After 60 Years, Mikvah Set to Return to Northern Michigan

A new Mikvah is under construction in Traverse City, where Jewish women currently travel more than 140 miles to fulfill the mitzvah. A campaign is underway to raise the final $100,000 needed for completion.

For Jewish women across Northern Michigan, observing the mitzvah of Taharas Hamishpacha means traveling far from home. The nearest Mikvah is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, more than 140 miles away. During the winter months, when lake-effect snow rolls in, the already long drive can become especially challenging.

Northern Michigan was once home to a Mikvah, built in 1885, but it has been gone since the 1960s. For more than six decades, the region has been without one.

Since arriving on shlichus in Traverse City, Rabbi Laibel and Chaya Shemtov have made bringing a Mikvah back to Northern Michigan one of their central goals.

Bh, that dream is within reach.

Construction is underway on a new women’s Mikvah at the Chabad Jewish Center of Traverse City. Designed as a beautiful, serene, and welcoming space, the Mikvah will serve Jewish women throughout Northern Michigan, allowing them to fulfill this special mitzvah closer to home.

Thanks to the significant gifts of two generous sponsors, the project has made tremendous progress. A campaign is now underway to raise the final $100,000 needed to complete the Mikvah, with dedication opportunities available for those who wish to take a lasting part in this historic project.

“The community here has waited a long time for this,” said Rabbi Shemtov. “Every person who partners in it is building Jewish life in Northern Michigan for generations.”

To become a partner in bringing a Mikvah back to Northern Michigan, visit jewishtc.org/mikvah.

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