Laps in Pools v. Dips in Mikvahs

Some time ago, JTA reported that "Liberal men take the plunge into ritual immersion, slowly" -- Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist Jewish men were going to mikvah and finding it meaningful. Sue Fishkoff wondered why and so did I.

She ended her article with a quote from mikvah user and attorney Merrill Hassenfeld, “We’re always doing things for others, why don’t we set aside time to go to the mikvah?” he asked. “It prepares us to go out into the world and start yelling and screaming again.” (A greater non-sequiteur has never been uttered.)

Now, my confession. I am a mikvah pool addict. I am a serious lap swimmer. For the last 27 years my aim has been to try to swim a mile of laps every day. Finding the time. Finding a pool. Finding the energy. Not easy.

When I come out of my pool, I find that I feel healthier, more centered and completely relaxed. Swimming a mile in around 30 minutes is hard, aerobic work. That is what I have to invest to get results from my mikvah experience. I'm happy to hear that others can achieve their own "incredible" positive benefits from splashing around in a state of heightened imagination.

I been to pools to swim my laps all over the world. My most favorite pool was the Gordon Pool on Tel Aviv beach near the Sheraton, pictured from a few years ago.

It was one of the wonders of the world. Each night they emptied the entire 50 meter pool, cleaned it and refilled it from underground saltwater wells 120 meters below. The pool opened at 5 AM at 24 degrees, which was just fine for us serious lap swimmers.

Unfortunately, the Gordon pool was leveled in 2008 without warning by the city of Tel Aviv. They say it will reopen.