Some of the most common reasons to visit include:

Conversion to Judaism

The AJU Community Mikvah is the only kosher mikveh available for non-Orthodox conversion in the Pacific Southwest. We partner with the Rabbinical Assembly Bet Din (Conservative) and the Sandra Caplan Community Beit Din (Non-denominational), as well as rabbis of all the Jewish denominations, to welcome candidates for conversion.

To learn more about preparing for conversion to Judaism, visit AJU’s Miller Introduction to Judaism Program.

Preparing for the Birth of a Child (Blessingway Ceremony)

The Community Mikvah offers a ceremony before the birth of a child that we call a blessingway. The ceremony usually occurs during the eighth or ninth month of pregnancy, and is an opportunity for the parents and unborn child to receive blessings for health and ease of delivery. The term “blessingway” derives from the Navajo culture, but is rooted in Jewish texts and traditions.

Preparing for Marriage (All Genders)

Immersing in the mikvah prior to marriage is an opportunity for both brides and grooms to transition from their single lives into the life of a married person. The Community Mikvah offers a quiet oasis before the public ceremony to set a personal intention for your partnership. You are welcome to come alone for a solitary ceremony at the mikveh or invite those that are significant to you to share in this joyful moment with you.

Taharat haMishpacha

The Community Mikvah at American Jewish University offers a half-hour appointment to those who observe the laws of niddah or monthly family purity. Traditionally, Jewish couples refrain from intimacy during the menstrual period. Immersing in the mikvah marks the point at which the couple may resume intimacy. For monthly users of the mikvah we offer an annual pass that greatly reduces the fee for use.

Other reasons that people visit the mikvah include:

  • Celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc.)
  • Illness and Healing (diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgery, sober milestones, etc.)
  • Personal Transitions (retirement, divorce, coming out, gender transitions, etc.)
  • Fertility (fertility treatments, pregnancy loss, adoption, surrogacy, etc.)
  • Bar/Bat Mitzvah
  • Rabbinic/Cantorial Ordination
  • Shabbat and Holidays (especially Yom Kippur and Pesach)

Or, anytime you feel you need a fresh start or a new perspective.