October 9, 2018

Three days before Yom Kippur, the Jewish community of Issaquah, WA joined to celebrate the Chanukas Habayis of a beautiful new mikvah.

Issaquah stands out on the North American map as a prestigious, fast growing community. Major corporate behemoths such as Microsoft, Amazon and Costco are headquartered in and around this Seattle suburb. Within the past decade or so, Issaquah’s Jewish community has grown from virtual nonexistence to a thriving community with a robust Chabad, under the leadership of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Berry Farkash. There is a growing local Jewish school and nearly 120 children, bli ayin hora, attended Gan Yisroel daycamp the past summer.

Now, a mikvah – the foundation of taharah, the foundation of Jewish continuity – is located in the heart of town as well. The mikvah is beautiful and spacious, making taharah pleasant for all and, furthermore, attractive to countless potential new observers. Previously, the nearest mikvah was in Seattle, a forty minute drive away.

A special guest at the event was Rabbi Farkash’s father, Rav Yekusiel Farkash shlit”a of Eretz Yisroel, a renowned talmid chacham and author of Sefer Taharah K’Halacha, among other seforim. The event was particularly poignant for the Farkash family, as the new mikvah is named “Mikvah Mei Rivkah” in memory of the Issaquah Rav’s sister, who was tragically nifteres last year.

Rav Yitzchok Bistritzky shlit”a, Founder and President of Mikvah USA, traveled to Issaquah during this hectic time of the year so that he can personally partake in the momentous event. Rav Bistritzky addressed the Issaquah community, pleading with them to make the most of this beautiful new addition. “Mikvah is the foundation of our People,” Rav Bistritzky exclaimed. “From generation to generation, we embrace it as holy and precious!”