Mikveh Department

Considering the many requests made by community rabbis, the Executive of the Conference of European Rabbis decided to renew the Information Bureau's activity on the Mikveh site.

The Mikveh, a cornerstone of the sanctity of the people of Israel, holds a profound historical significance. Since time immemorial, our people have upheld the laws of Mikvehs with meticulous care, underscoring its enduring importance and invoking a sense of reverence and respect in the community rabbis and members.

The Mishna in Tractate Yoma: “Rabbi Akiva said, Blessed are you, Israel, before whom you purify, and who purifies you, Your Father in heaven, etc., and says Mikveh Yisrael Hashem what purifies the impure even the Holy One purifies Israel”

Some ask: Why did Chazal imagine the purity of Israel as a Mikveh and not as a spring? Is the spring purifying more than one degree from a Mikvah? We answer that the division between the spring and the Mikveh is that the spring is made by Heaven, the Mikveh is done by man, and the water comes from heaven. This indicates that man's preoccupation with Israel's purity is given into his hands; it is a holy obligation to sanctify and take care of the building of Mikvehs, from which holiness comes forth to Yisrael.

For generations, community rabbis worldwide have been at the forefront of the Mikveh's importance, dedicating themselves to building and supervising its observance. Their continuous and unwavering efforts to add upgrades and regulations to satisfy all opinions are crucial in ensuring the wholeness and correction of the Purity of Yisrael, making them an integral part of this sacred process.

Today, community rabbis' sacred duty is to be vigilant in the construction and maintenance of Mikvehs. Whether building a new one, renovating an existing one, or ensuring ongoing maintenance, community rabbis are at the forefront. Their involvement in the development of methods, construction, and the introduction of new materials is a testament to their great practical knowledge and responsibility in this field. Even in the old Mikveh, built long ago, the need for occasional repairs and renovations is a reality. We understand that these tasks require supervision and practical technical knowledge, and we want to reassure you that we are here to support you in these endeavours, ensuring you can carry out your duties with confidence and reassurance.

The Mikveh Department of the Conference of European Rabbis stands ready to support community rabbis in their sacred mission. Offering professional services in ritual baths based on the extensive experience of dozens of Mikvehs throughout Europe and hundreds of ritual baths in the USA, the Department is a valuable resource for all community rabbis.

The department cooperates with the Centre for Family Purity in the United States in consultation with the leading authorities in Mikvehs.

AVAILABLE SERVICES

• Examining the possibility of building a new Mikveh.
• Initial planning and preparation of a fundraising proposal
• Detailed planning of the new Mikveh.
• Examination of plans of the local architects for all stages of construction.
• Accompanying the construction of the Mikveh, including supervision of all stages of building.
• Examination of an existing Mikveh and guidance for renovation and halakhic upgrading.
• Conducting training sessions for women working in the Mikveh.

2024 ACHIEVEMENTS

• Final examination and inauguration of a new Mikveh in Yaroslavl, Russia.
• Supervise the construction of the new Mikveh in Vitebsk - Belarus.
• Final examination and inauguration of a new Mikveh in Pyatigorsk, Russia.
• Examination of the old Mikveh in Minsk and a preliminary plan for renovating the Mikvah.
• Initial planning for a Mikveh in Antwerp - Belgium.
• Accompanying the construction of the new Mikveh in Kaunas, Lithuania.
• Planning a new Mikveh in Izmir, Turkey.
• Supervise and consult for the restoration of the old Mikveh in Wroclaw, Poland.
• Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
• Vilnius (Vilna), Lithuania.
• Mannheim, Germany.
• Minsk, Belarus.
• Bucharest, Romania.

We turn to the community rabbis to avail themselves of the Department of Mikveh of the Conference of European Rabbis services.

For all your requests, please contact us: ostashinsky@rabbiscer.org

Mohel Department

The CER’s Mohel Department is committed to ensuring that every Jewish male can have a Brit Milah performed by a qualified and G-d fearing mohel while maintaining the highest medical standards.

In the past decade, various European entities have increasingly attempted to restrict or ban circumcision. In response to these challenges, the CER established the Union of Mohalim in Europe (UME) in 2013.

In the past decade, various European entities have increasingly attempted to restrict or ban circumcision. In response to these challenges, the CER established the Union of Mohalim in Europe (UME) in 2013.

UME Goals

• Maintain high medical and halachic standards for circumcision in Europe.
• Provide professional training and logistical support to Mohalim in Europe.
• Offer legal information to those travelling for circumcisions within Europe.
• Assist with the placement of Mohalim in Europe, particularly in remote areas and communities lacking local Mohalim.

Kashrut Department

The CER is dedicated to ensuring that kosher food is both accessible and affordable across Europe while also addressing the needs of communities that lack established kosher certification bodies.

The CER is dedicated to ensuring that kosher food is both accessible and affordable across Europe while also addressing the needs of communities that lack established kosher certification bodies.

Please note that the supervision and level of kashrut in these lists are solely the responsibility of the local rabbinates. The CER does not imply endorsement or recommendation of any products or services listed.

Stam Department

The CER’s Mohel Department is committed to ensuring that every Jewish male can have a Brit Milah performed by a qualified and G-d fearing mohel while maintaining the highest medical standards.

In the past decade, various European entities have increasingly attempted to restrict or ban circumcision. In response to these challenges, the CER established the Union of Mohalim in Europe (UME) in 2015.

In the past decade, various European entities have increasingly attempted to restrict or ban circumcision. In response to these challenges, the CER established the Union of Mohalim in Europe (UME) in 2013.

KEY SERVICES

Pre-purchase Consultation for Torah Scrolls - Free via Email:

• Quality inspection of writing.
• Contract assistance with the scribe.
• Halachic guidance on Torah scrolls faults.

Torah Scroll Services – Via Email, at €95:

• Initial assessment of the Torah scroll's condition: origin, age, and quality of writing.
• Electronic registration and coding for theft and forgery prevention.
• Issuance of ownership certificates for Torah scroll owners.

Torah Scroll Inspection – On-site Visit at €190:

• Comprehensive Torah scroll inspection, valuation, coding, issuance of ownership certificates and repair cost estimates (minor repairs included in the visit cost).
• Optional mezuzah inspections at €8 per mezuzah during the visit.
• Inspection costs exclude travel, accommodation, and kosher food expenses.

Contact: aostashinsky@rabbiscer.org