About
Chaim V’Chessed exists to help English-speakers get past the language barrier and cultural differences while living in Israel.
Our Mission:
To ensure you can navigate the system as well as your Israeli neighbors.
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.
Just 6 years later, Chaim V’Chessed’s growing team of 21 knowledgeable advocates, liaisons, researchers and advisors help over 4,000 people each month.
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.
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 constant fixture in Jerusalem hospitals. He has been involved in medical and chessed pursuits for over a decade, 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 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 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 born 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 the in-office liaison for all medical cases, guiding callers through medical processes, involving kupat cholim staff and mobilizing on-site Chaim V’Chessed hospital representatives.
Special Education Department
Mrs. Faigie Gugenheim,
Special Education & Women’s Health
Mrs. Gugenheim, B.Sc., is highly qualified and respected in the field of special education. With over a decade 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, Mrs. Gugenheim heads the Special Education department of Chaim V’Chessed. They use their 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. Breindi Rizel,
Special Education
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 privately guides teachers and parents with special needs children to integrate into the regular educational system. Her vast expertise helps her navigate parents through confusing and overwhelming processes in the special education field.
Mrs. D’vora Grossbaum,
Special Education
Mrs. Grossbaum, M.A. CCC-SLP, is a Speech/Language Pathologist, Supervisor, and Early Childhood Special Educator. She has been working since 1974 as a speech and language pathologist for preschool children with developmental delays. Currently, Mrs. Grossbaum serves as supervisor at the Yerushalayim schools P’tachiya and Sulam, and at Ramat David-Perach Special Education in Betar Illit. She is also the speech and language therapist and supervisor at Kupat Cholim Clalit for the 0-5 year old population as well as a member of the diagnostic team. Additionally, she runs a private practice with special education preschool children. Chaim V’Chessed is privileged to have Mrs. Grossbaum on staff to serve English speakers in need of guidance 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 far reaching connections, Mrs. Morgenstern liaisons with numerous government offices, 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. an olah of over 20 years, 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 calming disposition, Mrs. Brenner especially assists the vulnerable senior population in clarifying and obtaining their rights in a slew of areas, including municipality tax 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. Mrs. Teller advocates for Chaim V’Chessed clients who require assistance in applying for disability benefits with Bituach Leumi.
Mrs. Gitty Garfinkel,
Governmental Advocate & Bureaucratic Adviser
Mrs. Garfinkel, B.A., joined the Chaim V’Chessed team after a 10-year career in the field of Israeli bureaucracy and politics. Mrs. Garfinkel interfaces with numerous government offices, particularly the Interior and Transportation ministries, advocating on behalf of Chaim V’Chessed callers in these areas. As a bureaucratic adviser on Chaim V’Chessed’s hotline, Mrs. Garfinkel specializes in the field of Bituach Leumi rights and disability benefits.
Bureaucratic Department
Mrs. Chana Rothstein,
Bureaucratic Department Coordinator
Mrs. Rothstein, a decade-long Jerusalem resident, has excelled as a Chaim V’Chessed bureaucratic adviser. She now manages the bureaucratic department to make sure all callers get the help they need in the most efficient way. Mrs. Rothstein provides hotline callers with comprehensive guidance on the technical details of assorted government office encounters while supervising and directing the ever-growing Bureaucratic staff.
Mrs. Malky Weinman,
Bureaucratic Adviser
Mrs. Weinman, a veteran Jerusalem-based Olah, has brought her numerous talents to play in her position in the Bureaucratic department. Mrs. Weinman’s propensity for dispensing clear, definitive information provides hotline callers with comprehensive guidance on the technical details of the various government office encounters, Bituach Leumi, visa, Arnona, and citizenship-related issues. Mrs. Weinman also oversees and updates Chaim V’Chessed’s database and the Information Section on the website.
Mrs. Geneshe Baer,
Bureaucratic Adviser
Mrs. Baer, a resident of Israel for nearly 20 years, has extensive experience in accompanying and providing assistance for orphans and families in various crises. Mrs. Baer joined Chaim V’Chessed’s team in order to provide 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 Adviser
Mrs. Abrahamson, living in Jerusalem for over 14 years, 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. Nechama Friedman,
Bureaucratic Adviser
Mrs. Friedman, a Jerusalem resident for more than a decade, joined the Chaim V’Chessed team after serving as an administrator in an educational institution for several years. Thorough and detail-oriented, Mrs. Friedman 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 Adviser
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.
Administration
Mrs. Chani Ehrentreu,
Executive Assistant
Mrs. Ehrentreu joined the Chaim V’Chessed team as secretary and assistant to the CEO. With a successful background in graphic design and sales, Mrs. Ehrentreu assists with all internal tasks. Her attention to detail, technical proficiency and fast turnout has greatly added to the level of professionalism in our office.
Mrs. Rachel Hager,
Office Manager
Mrs. Hager joined the Chaim V’Chessed team as office manager and events planner. A Jerusalem-born English-speaker, Mrs. Hager joined the Chaim V’Chessed team after gaining extensive experience in management, fundraising and donor relationships. Her creativity and organizational skills fluidly bring the pieces together both behind the scenes as well as at the fore.
“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
Chaim V’Chessed in the media:
