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The Eden Center’s blog brings women’s voices to the fore discussing mikveh, women’s health, intimacy and more.

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We love to raise awareness and present various voices on topics related to The Eden Center mission. Below are an array of blogs on mikveh, sexuality, marriage, women’s health, body image, parenting, and Taharat Hamishpacha.

This blog invites readers to submit their experience with mikveh and the laws of niddah in order to raise awareness to the range of feelings and experiences in the community. The Eden Center does not endorse positions stated in blogs, but allows authors’ voices to be heard on this platform. For blogs dealing with halakhic topics, we encourage each person to consult their own halakhic authority for clarification.

We value your feedback and submissions.

That One Time I Loved Niddah

By |December 26th, 2017|

I’m torn between mourning for a missed opportunity, the relief of a brand new beginning, and the celebration I used to feel at the end of niddah, before the infertility monster reared its ugly head.

Near Sighted at the Mikveh

By |December 25th, 2017|

It’s the little things that sometimes jump out to make me realize that I don’t see quite as well as others. A few times I have asked the mikveh lady why they don’t have the bracha printed on the wall, and laughed when she said, “it’s right there on the wall.” I know that etched glass and silver with white are “in,” but in all honesty, I can’t see them. And while I laugh, printing the words a contrasting color would make it so much easier for me, and I’m sure many others.   The less I need to ask for help, for me the better.  

Harchakot are Hard

By |December 11th, 2017|

‘The harchakot are hard’.This is true. However, complete the thought: : ‘The fact that this is hard means I deeply  love my spouse, and I am grateful for that awareness,’ or ‘I am going to use this opportunity to show love in new and creative ways, maybe in conversation or through a small act of love that only my spouse will understand,’ or ‘This separation is a way for me to care for myself, a Shabbat for my body that reminds me to practice self-care and that rejuvenates me to give with a full heart’?

The Sound of Water

By |December 4th, 2017|

Practical take-aways for mikveh attendants: 1-There's a lot of anxiety for a woman who can't hear all the things that happen around her. Make sure she knows that you're there with her and you'll be patient. 2- Make a thumbs up to let her know her immersion was complete.  Or wait to say “kosher” until she's completely out of the water and has turned around to face you to see your lips and hands.  Perhaps hold up a sign that says kasher.  Best if this worked out before she removes her hearing aides. 3- Have the bracha and the יהי רצון on the wall or printed on a laminated paper. Having to repeat after the balanit is difficult and disempowering. 4- When designing a mikveh, see if it's practical to put in a call button with a light so that the deaf person can know when she's being called to come out. 5- The deaf tovelet is/may be depending on you for the cues of how to proceed.  Make sure you're clear and direct her not only with words but also with signs/motioning/body language.  If you are speaking to her make sure she can see your lips.  Especially because she is usually equipped with hearing devices, she is not a pro at reading other cues so help her as best as you can.

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We love to hear varied voices and learn from your experiences regarding mikveh, taharat hamishpacha, marriage, intimacy and beyond.

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