This course offers Israel Ministry of Religious Affairs certification as well as a broad view of the crisis situations and halakhic, personal, and medical issues that can arise at the mikveh.
A mikveh attendant ensures a Jewish woman has completely immersed in the ritual bath. Thousands of women visit the mikveh on a monthly basis, and the mikveh attendant often finds herself face-to-face with signs of crisis in the lives of the women in her community, due to the more intimate nature of the mikveh. Traditionally, mikveh attendants have been trained purely on the halakhic (Jewish legal) aspects of immersion and may lack the necessary skills to handle sensitive, dangerous or even potentially life-threatening situations – such as abuse or health concerns. With appropriate training, the attendants have the potential to be change agents and resources to the women of their communities.
The Eden Center ‘s Mikveh Attendant Training Program combines knowledge of the halakha, understanding of an attendant’s role, and practical guidance with a broad view of the emotional, women’s health and crisis issues that can come to light at the mikveh. The training gives attendants tools to identify and sensitively approach issues such as domestic violence, postpartum depression, infertility and miscarriage, disability, mental health, and other personal issues. In addition, the program emphasizes sensitivity and inclusion; attendants learn how to “give space” and recognize the different needs of the range of women who use the mikveh to improve the mikveh experience.
The course is 16 weeks. It is currently offered online.
The program has certification from the Israeli Ministry of Religious Affairs, and all participants will receive a certificate of graduation approved by the Ministry.
