Through a number of diverse and inspirational programs, Nishmah brings together Jewish women from different denominations who otherwise may have never met. Together, these women learn from each other, connect and form bonds through faith and friendship. Nishmah creates the foundation for these Jewish connections that form outside the walls of a synagogue environment.
For more information on Nishmah programs for women, please contact Chelsea Leon, Nishmah Director, at 314.442.3111.
Studying the weekly Torah portion is a central Jewish practice. Each portion contains lessons for living that lift mind and spirit. This women’s class will meet each Thursday morning from 9-10am central time on Zoom. Rabbi Susan will offer traditional commentaries but also add the voices of women, both ancient and modern, who are often silenced. No Hebrew or background required. Our first class will be on October 12 as we begin the Book of Genesis together.
Nishmah’s Facebook group is an online extension of Nishmah’s mission to foster connections among Jewish women in St. Louis. We encourage members to share articles, upcoming events, book recommendations, etc…as well as start conversations and ask questions. Our hope is that members will play an active role in inspiring group conversation, learning, and engagement.
Especially during this time of social distancing when we are not having in-person programming, being part of this group ensures that you’ll be up to date with Nishmah’s online offerings.
Women in their 20s & 30s
We are excited to build a cohort of young women among the Nishmah community. Nerot offers specialized enhancements to existing Nishmah programming and mentorship and learning opportunities geared specifically to women in their 20s and 30s. If you are interested in getting involved, let us know!
Immerse: St. Louis Mikvah Project
Nishmah’s trained, volunteer mikvah guides facilitate welcoming, transformative and compassionate immersions for Jewish women seeking mikvah experiences of all forms. At Nishmah, we understand that moments of celebration, growth, transition and grief need a Jewish expression. We look to honor profound changes and acknowledge new stages of life by helping you connect spiritually to the ancient Jewish tradition of the ritual bath.
What is Mikvah?
Ritual immersion is an ancient part of Jewish tradition, noted in the Torah and in later Rabbinic sources. Even today, immersion in a mikvah is an act required by Jewish law for converts to Judaism, brides, and women observing “niddah”, the practice of immersing monthly following menstruation.
Mikvah has also been used for other non-requisite, spiritual purposes throughout Jewish history. For example, by men prior to Shabbat and the holidays or by women in the ninth month of pregnancy. Ritual immersion in a mikvah – a gathering of living water (mayyim hayyim) – marks a change in status. Immersions can mark life transitions such as weddings, births, healing from illness or trauma, significant birthdays, divorce, pregnancy loss, fertility struggles, and mourning.
What do we do?
Nishmah’s mikvah guides, in collaboration with the Sylvia Green Memorial Mikvah, welcome women in our community seeking meaningful immersions. An assigned guide will work with you to facilitate a supportive, safe immersion experience from start to finish. In addition, we provide suggested readings, blessings and a framework for one’s personal experience. Our goal is to connect you to this ancient Jewish tradition in a manner that feels relevant and significant to your life in the present.
