Special Retreat Empowers Parents of Children with Special Needs
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
The "Refuah v'Chaim" organization hosted a special "Te'atzumot" retreat in Jerusalem for hundreds of parents of children with special needs. The weekend offered a respite from daily challenges, spiritual enrichment, and a sense of community. Attendees received inspirational talks from prominent rabbis and shared personal experiences, leaving them feeling empowered and supported. The organization provides ongoing support through various programs for these families.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hundreds of parents of special needs children attended a "Te'atzumot" retreat in Jerusalem.
- The "Refuah v'Chaim" organization organized the event to provide respite and spiritual uplift.
- Parents received inspirational talks from rabbis like Shimon Spitzer and the Skulener Rebbe.
- The retreat featured a poignant Shabbat candle lighting ceremony with violin music.
- Attendees shared personal stories, highlighting faith and divine assistance in raising special children.
- Parents reported feeling empowered and supported, with renewed strength for their challenges.
The "Te'atzumot" (Fortitude) retreat, organized by the "Refuah v'Chaim" (Medicine and Life) organization, provided hundreds of parents of children with special needs from across Israel with a much-needed respite and spiritual uplift. Held in Jerusalem, the weekend offered a break from the demanding routines of caregiving, coupled with inspirational talks and encouragement.
"Refuah v'Chaim," with decades of experience, understands the critical need to support the parents of special needs children. The retreat aimed to provide them with peace, relaxation, and recognition for their immense dedication. The event featured a warm welcome, personal attention, and luxurious amenities, including welcome kits with gifts for the children at home.
The spiritual preparation for Shabbat included powerful addresses by Rabbi Shimon Spitzer, who offered practical and spiritual tools for daily challenges, emphasizing faith and inner joy. The Skulener Rebbe also delivered blessings and spoke about overcoming life's trials, followed by singing and dancing.
A poignant moment was the Shabbat candle lighting ceremony, accompanied by violin music, where mothers prayed for the well-being of their families and the community. Throughout Shabbat, prominent rabbis and speakers, including Rabbi Yisrael Zusha Horowitz and Rabbi Shlomo Miller, shared insights on faith, resilience, and the unique spiritual merit of raising special children.
The weekend culminated in a deeply moving third meal, where parents shared personal stories of struggle and divine assistance. The event concluded with songs of faith and unity, leaving parents feeling strengthened and supported, knowing they are not alone in their journey.
Numerous parents expressed profound gratitude, describing the retreat as empowering and uplifting, providing them with renewed strength. "Refuah v'Chaim" regularly organizes such events, including day clubs, vacation programs, and Shabbat retreats, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers and staff.