Rainbow Mikveh: Unexpected Rewards from Struggle

As a proud Jew, the last few days have been devastating.

Experts struggle to decipher the age-old conflict, and I won't venture into politics. But with rising antisemitism, I am compelled to express my Jewish identity through my content.

A favorite Jewish ritual is the mikveh. This is a spiritual renewal, conducted by submerging in a natural body of water.

I observed my first mikveh in 2013 as part of my conversion ceremony.

And last February, I observed my second. Joined by friends from our beloved Temple Beth Israel.

This was a crazy-idea mikveh. We were at a retreat at the coast having a "what if we go jump in the lake?" moment. Polar Bear Plunge meets ancient ritual.

I was in massive transformation. Recently laid off after a 13-year corporate ladder climb. Exploring entrepreneurial endeavors. Knowing only that I didn't want more of the same.

The icy water shocked my system. Breathless, I forced my head under so my entire being was submerged.

And in that muddy, freezing water, clarity: I was WAY out of my comfort zone, and it was going to be hard for awhile. But there would also be benefits beyond my comprehension on the other side.

Emerging, laughing, and transformed, we captured the moment with a photo. As we did, a RAINBOW appeared - our 'Mikveh Miracle.'

As I embark on another professional transition, I keep thinking about that day. A literal reminder that unexpected rewards are in the struggle. It’s only on the crooked path that gems emerge.