With great excitement, we announce that construction of the Tuchman Family Mikvah began yesterday, Tuesday, January 16. This supremely meaningful project is thanks to the magnanimous gift from Hampton Synagogue Honorary President Morris “Moish” & Judy Tuchman.

A mikvah is a Jewish ritual bath designed for the purpose of immersion to achieve a state of purity. It has particular application for the observance of Jewish family purity and as part of the process of conversion to Judaism. The construction of a mikvah therefore reflects our dedication to the continued spiritual growth of our congregation, from generation to generation.

The Tuchman Family Mikvah building will include, in addition to the artistically-designed ritual immersion bath itself, luxurious preparatory and waiting rooms. A second floor will contain a full attendant’s apartment. The mikvah entranceway will be framed by an elegant veranda. The building will also feature a second ritual pool, a dedicated kelim mikvah, to facilitate the practice of toveling, immersing metal or glass cooking and dining utensils.

The construction of the Tuchman Family Mikvah celebrates a significant milestone for our congregation. As Rabbi Marc Schneier reflected from the pulpit last Shabbat, the construction of a mikvah enjoys a special preeminence in Judaism, greater than the building of a synagogue, school, or community center. We are honored that Harav Yirmiyahu Katz, renowned as the leading authority on mikvah construction and maintenance in the United States, is our halachic consultant and supervising rabbi.

In addition, thanks to the visionary generosity of Hampton Synagogue Benefactors Gillian & Simon Salama-Caro, Robert Indiana’s iconic “AHAVA/LOVE” sculpture will be placed in the beautiful garden in front of the mikvah’s veranda. The presence of this sculpture, unique among synagogues throughout the world, complementing the singular Chihuly glass installations in the Barnet Family Children’s Chapel at Jack’s House, will further enhance and elevate the prestige of The Hampton Synagogue.

Mikvah construction is scheduled to conclude by Memorial Day weekend, and the formal dedication will take place on Independence Day weekend, Sunday, July 7. We invite you to follow with pride and distinction our regular progress reports as construction of the Tuchman Family Mikvah continues through the winter and spring.