“I’m Judy Wise,” the woman said. “Comb out your hair,” she said, then blushed. “All of it. You understand.”

Rachel nodded.

“Take off your jewelry,” Judy went on, “even your wedding ring. Nothing can come between you and the water, no tangles in your hair, Band-­Aids, nail polish. Nothing. Cut your nails,” she said, and handed Rachel a small nail clipper. Rachel nodded again and went into the cubicle. She stripped, hesitated, then took off the gold mazuzah. She held it for a minute, then put it in the pocket of her skirt. She pulled the fine comb through the thick hair on her head and the thinner hair on her body. Then she covered herself with the sheet and went into the hall where the others waited.

“Now take a shower,” Judy said, nodding at another door.

When Rachel came out, Judy looked at her. “Just you under the sheet?”

“Just me,” Rachel said.

Judy nodded at Kaye. “She stands on the side. Take off the sheet, go to the middle of the pool, spread your legs, let your hands and arms hang loose, fingers open, and sink all the way into the water. Come up and try to feel joyous,” Judy said softly. “Then say ‘Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has made us holy with His commandments and commanded us concerning immersion.’ Can you remember that?” Rachel nodded, but Judy made her say it twice. Then she said, “Duck two or three times, to be sure.”

Of what, Rachel wondered, but she didn’t ask.