Sderot Women's Mikveh Doubles Price to $22, Angering Users
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
The "Seven Maidens" mikveh in Sderot is raising its price for a single immersion from 18 to 80 shekels, a more than 400% increase, due to high operating costs and a lack of public funding. The private non-profit operator is urging users to pressure the local Religious Council to provide subsidies. The facility also offers a range of women's wellness and event services.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Sderot's "Seven Maidens" mikveh is increasing its price from 18 to 80 shekels per immersion.
- The price hike represents a more than 400% increase for the fortified ritual bath facility.
- The mikveh operator cites high operating costs and a lack of subsidies from the Religious Council.
- Disappointed users are encouraged to contact the Religious Council to advocate for funding.
- The facility also functions as a broader women's renewal center offering various services.
The "Seven Maidens" mikveh (ritual bath) in Sderot, described as one of Israel's most luxurious and the first designed as a fortified facility, is significantly increasing its prices. Starting Sunday, the cost of a single immersion will jump from the regulated price of 18 shekels to 80 shekels, a more than 400% increase.
The private non-profit operating the mikveh stated on Facebook that after three years of maintaining an accessible price while seeking subsidies from the local religious council, they are forced to raise prices due to a lack of funding and high operating costs. They have been in discussions with the Sderot Religious Council for three years to secure public funding for the mikveh's operation, but no solution has been found.
In response to the price hike, many women expressed disappointment, noting the new price is about four times higher than other mikvehs in the area. The mikveh management urged dissatisfied women to contact the Religious Council and pressure them to reach a funding agreement.
"Seven Maidens" clarified that as a private non-profit, its activities include operating the mikveh at a high standard, alongside offering treatments, workshops, and other services. They emphasized that mikveh operating costs are very high, and without subsidies from the Ministry of Religious Services and the Religious Council, they must charge a price that covers expenses.
Beyond its ritual bath services, "Seven Maidens" positions itself as a women's renewal center in Sderot, serving women from Sderot and the Gaza envelope. The facility includes bathtubs, preparation rooms, clinics for physical and mental health treatments, spaces for workshops and events, bridal preparation rooms, and various other activities for women.
Mentioned