ABOUT

The Adam R. Straus Memorial Mikvah is an Orthodox mikvah that is open to the entire Jewish community. We welcome those who want to perform the mitzvah of immersion in the mikvah, and our mikvah attendants are here to assist you and support you during the process.

The Mikvah is located within the Anshe Sholom building. There is a separate entrance through a glass door on the back wall of the shul. NOTE: This mikvah is not used for conversions.

The Mikvah aims to provide a warm and inviting spa-like atmosphere to help women relax and rejuvenate. The Mediterranean-influenced décor features luxurious finishes such as granite countertops, porcelain stone floors, Jerusalem stone-style walls, and Zuma Airbath tubs. The vacility has a waiting room, two preparation rooms and one immersion pool. Our facilities are handicapped accessible.

There is parking for Mikvah users at the western-most end of the parking lot. To ensure the privacy of our Mikvah users, we ask that no one wait in in the parking lot during mikvah hours. Instead, please wait on Melrose Street or in the shul.

Our mikvah conforms to the strictest Orthodox standards for kosher mikvahs, including Lubavitch standards.

The mikvah is staffed by volunteer women from the community. A Mikvah Attendant’s role is to facilitate a woman’s immersion. The attendants have been specially trained to provide privacy, respect, and comfort to women using the mikvah. If you are interested in volunteering as a Mikvah Attendant, email mikvah@asbi.org.

IN MEMORY OF ADAM R. STRAUS: Adam R. Straus was a talented young man who had an unwavering love for and commitment to Judaism. His life was tragically cut short, but he has left behind a legacy for Jewish education and spirituality. This mikvah is one way in which his legacy will be fulfilled.
 

APPOINTMENTS

The Mikvah is open every night by appointment only. Please email mikvah.asbi@gmail.com at least 48 hours in advance to schedule an appointment. Please indicate in your email how you would like to be contacted, and we will be in touch as promptly as possible to confirm your appointment time. Our volunteer attendants will do their best to accommodate the schedule of those who wish to immerse. 

Our Mikvah welcomes brides and grooms who wish to immerse in advance of their weddings. If you need a daytime appointment, please contact us at least one week in advance.
 

MEN'S HOURS

The Mikvah is open for men who would like to immerse during the day. Please email mikvah.asbi@gmail.com at least 48 hours in advance to schedule an appointment. The fee is $25. Men are requested to bring a towel.
 

MIKVAH GUIDANCE

For a guide to immersing in the mikvah, click here. 

If you have halakhic questions about mikvah use, you can contact our mikvah's halakhic advisor Sara Wolkenfeld at sarawolkenfeld@gmail.com. All other questions should be directed to mikvah.asbi@gmail.com.

SHALVA offers free confidential domestic abuse counseling services to the Chicago Jewish Community. SHALVA provides culturally sensitive services in a safe and caring environment. SHALVA operates a hotline at: 773-583-HOPE (4673).
 

PAYMENT

Payments to the Adam R. Straus Mikvah should be made via the form below or click here.

If you cannot pay at the time of service, simply send payment at your convenience. No one will be turned away for lack of payment.

Basic preparation items are provided (ex. shampoo, makeup and nail polish remover, cotton swabs). Additional personal items are available for purchase (ex. comb, toothbrush, bedikah cloths, razors).

• Basic Appointment (includes towels and robe): $25.00
• Bridal Appointment (includes towels, robe and bridal kit): $36.00
• Annual Membership (up to 30 Mikvah visits for one year): $200.00
• Annual Membership (over 30 Mikvah visits for one year): $360.00

KELIM MIKVAH

Kelim (vessels) made of metal or glass (and, according to some opinions, glazed china) are immersed in the Mikvah to prepare them for use in a Jewish home. The Kelim Mikvah has a designated entrance on the east side of the building and can be used any time during daylight hours. A code is required to gain access to the Kelim Mikvah. Please email shul@asbi.org at least 24 hours in advance to receive an entry code.