For the past 50 years, North Dakota has been without a mikvah—making it one of the only states in the U.S. without this essential cornerstone of Jewish life.
Without a local mikvah, families wishing to observe taharas hamishpacha (the laws of family purity) have had no choice but to drive over four hours—each way—to fulfill this mitzvah. These long and often difficult journeys have created significant barriers to observance and Jewish continuity.
That’s about to change.
Chabad of North Dakota is building the state’s first mikvah in half a century—a beautiful, welcoming, and fully equipped facility right here in Fargo. This mikvah will allow women and families to observe taharas hamishpacha with dignity, ease, and consistency, without the strain of long-distance travel.
More than just a building, the mikvah represents a new chapter of growth for Jewish life on the northern plains. It will serve the entire Jewish community, strengthen family life, and ensure the future of Judaism in our state.
Join Us in Making History
We are in the final stages of construction—and now, with your help, we can bring this vision to life.
A matching campaign is now underway to finish the mikvah and complete necessary repairs to the roof and siding of the Chabad House.
Every dollar you give will be doubled up to $40,000 — amplifying your impact and helping finish the mikvah without delay.
Be a part of this historic milestone.
Partner with us to bring the mikvah home!
Construction is nearing its final stages, with interior finishing underway and inspections due soon. With sufficient funding, we expect the mikvah to be fully completed by early summer 2025, with plans to open for use shortly thereafter. Updates on the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be shared soon!
The mikvah is located in Fargo, North Dakota, on the campus of Chabad of North Dakota. The central location will make it accessible to the broader Jewish community across the region.
We have been in close contact with Mikvah expert Rabbi Gershon Grossbaum for the duration of the project under the guidance and supervision of Rabbi Boruch Hertz.
The vast majority of funding has come from individual donors—families and supporters who believe in the importance of Jewish life, tradition, and continuity in North Dakota. This campaign is a true grassroots effort, powered by people like you who want to make a lasting impact.
A mikvah is central to Jewish family life, enabling the observance of taharas hamishpacha (family purity). Families that would not otherwise consider it due to the difficulties involved will now have access and a luxurious incentive to take on this mitzvah.
Yes. Over 50 years ago, mikvahs existed in cities like Grand Forks and Fargo, serving the Jewish communities in those areas as well as some mikvahs built on private homesteads (such as that of Sophie Trupin). However, as populations shifted and communities dwindled, those mikvahs were eventually decommissioned and fell into disrepair. For the past half-century, the state has been without a functioning mikvah.
This project is the first new mikvah built in North Dakota in over 50 years—a true milestone in the Jewish history of North Dakota.
Yes! See a selection of construction photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/xF1DHAJJeWE4q6uVA
Right now, we are running a matching campaign to finish this historic project. Every dollar you give will be matched dollar for dollar up to $40,000, doubling your impact.
Help us complete the mikvah and bring this essential mitzvah back to North Dakota!