Mikva Chaya Mushka, originally built in New Orleans in 1989, opened its doors in May 2010 at its new location, the RINGGER Center.  Located on the Chabad Uptown campus, the RINGGER Women’s Enrichment Center, which houses the new mikvah, was conceived by Lee and Steve Rittvo just before Katrina.

In spite of all the challenges which followed, Lee and Steve Rittvo maintained their generous commitment to the NOLA Jewish community. They dedicated the RINGGER Center, honoring the matriarchs of their family, Selma Rittvo, Regina Nadel, Pearl Green, Sonia Geltzer, and Goldie Rittvo.

The center was decorated by local interior designer Vivian Cahn, who donated hundreds of hours to create a restful, spa-like ambiance for the mikvah tradition, a cornerstone of Jewish family life. She chose beautiful tiles and fixtures, favoring the work of local artisans which created a serene, private oasis for preparation and immersion in the mikva. Jerusalem Gold stone walls and floor surround the shimmering spaglass of the mikva pool. The warm, pristine water is maintained by a specialized filtration and heating system.

Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Chabad’s Mikva Chaya Mushka has been the only mikva in Louisiana. According to Jewish tradition, building a mikva takes precedence over building a synagogue or buying a Torah scroll.

The mikvah serves women from New Orleans and surrounding areas as far as Mississippi. When making travel plans, visitors from all over the world contact Chabad to confirm mikvah availability. Tulane University students study mikvah as part of the Sinai Scholars Program. Teens from local Sunday schools visit as well. The new reception area, with a lending library, creates a comfortable space for tours, private classes, and bridal celebrations.

The Horowitz family founded the Ruth Cohen Bridal Fund to help provide the floral bouquets, kosher champagne, and gifts for brides and new attendees.

New Orleans can proudly join the growing international list of cities with a modern mikvah. Of the 400 mikvahs in America, 120 were built in the last ten years.

For more information or to schedule your private or group tour, contact Rivka Kehaty at 504-931-4029 or Bluma Rivkin at 347-564-6525 or mikva@chabadneworleans.com.