Will Build Mikveh in Exclusive Cincinnati Residential Zone, Home of Prominent Jews

The Zoning Board of Appeals has granted permission for the erection of a "mikvah" or ritual bath-house, on Washington Avenue, in an exclusive residential section of Cincinnati, with the provision that it is not to be used for hire in off hours.

Irwin M. Krohn, president of the Park Board and the only Jewish member of the Board of Appeals, in answer to objections that were raised against the erection of the "mikvah" said that he did not think it made any difference whether the "mikvah" was part of a synagogue or not, since it was a place of worship anyway. Comparing it to a Catholic shrine, Mr. Krohn said:

"It is not a question of whether we would like to live next door to one or not. I would not like to live next to a church where they play basketball in the cellar or to a fire-engine house. But that is not saying I oppose churches or fire stations."

Mr. Krohn explained that only those Jews who sincerely believe in it will use the "mikvah", and that Reform Jews won’t go near it. He declared he did not know there was such a thing as a "mikvah" until this case came up. He expressed however the opinion that the "mikvah" will promote sanitation and hygiene.

Protests against the erection of the "mikvah" in the exclusive Avondale section of this city had been raised by several prominent Jews living in the section, who argued that it was a business and not a religious matter and should therefore be prohibited in accordance with the zoning laws. Among those who appeared against the "mikvah" were Mrs. J. Walter Freiberg, past president of the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods; Samuel Ach, former County Treasurer; Frank Wolpa and Mrs. Leopold Strauss Wolpa. Those who asked permission to build the "mikvah" represented an association composed of representatives of practically every orthodox synagogue in Cincinnati and headed by Hirsh Manishewitz.