SAN DIEGO (Press Release)–The Waters of Eden Board of Directors has passed a resolution stating that the Waters of Eden Mikvah and Educational Center would not build its facility at the base of Cowles Mountain, adjacent to Tifereth Israel. The Waters of Eden Board Resolution was based upon the financial feasibility of constructing the complex at this site.
The Board, at its Feb 9 meeting, stated that it remains committed to searching for an alternative site to build a permanent home for Waters of Eden. The organization’s separately funded programming will continue, including its monthly Healing Circles, Rosh Chodesh celebrations, upcoming mikvah guide training, and Splash! honoring Rabbi Lenore Bohm for 30 years of service to the community.
Four years after Anita Diamant spoke in San Diego and inspired the creation of Waters of Eden the organization has developed into a vibrant non-profit organization with a visionary Board of Directors and unique program offerings. All the while, the Capital Campaign Committee has worked to secure the funds necessary to build its inspirational home at the base of Cowles Mountain. Over the past few months, it has become clear that due to many construction obstacles, this original vision will not come to be.
Waters of Eden acknowledges the partnership of Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal, Tifereth Israel Synagogue Rabbi, Dr. Seth Krosner, Tifereth Israel Synagogue President, and Ellen Fabrikant, Tifereth Israel Synagogue representative on the Waters of Eden Board of Directors. Each has spent endless hours working towards a shared vision.
Waters of Eden Founding President, Lisa Braun-Glazer, Ph.D. stated: “At our site ‘dedication’ on March 15, 2010, we spoke about Waters of Eden as a place for inspiration, healing, transformation, spirituality, and renewal. Although Waters of Eden will not rise on that site, we all remain committed to making this vision a reality.”
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Preceding provided by Waters of Eden
The mission of Waters of Eden is to reclaim the ancient Jewish ritual of mikvah for contemporary uses, to teach about the beauty of immersion and its power to sanctify life’s passages, and to create a sacred space that is open and accessible to all Jews and to those choosing Judaism, regardless of affiliation or background. Waters of Eden will provide a unique center for Jewish continuity, spirituality, renewal, and learning for the greater San Diego community of the 21st century in all its diversity.