Question for Jewish women

[TooPatient]

I''m meeting the beit din & going to the mikvah for my conversion on Sunday.

The secretary (not Jewish) told me to bring a check for $200 to the mikvah (fee to use mikvah for conversion) plus the "customary gratuity" for the mikvah lady.

How much is the "customary" gratuity?


eta: I''d usually ask the rabbi''s wife, but she is going to be my mikvah lady

 

[Lilac]

It probably depends on the area where you live and the particular "norm" in that mikvah.

I don''t remember how much I gave to my mikvah lady when I went before my wedding, but on a normal monthly basis the fee is $20 where I am. I do believe it was slightly more to go as a bride, so it really depends on what you''re going for and where you live (I''ve heard anything from $18 to $30 for the regular monthly mikvah fee). I don''t know anything about mikvah conversions though, so it''s possible that gratuity should be more.

I wish I could help more. I would suggest either asking someone in the community (if you know any Jewish women who go to your mikvah) or even just call back and ask the secretary - I''m sure she has some idea of what people give. It''s your first time going - I don''t think they expect you to know on your own! I asked plenty of questions before I went, and although I felt silly asking, nobody thought anything negative of me.

Good luck!

 

[TooPatient]

Date: 1/19/2010 4:06:00 PM
Author: Lilac
It probably depends on the area where you live and the particular ''norm'' in that mikvah.

I don''t remember how much I gave to my mikvah lady when I went before my wedding, but on a normal monthly basis the fee is $20 where I am. I do believe it was slightly more to go as a bride, so it really depends on what you''re going for and where you live (I''ve heard anything from $18 to $30 for the regular monthly mikvah fee). I don''t know anything about mikvah conversions though, so it''s possible that gratuity should be more.

I wish I could help more. I would suggest either asking someone in the community (if you know any Jewish women who go to your mikvah) or even just call back and ask the secretary - I''m sure she has some idea of what people give. It''s your first time going - I don''t think they expect you to know on your own! I asked plenty of questions before I went, and although I felt silly asking, nobody thought anything negative of me.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice. I don''t know anyone who goes but it really isn''t something we talk about.

The mikvah has a phone number I can call. They might be a help. I''ve got more questions too so I guess I should just pick up the phone and ask.

 

[Lilac]

Date: 1/19/2010 4:30:35 PM
Author: TooPatient

Date: 1/19/2010 4:06:00 PM

Author: Lilac

It probably depends on the area where you live and the particular ''norm'' in that mikvah.

I don''t remember how much I gave to my mikvah lady when I went before my wedding, but on a normal monthly basis the fee is $20 where I am. I do believe it was slightly more to go as a bride, so it really depends on what you''re going for and where you live (I''ve heard anything from $18 to $30 for the regular monthly mikvah fee). I don''t know anything about mikvah conversions though, so it''s possible that gratuity should be more.

I wish I could help more. I would suggest either asking someone in the community (if you know any Jewish women who go to your mikvah) or even just call back and ask the secretary - I''m sure she has some idea of what people give. It''s your first time going - I don''t think they expect you to know on your own! I asked plenty of questions before I went, and although I felt silly asking, nobody thought anything negative of me.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice. I don''t know anyone who goes but it really isn''t something we talk about.

The mikvah has a phone number I can call. They might be a help. I''ve got more questions too so I guess I should just pick up the phone and ask.

Right after DH and I got married, we moved to a new neighborhood and I had no idea where the mikvah was. I had to ask a friend who lives here, and I felt *so awkward* because, like you said, it''s not really something anyone talks about. She was so sweet and told me that she totally understands why I had to ask - how else would I know? I do think you should call the phone number and just explain that it''s going to be your first time there and you have a couple questions. I''m sure they''ll understand and be happy to help you.