Two mikveh projects in Cambridge and Edgware have recently been given the green light by their respective council planning authorities.
After a lengthy period going through the planning process, Cambridge’s Chabad House was given the go ahead to convert a garage into the city’s first Jewish ritual bath.
The mikveh will dedicated in the memory of Chaya Rochel Paley – the sister-in-law of Chabad House directors Reuven and Rochel Leigh - who passed away two years ago at the age of 26, leaving behind a husband and a one-year-old son.
In an interview with the Jewish Chronicle newspaper, Rabbi Leigh, who also serves as the Rabbi of the Cambridge Traditional Jewish Congregation, said that he was "ecstatic" at the news.
"The plan will be to go ahead and build it as soon as possible. The mikveh will be a significant contribution and integral to married Jewish life in Cambridge."
Barry Landy, an executive member of the Cambridge Traditional Jewish Congregation, told the Jewish Chronicle: "We are completely delighted and hope the building will be completed soon."
In North West London, Barnet Council granted planning permission to Edgware Lubavitch for the construction of a permanent mikveh in a brick building at the rear of the Chabad House on Hale Lane.
The mikveh replaces a wooden cabin which burned down last year. The new structure is planned to be twice the size of the former mikveh, allowing it to be used at separate times by women and men.
"This is a very significant and useful additional facility," Rabbi Leivi Sudak, director of Edgware Lubavitch, told the Jewish Chronicle.
"The lack of a mikveh that women can use has up to now been the missing link in an otherwise perfect mikveh experience in Edgware. It means that women who live closer to our part of the area will no longer need to make the walk to and from the nearest alternative, in the grounds of Edgware United Synagogue. This is a potentially risky journey for ladies on their own after nightfall."