Miraculous Rain Follows New Mikvah Dedication in Alma-Ata

Among events held in Almaty over Chof Av, the dedication of a new mikvah promised to benefit the local Jewish community. However, a weather concern threatened to delay its opening.

The mikvah was dedicated on Monday, Chof Av, the yahrzeit of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson. The facility had been thoughtfully designed and carefully constructed, but Almaty had experienced little rain for weeks, and rainwater was still needed to fill the otzar before it could become operational.

Kazakhstan's chief rabbi and head shliach, Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen, expressed his hope that rain would soon fall to allow the new mikvah to open without delay.

The facility occupies the ground floor of a residential building at the Chabad center, near Rabbi Levi Yitzchok's tziyun. It features a fully private entrance, an elegant reception area, several preparation rooms, a spacious bor tevilah and modern amenities. The mikvah was named Mikvah Chana, in memory of Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson.

The project was funded primarily by David and Sofia Yakubov of Moscow, who had previously experienced a personal miracle connected with a visit to Rabbi Levi Yitzchok's tziyun. The couple sought to express their gratitude through a lasting contribution to the local Jewish community. Construction took place over the past year.

The Yakubovs attended the dedication, and accompanied by Rabbi Cohen, unveiled the dedication plaque and toured the completed facility. They were joined by philanthropist R' Levi Leviev, who was honored with affixing the mezuzah at the mikvah's main entrance.

Women from the local community thanked the donors, explaining how the new mikvah would strengthen Jewish family life and meet the needs of a growing community. Although Almaty already had a functioning mikvah built approximately 30 years ago, the community's growth and increased demand necessitated a larger, more modern facility.

Additional mezuzahs were affixed during the annual central farbrengen, attended by hundreds of Jews from communities throughout the country. Those honored included various rabbis and community leaders from across the region and beyond.

Speaking at the event, Leviev recalled the sacrifice displayed by his mother, grandmother and countless Jews throughout the former Soviet Union to observe the mitzvah of mikvah under Communist persecution. Yakubov expressed his gratitude for the privilege of taking part in such a central mitzvah. Rabbi Cohen told the donors that the new mikvah would bring tremendous nachas to Rabbi Levi Yitzchok, Rebbetzin Chana and their son, the Rebbe.

Two hours after the central farbrengen concluded, heavy rain began to fall over Almaty.