Mark and Marjorie Sokoll are presented with flowers by their son, David.

Ginny MacDowell, Mikveh Monologues Co-Chair, honors Mark and Marjorie Sokoll.

Suzanne Offit, a Mikveh Monologues Honoree, delivers a sermon to the crowd. "I believe when we immerse, we see our own humanity."

Suzanne Offit is honored by her husband, Adam, and her sons, David, Yoni and Andy.

Josh Nelson and Shira Kline sing "One Small Step" by Peri Smilow as we prepare to deliver the Nachshon award.

Anita Diamant honors Rabbi Hank Zoob with the Nachshon Award, for being a supporter who took a leap of faith on our behalf.

"Throughout my career, I have tried to say 'yes' to Jewish ideas and projects that are visionary. I'm glad I was 'foolish' enough to test the waters."

Cantor Louise Treitman sings a song she wrote especially for the occasion to Rabbi Zoob.

Rabbi Hank Zoob is joined by his wife, Barbara, and his son, Sam, in receiving his honor.

"I step down...I breathe out...That emptied breath carries away my week."

"This is what I am learning on Friday afternoons: Anything can happen in the water."

"I volunteerat Mayyim Hayyim at least once a week. As they leave, people thank me for helping them, but I want to say 'No,thank you...' "

"It was my turn last fall. I turned 60, and invited my havurah to come with me as I marked the occasion."

"I climbed the steps and wrapped myself in a robe. My husband opened the door and everyone raised a glass of champagne [in toast]."

"I imagined my hair floating defiantly on top of the water, like some kind of weird sea creature or kelp."

"I just couldn't stand that they had such crummy shampoos and soaps at Mayyim Hayyim. Everything else was so beautiful, but those lotions? Ugh."

"But mostly, this month to month practice is about me and my husband. It's a secret we share with each other."

"It is a simple word, the Hebrew word for water. Mayim...but the mem at the beginning is shaped differently from the mem at the end."

"This is the message of the yud in mayim: God is in the heart of the water."

The musicians (L-R): Josh Nelson, Shira Kline, Cantor Louise Treitman, Marjorie Sokoll

Anita Diamant with the Mikveh Monologue II honorees (L-R): Rabbi Mark Sokoll, Marjorie Sokoll, Suzanne Offit, Rabbi Hank Zoob

Rabbi Mark Sokoll, Marjorie Sokoll, Suzanne Offit and Rabbi Hank Zoob

(L-R) Josh Nelson, Cantor Louise Treitman, Marjorie Sokoll and Shira Kline

Annabel Raby, a freshman at Newton North High School.

David Brezniak returns for a second year to the Mikveh Monologues cast.

Yolanda Shoshana (Shoshi) is an artist for social change, speaker and writer.

Sheree Galpert is a professional actor, writer, educator, and organization development consultant.

Rabbi Mark Sokoll, president of the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston and a Mikveh Monologues II honoree, performing the Farewell piece.

Rabbi Mark Sokoll watches as his wife, Marjorie Sokoll, another Mikveh Monologues honoree, sings "Eli, Eli."

Annette Miller returns for her second year as a member of the Mikveh Monologue cast.

Linda Meyer is a solo performer, actress, and writer.

Judith Black is a creator and teller of tales. This is her second appearance at the Mikveh Monologues.

Michael Bailit has been performing in Boston area community theaters for the past 20 years.

Shira Kline is a New York based performer and educator.