About
The place to turn.
No matter what, no matter when.
See how Chaim V’Chessed has grown to support the Anglo community.
One organization. Addressing every need.
2025 Million Dollar Livestream
2025 Iran War Activities
Thank you, Uncle Chaim!
2023 War in Israel
Guidance in times of crisis
Support through the Unexpected
Assistance with Day-to-day Life
Teef Teef with Shloime Zionce, Yiddish
Our Mission:
Chaim V’Chessed exists to help English-speakers get past the language barrier and cultural differences while living in Israel.
The bottom line? That you can navigate the system as effectively as your Israeli neighbors can!
The Chaim VChessed Story
“People say that we have to change the system, and when I was young and naive, I thought that I could do that…”
Rabbi Paysach Freedman, CEO
But after living in Israel for 19 years, Rabbi Freedman realized that nothing was changing in a hurry. The confusing policies, the sabra mentality, the complicated systems… were all things English-speakers would have to learn to work with.
And so Rabbi Freedman set out to acquire the knowledge, experience and connections necessary to open doors in Israel.
Now, 9 years later, Chaim V’Chessed’s growing team of 23 knowledgeable advocates, liaisons, researchers and advisors help nearly 4,000 people each month.
From our first year to today, see how Chaim V’Chessed has grown to support the Anglo community.
Working with the system – not against it.
Chaim V’Chessed’s approach is to work with the system – rather than fight it – to get you what you need.
Now you can successfully navigate the confusing systems and ever-changing policies with:
First-hand connections to officials at every level
Fast-track access to updates and changes
An information bank spanning every department and process you may encounter
“It’s such a relief to know that there is an organisation that sticks up for the chutsnikim. I lived in Israel for 25 years, having a hard time with bureaucracy or getting the help I needed. We don’t feel alone now, knowing that there is who to turn to.”
David Bergman
JERUSALEM
Our Team
Paysach Freedman
Rabbi Paysach Freedman has been involved in education, tzedakah and chessed activities for most of his 25-plus years as a Jerusalem resident. His work on behalf of the English-speaking community has provided him with extensive knowledge of the Israeli system and vast experience in dealing with the most sensitive of cases.
Rabbi Freedman’s awareness of the challenges facing English-speakers convinced him of the need for a one-stop chessed organization to service them. In 2015, with the encouragement of rabbis and community leaders, he co-founded Chaim V’Chessed. Today, Rabbi Freedman serves as the CEO and continues to be the idealistic and passionate lifeblood of the organization.
Mrs. Faigie Gugenheim
COO
Mrs. Gugenheim, B.Sc., serves as Chief Operating Officer of Chaim V’Chessed, expertly managing and coordinating the organization’s day-to-day operations. She oversees the staff, ensures that every department runs smoothly, and brings exceptional organizational skills and leadership to maintain an efficient and harmonious work environment. In addition to her operational role, Mrs. Gugenheim heads the Special Education department.
Medical & Hospital Department
Zevi Weingarten
Hospital Assistance
With his fluent Israeli Hebrew and vast experience in the medical field, Zevi provides on-the-spot assistance to Chaim V’Chessed clients in need of help in any Jerusalem-area hospital. His years of working with families of cancer patients through Chai Lifeline have made hospitals as familiar as a second home. He interfaces with hospital staff on English speakers’ behalf to secure earlier appointments, facilitate communication and smooth out complications. Zevi is an invaluable guide to English-speaking hospital patients, and he is committed to making sure they feel neither helpless nor alone.
Arele Weingarten
Hospital Assistance
Arele is a beloved constant fixture in Jerusalem hospitals. He has been involved in medical and chessed pursuits for almost two decades, always looking to make life easier for patients and their families. Arele assists Chaim V’Chessed clients in whatever way he can: making their stay more comfortable, working things out behind the scenes, arranging transportation and more. With his larger than life personality, ingenious connections and logistical know-how, he is an indispensable advocate for English speakers in the hospital.
Mrs. Nechama Nulman
Hospital Department Coordinator
Mrs. Nulman has been living in Eretz Yisrael for over 20 years. Her medical savvy is the result of years of volunteering for MADA and extensive experience navigating the Israeli healthcare system. Mrs. Nulman coordinates all aspects of medical services, from arranging hospital visits to researching kupat cholim issues and more. She is the liaison between on-site Chaim V’Chessed staffers, healthcare providers and hospital staff, keeping callers in the loop and ensuring that their needs are met both during and beyond Chaim V’Chessed’s involvement.
Mrs. Shani Wahrsager
Medical Logistics Coordinator
Mrs. Wahrsager, a native Israeli who is intimately familiar with the Anglo mindset and culture, has been immersed in the world of English-speaking non-profits for years. Mrs. Wahrsager acts as an in-office liaison for all medical cases, graciously and expertly guiding callers through medical processes, involving kupat cholim staff and mobilizing on-site Chaim V’Chessed hospital representatives. Her extensive connections with Bituach Leumi offices are invaluable to community members in times of medical need.
Mrs. Simi Perry
Medical Department Advisor
Mrs. Perry has been working in the Israeli medical system for over 13 years, developing complex and extensive knowledge of the many sectors and aspects of healthcare in Israel. She acts as an in-office liaison for all medical cases, graciously and expertly guiding callers through medical processes, involving kupat cholim staff, and mobilizing on-site Chaim V’Chessed hospital representatives. Her deep understanding of the system and her dedication to supporting families make her an invaluable resource to the community.
Special Education Department
Mrs. Faigie Gugenheim
Special Education & Women’s Health
Mrs. Gugenheim is highly qualified and respected in the field of special education. With over two decades of experience in the Israeli system, she is extremely knowledgeable in the different treatment courses appropriate for autistic children. Along with Mrs. D’vora Grossbaum and Mrs. Breindi Rizel, she heads the Special Education department, using her expertise, research, and connections to guide parents through what can often be a confusing and overwhelming process. Mrs. Gugenheim is also Chaim V’Chessed’s go-to staff member for cases concerning women’s health.
Mrs. D’vora Grossbaum
Special Education Advisor
Mrs. D’vora Grossbaum is a highly experienced Speech and Language Pathologist and Early Childhood Educator, with over 50 years in the field. She serves as a supervisor at the Yerushalayim schools and programs of P’tach, Sulam, and Mercaz Harmony in both Yerushalayim and Bet Shemesh. Her expertise lies in language development from birth through five years old, as well as in supporting children with eating and feeding difficulties. Mrs. Grossbaum’s extensive experience and compassionate approach make her a trusted guide for parents navigating their children’s early development.
Mrs. Breindi Rizel
Special Education Advisor
Mrs. Rizel, M.A. S. Ed., is an oleh of over 20 years and lives in Jerusalem. Backed by many years of experience in special education both in the USA and Israel, Mrs. Rizel expertly guides teachers and parents of special needs children to integrate into the regular educational system. She draws on her vast expertise to patiently and expertly assist parents in navigating through the many confusing and overwhelming processes in the field of special education.
Government Advocacy & Liaison
Mrs. Rachel Morgenstern
Governmental Advocacy Coordinator
Mrs. Morgenstern joined the Chaim V’Chessed team in 2018 with a reputation built on years of assisting Jerusalem’s foreigners navigate Israeli life. Utilizing her far-reaching connections and exceptional interpersonal skills, Mrs. Morgenstern liaisons with many government ministers, officials and their teams, effecting dramatic policy changes and clarifying complex issues related to the English-speaking public.
Mrs. Candice Brenner
Governmental Advocate & Liaison
Mrs. Brenner BA, LL.B. made Aliya over 20 years ago. She joined the Chaim V’Chessed team after volunteering for years at the Mercaz L’Mitzui Zechuyot, helping people access governmental rights previously unknown or denied. She also authored a weekly column called Citizens Rights. Utilizing her vast experience and warm disposition, Mrs. Brenner especially assists the vulnerable senior population in clarifying and obtaining their rights in a slew of areas, including municipality tax reductions and disability benefits.
Mrs. Hadas Teller
Governmental Advocate & Liaison
Mrs. Teller, a Jerusalem-born English-speaker joined the Chaim V’Chessed team after gaining extensive experience in the medical and bureaucratic fields. With her calm disposition and eloquent communication style, Mrs. Teller advocates for Chaim V’Chessed clients who require assistance in applying for disability benefits with Bituach Leumi. Mrs. Teller also serves as Chaim V’Chessed’s liaison to the Ministry of Transportation.
Mrs. Malky Weinman
Governmental Advocate & Liasion
Mrs. Weinman, a veteran Jerusalem-based Olah, is renowned for dispensing clear, definitive information to Chaim V’Chessed callers. She leverages her extensive contacts in government offices to provide callers with comprehensive guidance and advanced assistance on matters relating to Misrad Hapnim, Transportation Ministry and licensing matters. Mrs. Weinman also serves as coordinator between Chaim V’Chessed’s Bureaucratic and Governmental departments.
Mrs. Rivky Wolpin
Governmental Department Administrator
Born to a family of Olim, Mrs. Wolpin has an intimate understanding of the English-speaking community and its culture. Drawing on her superb interpersonal skills and years of experience at successful administrative positions, Mrs. Wolpin expertly manages, coordinates and assists with the overall operations of the Governmental Department.
Bureaucratic Department
Mrs. Geneshe Baer
Bureaucratic Department Coordinator
Mrs. Baer, a resident of Israel for over 20 years, has extensive experience in accompanying and providing assistance for orphans and families in various crises. After previously excelling as a Chaim V’Chessed bureaucratic advisor, Mrs. Baer now manages, supervises and directs the bureaucratic department. She kindly and conscientiously ensures that all callers get the help they need in the most efficient way. Mrs. Baer also provides hotline callers with comprehensive guidance on the technical details of assorted government office encounters.
Mrs. Chevy Sokol
Bureaucratic Advisor
Mrs. Sokol, born to a family of Olim, uses her passion to assist and flair for communication to provide service and support to Chaim V’Chessed callers. Drawing on her extensive administrative experience, Mrs. Sokol provides comprehensive guidance on the technical details of government office encounters, Bituach Leumi, visa, Arnona, and citizenship-related issues.
Mrs. Frumie Aqua
Bureaucratic Advisor
Mrs. Aqua, an Oleh Chadasha living in Jerusalem, has extensive experience in teaching and mentoring. Drawing on this experience and her remarkable interpersonal skills, Mrs. Aqua excels at relaying complex material in a clear and understandable way. She provides hotline callers with comprehensive guidance on the technical details of government office encounters, Bituach Leumi, visa, Arnona, and citizenship-related issues.
Mrs. Devorah Abrahamson
Bureaucratic Advisor
Mrs. Abrahamson, living in Jerusalem for close to two decades, joined the Chaim V’Chessed team after having done similar work privately before Chaim V’Chessed was founded. Positive and practical, Mrs. Abrahamson provides hotline callers with comprehensive guidance on the technical details of government office encounters, Bituach Leumi, visa, Arnona, and citizenship-related issues.
Mrs. Sara Schwartz
Bureaucratic Advisor
Mrs. Schwartz, LMSW and part-time therapist, uses her sensitivity and compassion while providing assistance and support to Chaim V’Chessed callers. Mrs. Schwartz contributes her talents to answering hotline callers with guidance on the technical details of government office encounters, Bituach Leumi, visa, Arnona, and citizenship-related issues.
Mrs. Malky Tauber
Bureaucratic Advisor
Mrs. Tauber, a Toronto native, uses her keen understanding of others and kind sensitivity to provide assistance and support to Chaim V’Chessed callers. Drawing on her extensive administrative experience, Mrs. Tauber provides comprehensive guidance on the technical details of government office encounters, Bituach Leumi, visa, Arnona, and citizenship-related issues.
Mrs. Malka Landau
Bureaucratic Advisor
Mrs. Landau, originally from New Jersey, made aliyah in 2016. Drawing on her extensive experience, she provides hotline callers with comprehensive guidance on the technical details of government office encounters, including Bituach Leumi, visa, Arnona, and citizenship-related issues. Known for her calm, clear, and collected approach, Mrs. Landau ensures that every caller receives practical and pleasant assistance.
Mrs. Kayla Heilpern
Bureaucratic Advisor
Mrs. Heilpern brings warmth, patience, and a genuine passion for helping others to our team. With extensive experience in customer service, she listens carefully, understands each person’s needs, and guides them with clarity and care. Originally from England, Mrs. Heilpern has been living in Israel for the past five years and understands the challenges of navigating life here. She provides hotline callers with comprehensive guidance on the technical details of government office encounters, Bituach Leumi, visa, Arnona, and citizenship-related issues.
Administration
Mrs. Chani Ehrentreu
Administrator
Mrs. Ehrentreu is an olah and resident of Jerusalem who joined the Chaim V’Chessed team in 2021. She manages HR matters and serves as a senior assistant to the CEO. With a successful background in graphic design and sales, Mrs. Ehrentreu assists in a plethora of internal tasks. Her attention to detail, technical proficiency and fast turnout significantly enhances the level of professionalism in our office.
Miss Miriam Topf
Project Manager
Miss Topf joined the Chaim V’Chessed team with extensive experience in project management across a variety of fields. She brings energy, organization, and a fresh perspective to the office, coordinating projects across all departments to ensure initiatives run smoothly and efficiently. With a calm and collaborative approach and a strong grasp of technology and innovative tools, Miss Topf fosters a dynamic environment, streamlining operations and implementing optimizations that support the office in achieving its mission.
From our first year to today, see how Chaim V’Chessed has grown to support the Anglo community.
“As an American living in Eretz Yisroel for almost 15 years, I nodded in recognition as I read an article about Chaim V’Chessed. Like most Anglos living here, we’ve benefited immeasurably from Chaim V’Chessed’s services — the bureaucratic assistance, the therapy referrals and the online articles that serve as a Dummies’ Guide to surviving Misrad Hapnim. But two years ago, when my son was born with a condition that would necessitate surgery during his infancy, I gained a new appreciation for what you do.”
Miriam M
JERUSALEM
