The Gift that Keeps on Giving: A Family Tradition of Philanthropy

The Gift that Keeps on Giving: A Family Tradition of Philanthropy

Posted on:

By Jane Matlaw, former Board Member When my children were young, they got something small each night of Hanukkah. Growing up, my parents had demonstrated the importance of giving back and I wanted to pass this value onto my children, as well. I wanted not just to talk about, but actually engage in philanthropy. We […]

Continue Reading

Spotlight on Religion

Posted on:

by Lisa Berman, Mikveh and Education Director I saw the new movie, Spotlight, last weekend. I felt geographically required to, as I did with Black Mass. I root for the Pats and the Sox, and I go see the movies about Boston scandals (okay, and ones with Matt and Ben, too); it’s what we do. […]

Continue Reading

The Blessing of Holiness

Posted on:

by Susan Neiman, Mikveh Guide I’ve been a mikveh guide for about a year and a half. I usually come to Newton once a month and I try to stay for about 3-5 hours at a stretch, especially because I live quite a distance away. I try to pick a day with lots of activity, […]

Continue Reading

Magnitude of Gratitude

Posted on:

by Carrie Bornstein Thanksgiving is over, which means that most of us are back to mile-a-minute multi-tasking as our noses fall right back onto that grindstone. Over the years I’ve seen practices emerge, celebrated on Facebook and elsewhere, about adopting an attitude of Gratitude, a.k.a. The Gratitude Challenge, #givingthanks, and #365Grateful. I’ll admit – while […]

Continue Reading

My Last Immersion (For Now)

Posted on:

by Rabbi Ilana C. Garber I love everything about the mikveh – the warm waters, the transitions and transformations, the healing and hope. I had immersed in the mikveh long before I was married: marking yahrzeit for my father z”l, becoming a rabbi, and moving to a new town and new job. Then I immersed […]

Continue Reading

Into the Darkness

Posted on:

by Kelly Banker, Mayyim Hayyim Intern As we move into the Hebrew month of Kislev, the weather gets colder and the light becomes increasingly scarce. I find myself continually reminded of what the darkness can do, the stillness it can bring. Kislev, a month that literally means “in the pocket of the heart,” is a time […]

Continue Reading

The Earth-Shaped Universe

Posted on:

by Ashley Loc “The main difference is that hope is based on precedent, while faith is the strength to believe when there may never be proof.” Button-down shirt, slightly wrinkled pants, and a distinct hairline. With his almond-toe oxfords never ceasing to slam against the floor, my 8th grade History teacher is still worth remembering five years […]

Continue Reading

Thankful for the Trailblazers

Posted on:

by Rachel Eisen, Mayyim Hayyim Intern I remember a story my mother once told me. At the beginning of her career, my mother, who holds two doctoral degrees from an elite university, was accepted into a prestigious research fellowship in her field. But she turned this incredible opportunity down, because her would-be boss told her […]

Continue Reading

Because I Can

Posted on:

by Leeann Simons, Mikveh Guide Ten years ago, I became a member of Mayyim Hayyim. At my friend’s invitation, I agreed to go on a tour of this new place. As soon as I walked in the door, I decided: this is it–I am coming here to celebrate my 50th birthday. Since then, I have […]

Continue Reading

When We Come to the Water

Posted on:

by Walt Clark When I think about milestones, ten year milestones are an important marker. Whether it is celebrating multiple decades of marriage, working somewhere, or seeing a child’s 10th birthday, we think these moments are worth celebrating. Everyday people come to Mayyim Hayyim to mark milestones. Birthdays. Anniversaries. End of life. Transitions. They come […]

Continue Reading

The Choices

Posted on:

By Shira M. Cohen-Goldberg I grew up listening to Marlo Thomas’s “Free to be You and Me,” a compilation of songs and stories geared towards children that immerses the listener in the progressive values of the early 70’s: gender equity, individuality, tolerance, and comfort with one’s identity. In the world of “Free to Be,” Atalanta […]

Continue Reading

Asking for Help

Posted on:

by DeDe Jacobs-Komisar, Development Manager There’s a voice in my head that has always equated asking for help with admitting defeat. Call it impatience or ego, but I prefer to barrel ahead with a task myself and hope for the best than wait for support or feedback. As you can imagine, this strategy has serious drawbacks. While it’s helped […]

Continue Reading

Search

  • Closure Notice

    Please be advised that Mayyim Hayyim will be closed starting July 25 through August 7 while we install critical AC units. Existing appointments will occur as scheduled.

    Thank you for your understanding. We will be doing this work to ensure guest comfort during Elul, the month leading up to Rosh Hashanah.

    If you have any questions, please reach out to info@mayyimhayyim.org