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.
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 inspire reflection, renewal, and joy through sacred immersion, mindful wellness and the celebration of life’s transitions.
We provide a compassionate, accessible environment where individuals and families can explore Jewish customs, personal meaning, and spiritual growth. We strive to be inclusive of Jews of all ages, denominations, genders, abilities, cultures, and socio-economic and geographic backgrounds.
Vision
To embrace the resurgence of an ancient custom and bring it to modern life by creating a sacred space where reflection deepens connection, renewal awakens joy, and ritual becomes a living source of healing and wholeness. To become the premier open mikvah in Los Angeles, welcoming all Jews and providing immersive, educational, and transformative experiences.
The mikvah is one of Judaism’s most ancient and transformative practices — a source of renewal, reflection, and connection. At Maaleh Hayim, we honor that tradition while bringing creativity and relevance to the experience. Our programs invite people of all backgrounds to explore how ritual can support personal transitions, healing, and belonging.
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
Co-Founder
Jessica Sneider
Co-Founder
Cassie Weinstock
Strategic Consultant