Midwinter vacation has come and gone, but at Ohr Naava Women’s Torah Center, staffers are knee-deep in preparations for one of the organization’s most anticipated events: their annual retreat. “It’s a rare fusion of authentic spirituality and a weekend getaway experience,” says Elisheva Perlman, Ohr Naava’s director of marketing and communications.
Originally launched out of a tiny apartment in 2002, Ohr Naava has mushroomed into a world-renowned operation, providing thousands of grateful women and girls from across the spectrum with growth, meaning, and connection on a nightly basis. Featuring round-the-clock Torah classes, entertaining activities, dinners, networking opportunities, and engaging workshops from a stellar staff of educators led by Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein, the center—dedicated in loving memory of Mrs. Naava Katlowitz—has filled a gaping need in the Jewish community.
“Frum men possess a built-in recharge system: shul or yeshiva,” notes Mrs. Daphne Hanson, Ohr Naava’s program director. “But for many women and girls, that sense of community and connection was sorely lacking—until they found Ohr Naava.”
As part of their mission of inspiration and wholesome fun, Ohr Naava has for the last eight years hosted an annual retreat of spirit and song, with over 500 women and girls in attendance. This year, the retreat is to take place March 2–4 at the luxurious Ocean Place Resort and Spa. Over the course of Shabbos, attendees will be treated to a spectacular lineup of speakers and presenters, including Rabbis Zechariah Wallerstein, YY Rubinstein, Moti Miller, Shmuel Skaist, Label Lam, Jeffrey Greenberg, Gil Frieman, and Ezra Max, and Miss Chevi Garfinkel, Mrs. Ivy Kalazan, Mrs. Jackie (Tzipporah) Bitton, Mrs. Malkey Wallerstein, Rabbi Reuven, and Mrs. Nailini Ibragimov. Some of these renowned rabbis will moderate the much looked-forward-to “Ask the Rabbi” session known to stretch until the wee hours of the morning.
“The women and girls go from class to class; they can’t get enough,” reports Mrs. Perlman. “But besides the nonstop learning, they come for the ruach: the uplifting kumzitzes, the unparalleled atmosphere of growth.”
In addition to the many families that attend—Ohr Naava provides top-notch programming for husbands as well—the retreat attracts a wide range of women and girls. For some, the elevating weekend is their very first Shabbos experience; for others, it’s a chance to recapture that elusive seminary spark and renew their commitment to Yiddishkeit. This year, for the first time, the Shabbos will include the legendary Ohr Naava Kiddush—the once-a-year en-masse naming ceremony/kiddush made for any girl who never received a Jewish name, or whose birth was never marked with a kiddush—this year, sponsored and catered by Pomegranate.
Highlights of the packed Motzaei Shabbos program include a Meet the Shadchan event, followed by a grand concert with Lipa Schmeltzer and a slew of other guest performers and entertainers.
“It’s an incredibly meaningful experience,” says Mrs. Avivit Mikhli, Ohr Naava’s director of operations, encapsulating the enriching yet fun-filled weekend.
For over a decade now, Ohr Naava has worked tirelessly to transform the landscape of adult women’s education in the frum community—and they haven’t disappointed. With their 2012 annual retreat, they continue to fulfill their critical calling: providing frum women, girls, and families with the spiritual connection they crave.
For more information, call 718-647-6228, e-mail info@ohrnaava.com, or visit www.ohrnaava.com.