Join Maayanot and TC Jewfolk's FolkLab for a social and educational evening! Learn mikveh basics and explore ritual immersion practices or delve deeper into Jewish texts related to mikveh. We will enjoy dips and sips – snacks and custom mocktails like Naked Negronis, Immersion Elixirs, and Seven Steps Spritzers.

We will offer two learning tracks:

Intro to Mikveh, taught by Rabbi Alexander Davis - For those who are new to mikveh, or looking for a refresher on the basics of immersion customs and practices.

Mikveh in Rabbinic Texts, taught by Sara Lynn Newberger - For those seeking to deepen their understanding of texts related to mikveh and unpack some of the intricate conversations around mikveh laws and traditions.

Date: Thursday, June 11th, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: This event will take place at The Hillel Jewish Student Center on the University of Minnesota campus (1521 University Ave SE, Minneapolis 55414). A parking voucher for a nearby parking ramp is included in the cost of your registration. 

Finances are not a barrier to participation.

Please reach out to Cantor Rachel Stock Spilker at rachel@maayanotmn.org for confidential support.

About the Instructors:

Alexander Davis is senior rabbi of Beth El Synagogue. He received his B.A. in German Studies from Grinnell College and in 1999 graduated from the Jewish Theological Seminary with rabbinic ordination and an M.A. in Jewish Education. When he is not learning or teaching Torah, he loves cooking and baking, travel and the arts. Rabbi Davis grew up in Portland, Oregon and lived in Jerusalem and New York City before moving with his wife to the Twin Cities. He is blessed to be the father of four boys.

Sara Lynn Newberger believes in bringing the voices of her students into dialogue with Jewish texts and traditions. This process can be empowering, community building, and may even be transformative. Sara Lynn worked for many years at the Talmud Torah of St. Paul as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, administrator and founding director of Hineni: Adult Jewish Learning and Contemplative Practices. Now in retirement, Sara Lynn continues to teach adults through FolkLab, a program of TCJewfolk. When she is not teaching, she enjoys volunteering at the Como Conservatory, gardening, and spending time outdoors. She and her partner, Barbie, are active at Beth Jacob Congregation and frequently travel to visit their granddaughters. 

"The old shall become new, and the new shall become holy."
-Rav Avraham Isaac Kook

Class Description:

The introspective month of Elul sets the stage for the work we do over the High Holy Days. It is a time of self-reflection, spiritual preparation, and intention setting. The ritual of mikveh immersion is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and is a powerful way for us to prepare ourselves for renewal and transformation.

Join TC Jewfolk's FolkLab and Maayanot at the lake on Thursday, August 13 to experience the transformative power of natural water.

Class Details:

Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026

Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM and 6:30 – 8:00 PM (two sessions)

Location: Minneapolis, location will be emailed to participants after registration

Cost: $36 Finances are not a barrier to participation. Please reach out to Cantor Rachel Stock Spilker at rachel@maayanotmn.org for confidential support.

What Past Participants Are Saying:

“In the water, it suddenly becomes clear what you need in that moment, and the space opens up to express it. The lake has space for all our infinite thoughts and intentions, no matter how many generations step into it to immerse.”