In a powerful expression of empathy and renewal, mothers of children with special needs who are olim gathered for the annual Special MOMents Retreat, hosted by Chaim V’Chessed. Offering a rare opportunity for mothers to pause, recharge, and find strength among others who truly understand their journey, this year’s retreat delivered an intentional blend of emotional validation, practical support, and well-deserved pampering.
The retreat, designed specifically for English-speaking immigrant mothers, provided a two-day break from the exhausting responsibilities of caregiving. The program kicked off at the Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah Campus in Jerusalem, highlighting the close, ongoing partnership between Nefesh B’Nefesh and Chaim V’Chessed in collaboratively supporting Anglo olim families navigating complex systems in Israel. Following a warm welcome from Rabbi Paysach Freedman, CEO of Chaim V’Chessed, the tone for the getaway was set by Shifra Kahana’s interactive improv performance, Real Life, Replayed.
“I connected with every single skit,” shared one mother. “It was so nice to laugh at real life’s toughest challenges and realize instantly that I am not alone.”
Following a gourmet brunch, participants traveled to the scenic Nir Etzion Hotel for a peaceful afternoon of relaxation and Aqua Zumba with Yehudis Rosen. The evening programming was masterfully designed to blend lighthearted joy with profound spiritual depth, offering the mothers a rare and perfect balance of laughter and meaning. After a lavish dinner, Rabbi Dovid Kaplan delivered an inspiring address, Small Actions, Eternal Impact, which beautifully combined timeless life lessons with witty delivery. This was followed by a high-energy dance session featuring lively Yerushalmi-style music and dancing that united women from all different backgrounds.
“Rabbi Kaplan was amazing, funny, and relatable without making me feel bad for when I miss the mark,” noted one participant. Another mother highlighted the incredible joy and unity of the dance floor, adding, “The air was electric. It was such a good emotional release and I loved to see how all different types of women were joined together.”
Day two opened with options for rejuvenation and creativity, featuring pool time, a “Moments to Move” exercise session, and a “Time to Design” workshop where mothers created their own custom hand creams and therapeutic bath salts. The retreat then transitioned into expert-led professional workshops facilitated by Chava Kadosh, Yael Segal, Avigayil Sharer, and Malky Weinman, covering complex emotional landscapes like anger management and self-worth.
“Avigayil Sharer’s writing workshop brought me to tears and helped me relieve pain I’ve carried for years,” a mother reflected. “It gave us a structured but intimate space to share and connect.”
The unforgettable grand finale took place at the Yad Sarah Hall in Jerusalem. Following a beautiful banquet dinner, Mrs. Hyndi Mendelowitz and Batya Horowitz led a Special Challah Bake Experience, featuring the moving vocals of Estee Solomon. The emotional climax of the event came when the daughter of a participant took the stage to publicly thank her mother.
“When she spoke, there was not a dry eye in the room,” a participant shared. “It was as if she was speaking on behalf of my own child who doesn’t have the words. I felt as if my son was thanking me.”
The retreat was spearheaded by Mrs. Faigie Gugenheim, COO of Chaim V’Chessed. Recognizing that these women carry an enormous emotional and logistical burden daily, the organization set out to curate a high-class event where participants could freely breathe, build lasting connections, and be deeply reminded of their own immense value. While the program required only a minimal registration fee, it was made possible through the critical funding and generous support of the Jewish Agency.
Chaim V’Chessed launched the Special MOMents Retreat in recognition of the extreme pressures facing Anglo mothers in Israel, who often navigate distinct cultural and language barriers without the comfort of local family support networks. This one-of-a-kind getaway is a critical component of Chaim V’Chessed’s broader mission to strengthen and nurture the entire special needs family unit, rooted in the foundational belief that when a mother is fully supported and cared for, her entire household benefits.
As mothers reluctantly boarded the final buses back to Har Chotzvim – carrying home their beautiful creations from the challah bake to enjoy for Shabbos – the sense of community and renewed hope was palpable. Refreshed, validated, and deeply connected, they returned home with the strength to keep moving forward.
Mothers joined the retreat from 19 cities and towns all across Israel. See below!
Afula – 2
Beis El – 1
Beit Shemesh – 31
Beitar Illit – 9
Efrat – 6
Givat Zeev – 2
Jerusalem – 65
Kiryat Yearim – 2
Kochav Yaakov – 1
Maale Adumim – 1
Mitzpe Yericho – 1
Modiin – 3
Modiin Illit – 10
Neve Daniel – 3
Neve Michael – 1
Ra’anana – 3
Rehovot – 2
Tzfas – 1
Yavniel – 1
