Do Not Close the Mikveh

R' Itzik Chanin opened a free mikveh (ritual bath) in Holon, but due to the dirt and mess left behind, he secretly decided to lock it and distribute keys only to his acquaintances. Just as he began cleaning the mikveh in preparation for closing it, without having told a soul about his decision, Rabbi Berland unexpectedly called him. With Ruach HaKodesh (Divine inspiration), the Rav instructed him not to close the mikveh under any circumstances, because of the immense spiritual merits of a mikveh that is open to everyone.

We heard the following amazing story with our own ears from the man who experienced it himself, R' Itzik Chanin, may Hashem protect and sustain him. In those days, R' Itzik, one of the pillars of the Breslov community in the city of purity and teshuvah (repentance), Holon, merited to open a mikveh. It was to remain open at all hours of the day for the benefit of the followers of the tzaddik, who are known to be meticulous in immersing in a mikveh of purity for added holiness and spiritual protection.

He Decided to Close the Mikveh

However, after some time, certain individuals took advantage of the fact that the place was open free of charge, leaving behind dirt and disorder. R' Itzik took it upon himself to ensure the daily cleaning and maintenance of the mikveh, but the situation eventually became unbearable for him. It was also difficult for the other members of the community who immersed there, as they felt uncomfortable in a dirty and messy environment. After another period of time, R' Itzik decided to give the mikveh a thorough cleaning, having firmly made up his mind that immediately afterward, he would lock the mikveh with a lock and bolt and only allow people he knew to duplicate the key. This way, the era of dirt and mess would finally come to an end, or so he thought. He kept this decision entirely to himself and did not tell a soul, planning to announce the change later only to those who would receive a key.

A Surprising Phone Call from Rabbi Berland

He locked the door from the inside and began cleaning the mikveh, but suddenly, the phone rang. To his utter surprise, Rabbi Berland was on the line. With an impassioned voice, the Rav began to strengthen him with these words: "Do not close the mikveh! Such a special mikveh must never be closed. You have no idea what immense spiritual merits come from a mikveh that is open to everyone. You do not close a mikveh even if it gets a little dirty and a little messy!!"

R' Itzik was completely stunned. He never imagined that his plans would be overturned so quickly, let alone directly by Rabbi Berland. At that very moment, he resolved to leave the mikveh open for the benefit of the public. He continued to care for its cleanliness time and time again, rejoicing in the wondrous merit that had fallen to his lot to increase holiness and purity among the Jewish people.

From the book "Pele Elyon, Part 3"