Mikvah Supervisor Course
B”H
A program of the “HAVINEINI” Institute for the study of the subject of mikvaos and the training of mikvah supervisors with Rabbi Sholom Ber Shuchat, Dayan at the Igud Rabbanim and Rosh Kolel “Hora’ah Ma’asit , in collaboration with the “Chabad Mikvaos Center” under the auspices of Beis Din Rabbonei Chabad, and in collaboration with the “Taharem” organization.
GOALS OF THE COURSE
Mikvah is a subject that on the one hand requires a comprehensive knowledge of Halacha, because of the importance of fulfilling the stringencies of all opinions. For this purpose, the study of the Tur and Shulchan Aruch together with the responsa of the generations of Poskim is essential. Yet, on the other hand it requires practical knowledge and hands-on experience in the modern-day field of mikvaos.
Great Rabonim of previous generations have already established that a mikvah should not be operated without a halakhic authority that is associated with the construction and management of the mikvah. Therefore, every decision on this issue should be made by rabbis who are experts in this field.
With the developments in the world of technology and the compounds of various materials used in construction, in recent years – there exists a need to deal with new challenges and find contemporary solutions. A situation has arisen in which there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of issues existing between Jewish law and the practicality of constructing a modern-day mikvah. Today, more than in the past, it has become necessary to address essential everyday issues that need to be learned and deduced from Jewish law that deal with life and death, literally. In light of these facts, the program for the training of mikvah supervisors was developed in order to provide practical knowledge in this field.
The course is intended to provide halakhic and practical knowledge in every subject related to the construction and management of mikvaos, from the basics of the mishnah to the case laws as practiced in our generation, all with practical advice from experts in the construction of mikvaos.
We have put a lot of effort into managing the material and making the complex laws accessible in an easy, simple, and concise way. The course is accompanied by visually stunning presentations to help organize and illustrate the material.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COURSE?
The course is divided into two parts:
Part A, Course – Certified Mikvah Supervisor
The course includes 16 lessons
12 lessons are dedicated to study of the basics of the Halacha and practical rulings with Rabbi Sholom Ber Shuchat, Dayan at the Igud Rabbanim and Rosh Kolel “Hora’ah Ma’asit.”
The lesson subjects are as follows:
Lesson 1: Ma’ayan and Bor – Short review of mikvaos past and present including immersion in rivers and a presentation of common methods related to mikvaos today.
Lesson 2: Familiarity with the 10 factors that invalidate a mikvah and a presentation of the modern structure of a mikvah – roof, channels and immersion pit.
Construction of the Mikvah
Lesson 3: The area of the boros, measurements of length and width of the mikvah including the volume of water needed and the stringencies necessary to prevent invalidation of the immersion of vessels.
Lesson 4: Zochlin: A presentation of problems and slutions of “Zechila” as it relates to the construction of the mikvah. “Zechila” problems that arise in the daily operation of a mikvah and solutions to them.
Collection and Directing of Rainwater
Lesson 5: “Shauvin”: Dealing with problems that arise in directing rainwater, prevention of invalidation due to “3 lugin” when filling the mikvah.
Lesson 6: “Heviyato B’Tahara”: Preparation of the roof and water channels in accordance with Halacha. Stringencies necessary in this regard during construction.
Methods of “Hachsharat Mayim Shauvim” – Methods and Solutions
Lesson 7: “Natan Se’ah, V’Natal Se’ah”: Presentation of the problem, solutions in the Mishnah and halacha and contemporary rulings.
Lesson 8: “Otzar Hashaka”: Presentation and elucidation of the method – in-depth and practical. Problems and invalidations arising with the method of “Hashaka.”
Lesson 9: “Otzar Zeria”: Presentation and elucidation of the method – in-depth and practical. Problems and invalidations arising with the method of “Zeria.”
Lesson 10: “Otzar Chabad”: Presentation and elucidation if the method. In-depth and practical. Short review of the Rostov mikvah.
The Halachic Operation of a Mikvah
Lesson 11: Hiddurim in the Chabad mikvah according to the guidelines and instructions of Raboseinu Nesieinu.
Lesson 12: Operating a mikvah and the prevention of and solution to problems that arise. Drainage and cleaning, possible solutions for places without the option of rainwater.
There will also be 4 additional lessons:
One lesson will be presented by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Glukowsky, vice secretary of Beis Din Rabonei Chabad of Israel – Common problems arising in modern day mikvaos.
Another lesson will be presented by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Faigelshtok, mikvah expert and Rabbi of the Chabad community of Buenos Aires, Argentina – Unique solutions for the modern mikvah.
Rabbi faigelshtok will present another lesson on the subject of – Health and safety during the Covid-19 pandemic. How to prevent transmission of the virus in the mikvah and the use of kosher filtration systems.
Who is the Course Intended for?
The course’s target audience is community rabbis and shluchim and avrechim who are interested in knowing the laws of mikvah in all their details. The course is especially suitable for those who are interested in overseeing the construction or renovation of a mikvah or operating an existing mikvah. The situation on the ground is that there are many mikvaos that are in need of general renovation, and professionals are needed to oversee the process of constructing and renovating the mikvah. This is a great opportunity to consider a career change and to acquire a sought-after Torah based profession!
It should be noted that based on experience, familiarity and knowledge of the structure of a mikvah and the solutions for various problems, often leads to the upgrade of existing mikvaos to a higher level of hidur.
Cost
The cost of this part of the course is $1000.
Parallel In-depth Study to Part 1 of the “Certified Mikvah Supervisor” Course:
An optional study track running parallel with the main course is offered to those who want to deepen their knowledge of the material of the laws of mikvah. This track requires students to learn Siman 201 of Shulchan Aruch with all its Si’ifim.
The study will be conducted utilizing an especially designed booklet for the course that includes a clear and exhaustive summary of the Rishonim, Tur, Beis Yosef, Shulchan Aruch and its commentaries including resposa of the later Poskim. Emphasis has been placed on summarizing and reviewing the different opinions in an innovative way that helps memorize the course material, such that individual students with limited time to study halacha can acquire broad and proficient knowledge in a short time.
This study track is suitable for preparation for the Chief Rabbinate exams, and is divided into weekly study sessions with summary questions that help the study and memorization of the material. This track includes individual guidance and immediate response to questions and inquiries related to the material. At the conclusion of study, the institute will hold exams for all participants.
Cost
This parallel study track of the course is an additional $350
Certification
Course participants who pass the exam including the Shulchan Aruch study, will receive a certificate of achievement as a “Certified Mikvah Supervisor.”
Certification is contingent on “Shimush” and subject to the consideration of the rabbis of the institute.
Part B, Course – Certified Mikvah Construction Consultant
This part of the course is intended for those who oversee the construction of a mikvah, and are interested in obtaining the halakhic and practical knowledge required for the purpose of designing and building a mikvah.
This part of the course is divided into 6 lessons
Three lessons will be delivered by Rabbi Moshe Goldberg, Mikveh architect and CEO of the “Taharem” organization. These lessons will provide practical guidance for the process of designing and building a mikvah. Lessons are accompanied by especially designed 3D presentations. The 3 lessons are as follows:
- Mikvah Architecture – General mikvah design, designing the immersion pit and rainwater tank, water channels, reserve tank and Keli mikvah.
- Mikvah Construction – Excavation of immersion pit, casting the mikvah by stage, sealing, testing for quality control, finishing and installation (plumbing and electric).
One lesson will be presented by Mikveh architect, Rabbi Elozor Raichik – Practical guidance, and the Rebbe’s instructions related to the process of building a mikvah.
Another lesson will be presented by Rabbi Gershon Grossbaum – The procedure of building a Mikvah from the decision to build until completion.
Another lesson will be presented by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Raskin – Halakhic and practical guidance during the mikvah design and construction phases. Lesson will be accompanied by photos of mikvahs at different stages of construction.
Certification
Those who succeed at this stage of the course and pass a final test, will receive a special certificate from a “certified mikvah construction consultant”.
Course participants who pass the concluding exam, will receive a certificate of achievement as a “Certified Mikvah Construction Consultant.”
Cost
The cost of this part of the course is $350
