About 150-175 converts use the mikvah at Congegation Beth Achim each year. Reform tradition does not re- quire use of the ritual bath for conversion, nor demand adher- ence to purity laws, which state that a woman visit the mikvah following her period. However, Reform rabbis report more individuals are choosing to use the mikvah in their conver- sions. Rabbi Daniel Polish of Temple Beth El performs between 20 and 30 conversions each year. About half of those individuals choose to include mikvah in the ritual. "I think it's a way of physical- ly acting out the spiritual drama of conversion," Rabbi Polish said. "I think it's very imaginative thinking on the part of Temple Israel and I commend them for responding to a need." Rabbi Polish said he has not given much consideration to us- ing the Temple Israel mikvah (slated for completion this fall) versus Beth Achim's ritual bath. Convenience will most likely dic- tate conversion location. The Temple Israel mikvah could especially benefit nearby congregations like Temple Kol Ami, Congregation B'nai Moshe and Shaarey Zedek B'nai Israel Center. However, rabbis are hes- itant to make any hard decisions regarding use of the new mikvah. "First, it has to meet halachic standards. I'm no expert, but there are specifications as to the collection of rain water for a mik- vah. I'm inclined to support the Conservative synagogue first, though," said Rabbi Elliot Pachter of Congregation B'nai Moshe. "My hope is that the mik- vah will meet all halachic re- quirements. If so, it will show the ability of movements to work to- gether." Temple Israel Rabbi Paul Yed- wab said the mikvah will follow all the laws of Halachah. 'We're studying Halachah and the mikvah will be kosher. The Conservative rabbinate will have to make their own decisions (whether or not to use it), Rabbi Yedwab said. "We have no desire to become the mikvah in town. We just wanted to make sure a mikvah is always available. "We looked at our expansion plans and needed another bath- room due to building codes. Why not a mikvah, too. It wasn't a question. It was an 'of course.' We don't know the future of Beth Achim. (Merging with another congregation has been suggest- ed.) No one else was stepping for- ward." The temple hopes to operate without costs to users. Currently, Beth Achim charges $50 for adults and $35 for chil- dren for conversions. Attendants cost an additional $10. "We're not making any money on this. These costs barely meet our expenses for cleaning, chang- ing of the water, and maintain- ing the mikvah," said Rabbi Martin Berman of Beth Achim. Rabbi Berman expressed no concern that the Temple Israel mikvah will act as "competition." "If it meets their needs, they have every right to build one," he said. ❑ FRIDAY, JUNE 17 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Chico's Casual Clothing Hersh's ❑ Peanuts LaBret Jewelers ❑ Marguerite R. Grumet ❑ ❑ Mr. Alan's ❑ New York Bagel Sundance ❑ ❑ Expecting The Best ❑ ❑ Stage & Co. Deli Zeza ❑ ❑ UP to 75% OFF RETAIL PRICES theboardwailk Orchard Lake Rd. • S. of Maple • W. Blmfd. COME IN AND SEE THE NEW AURORA! HYUNDAIS FOR LESS SAABS FOR LESS ,1.1-1.1.1 411111e7- 1■ 1.. 1994 HYUNDAI EXCEL 1994 ACHIEVA $ 189 per month** or buy for 3 610* 29 IEY CE •FE SERVICE ANDNICI IIRRENAN per month*** DOWI •FOR 2 YEARS/24000 MILES INCURS WHAMS TthEups ETC. *:‘ .%, non-Orthodox conversions. When 25 years ago Congrega- tion Beth Achim completed its ex- pansion, which included a mikvah, Detroit rabbis gained a new alternative. The mikvah, literally "collec- 'tion" of water used to render an individual ritually clean, is used in conversion, prior to marriage and following a woman's men- strual cycle. The mikvah at Beth Achim is used primarily for conversions by •non-members, between 150-175 each year. Many Jewish women in the Detroit area use Mikvah Israel in Oak Park. A Lubavitch mik- vah exists in West Bloomfield, also. Reform and Conservative conversions are not allowed at ei- ther site. To date, the mikvah at Beth Achim is the only option for non-Orthodox conversion. However, a decision earlier this year by Temple Israel changes that status. A groundbreaking celebration, to be held June 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the temple, marks a first in the United States — a Reform mik- . vah. Three temple families pledged a total of $500,000 — half the amount needed for the mikvah and an expansion which includes six new classrooms and a high- tech media center. NLMIT M NMS (LE Publicity Deadlines S The normal deadline for local news and publicity items is noon Thursday, eight days pri- or to issue date. The deadline for birth announcements is 10 4 a.m. Monday, four days prior to issue date; out-of-town obit- uaries, 10 a.m. Tuesday, three days prior to issue date. All material must be type- written, double-spaced, on 8V2 x 11 paper and include the name and daytime telephone number of sender. 1995 SONATA $199 per month**** $299 $21 995*-. LASSMAN LAS MAN SAAB per month" or buy for •FE SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE •FOR 2 YEARS/24,000 EIS INCLUDES OIL CHANGES TUN UPS ETC. LASSMAN OLDSMOBILE On Telegraph at the Tel -12 Mall, Southfield 1994 SAAB 900S 354-3300. On Telegraph at the Tel-12 Mall. Southfield : 354 3300 4 g On Tele ra at the Tel- 12 Mall, Southfield *. 1 .4;44010,0*Ipktiiiig4,150.0 WR; Out tttii.O.001S.0003/440110102)********,*.tiOW.K0440?*1 1t . GO To. 6 ,. •cj- CI) C) w 354-3300 21.