about

Maaleh Hayim

​​We are creating a communal gathering space and open mikvah that celebrates Jewish customs, personal reflection and spiritual growth.

Maaleh Hayim is a welcoming home where ancient Jewish wisdom meets modern life. We create unique, personalized and compassionate experiences for reflection, healing, and celebration, inviting individuals, families and friends to reconnect with what is sacred and meaningful.

Group gathered together outdoors at Maaleh Hayim

Addressing a Need

Our community faces an inherent and growing need for a mikvah and wellness center that truly welcomes everyone — regardless of observance level, background, gender, or purpose of immersion. For many, the mikvah remains an underutilized spiritual resource, often perceived as limited to specific religious observance rather than as the deeply restorative, universally meaningful ritual it was intended to be.

Modern life has created an increasing need for spaces of renewal — where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and engage in practices that nurture both physical and spiritual well-being. Our Mikvah embraces all reasons for immersion from conversions, to marking life’s transitions, to seeking healing, renewal, or simple reflection.

Mission

To create a sacred space where all Jews can honor life’s transitions and milestones to experience reflection, renewal, and transformation through immersion.

Vision

We envision a vibrant community mikvah that provides immersive, educational, and transformative experiences. Embracing the resurgence of an ancient ritual creates a sacred space where refection deepens connection, renewal awakens joy, and ritual becomes a living source of healing and wholeness.

Mikvah is one of Judaism’s most ancient and transformative practices — a source of renewal, reflection, and connection. Maaleh Hayim, honors that tradition while bringing relevance and inspiration to the experience. We invite Jews of all backgrounds to explore how ritual can support personal transitions, healing, and belonging.

Heidi Monkarsh and Jessica Sneider standing together at Maaleh Hayim

meet our

founders

Years ago, Heidi and Jessica walked the same college campus, sharing dreams, deep conversations, and a love for Jewish learning. Life took them in different directions, yet their paths kept crossing, quiet reminders that something deeper connected them.

Years later, through a women’s Torah study group, they reconnected with fresh purpose. Inspired by ancient wisdom and a deep love for community, they dreamed of creating a modern mikvah — a sacred space where all Jews could come to reflect, renew, and rejoice.

Maaleh Hayim was born from their friendship, their faith, and a deep belief that sacred spaces should welcome everyone.

We invite you to step into the waters — and be part of the journey.

Leadership

Heidi Monkarsh, Maaleh Hayim Co-Founder

Heidi Monkarsh

Co-Founder

Jessica Sneider, Maaleh Hayim Co-Founder

Jessica Sneider

Co-Founder

Cassie Weinstock, Maaleh Hayim Strategic Consultant

Cassie Weinstock

Strategic Consultant