Breast Cancer and the Mikveh: Meeting the Needs of Those Facing Cancer

A Rising Tide Open Waters Mikveh Network workshop with Sharsheret 

Wednesday, July 20 at 1:30 – 2:45pm ET / 12:30 – 1:45pm CT / 10:30 – 11:45am PT 

“Using the Mikvah for the first time after surgery was an emotional experience.  Standing alone in the mirrored and brightly-lit preparation room, I was anxious about the attendant’s reaction upon seeing my scars.  I carefully warned her, even though at the time it was difficult for me to discuss my diagnosis. How much more whole I felt after each Mikvah visit, when the gentle attendants treated me just like they always had before.” 

–Breast Cancer Survivor and Sharsheret Caller 

Breast cancer affects all aspects of a person’s life, including physical, emotional and spiritual.  

Mikveh Guides can greatly enhance the mikveh experience for these people, during a very difficult time, by increasing their level of understanding and preparedness. 

Join the Rising Tide Open Waters Mikveh Network and Sharsheret on Wednesday, July 20 at 1:30 – 2:45pm ET / 12:30 – 1:45pm CT / 10:30 – 11:45am PT for a virtual seminar about the issues that impact Jewish women facing breast cancer. 

Some of the topics we will cover together include: 

• Body Image 
• Side Effects of Cancer Treatments 
• Privacy Concerns 
• The Marital Relationship 

• The Healing Experience of the Mikveh 
• How Mikveh Guides Can Help 

Gain new skills and knowledge to create a more inclusive, welcoming, and healing mikveh experience for people with breast cancer. 

This seminar is FREE for Rising Tide Community Members and Mikveh Guide Members. For non-members, the cost is $36. Learn about Rising Tide membership here. Need-based financial aid is available; please email lucym@mayyimhayyim.org.  

About the facilitator:

Melissa K. Rosen, Sharsheret’s Director of Training and Education – Melissa holds a master’s degree in Jewish Communal Service from Brandeis University and has been working in the non-profit sector for over 30 years.  Her professional experience includes informal education and programming, advocacy, and community outreach. Melissa’s work has allowed her to facilitate unique and lasting connections among organizations in the diverse American Jewish community. 

Melissa oversees community education throughout the country, training health care professionals, Jewish professionals, and Sharsheret’s volunteers. She also manages the Sharsheret’s Community Partnerships.  Herself a two-time cancer survivor, she is passionate about the Jewish community and cancer support and advocacy.