About The
CHIZUK MISSION
Igniting women to bring out their unique “selves”, so their core essence can shine, connect and inspire others to reach their full potential.
OUR STORY
Established in 2009, the Chizuk Mission was created with the aim of enabling women to deepen their connection to Hashem and strengthen their emunah by infusing more meaning and purpose into their lives. An integral aspect of the program's success is to provide spiritual growth opportunities for women within the frum community and equip them with tools to apply these lessons in their daily lives.
Based on the principles of Rav Noach Weinberg z”l, a week-long trip to Eretz Yisrael was developed to meet this pressing need. For the women who participated, the Chizuk Mission provided a breath of fresh air, filling their spiritual tanks and enabling them to bring back their newfound growth and excitement to their families and communities, with long-lasting effects.
Rav Noach Weinberg z”l, founder of Aish HaTorah's Instructions for Living;
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The key to greatness is doing a spiritual accounting. Every day, set aside time to ask yourself: What am I living for? What do I need to change?
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It is a greater pleasure to love than to be loved. So why spend so much energy on gaining the approval of others? Work on loving them instead.
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Torah is not a history book. It is Toras Chaim – literally Instructions for Living, God's manual teaching on how to fulfill our potential and get the most out of life.
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Judaism isn't all or nothing. Every mitzvah is a gold mine.
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If being good is worth dying for, then it is worth living for. And if it is worth dying and living for, then it is certainly worth enjoying.
Since its inception, the Chizuk Mission has expanded its offerings, including trips to Eretz Yisrael, chaburahs, retreats, virtual learning programs, reunions, and other avenues to help fill women's spiritual tanks and elevate the entire Jewish community.
A VISION
The Chizuk Mission's expansion beyond trips was partly due to the vision of one of its participants, Chaya Bistritzky A”H, Ruchama Chaya Fruma bas R’ Dov Pinchas.
Chaya recognized that the program's spiritual growth opportunities should not be limited to just trips, and her encouragement helped the program to thrive. Chaya's life was guided by the motto "Ein Od Milvado" and the belief that everything is from Hashem, which she held onto throughout her hospitalization until her passing.
To learn more about the "Ein Od Milvado" campaign, click here.
See the special song from Mordechai Shapiro made in her honor, click here.
THE TEAM
BARRIE E. FELD
Founding Director
Barrie grew up in Wilmette, on the North Shore of Chicago.
She holds a degree in fine arts from the University of Madison Wisconsin and has been teaching art for almost twenty-five years utilizing the setting to help build children's self esteem.
Barrie along with her husband, Rabbi Chaim Feld opened the Washington D.C branch of Aish and afterwards set down roots within the Cleveland community, opening Aish Cleveland.
Barrie focused her passion on providing Chizuk to frum women after a close friend challenged her to go outside her "Kiruv bubble" and provide growth opportunities for women within the religious community to connect to Hashem.
Barrie lives in University Heights with her husband.
Barrie's personal story was published in Binah Magazine, to read the full article, click here.
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AVIVA FASS
Executive Director
Aviva’s is passionate about solving logistical challenges, developing strong infrastructure, programming, event planning/execution and taking her skills and abilities to serve Klal Yisrael.
Her passion and experience in event planning, management and marketing is truly her Yeud.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from University at Albany in Political Science with a concentration in Public Policy and a Masters of Business Administration from Touro University with a concentration in Jewish Non-Profit Management.
Aviva lives in the Five Towns with her husband, two sons, and three step children.
LEAH AREM
Administrative Assistant
Leah Arem is passionate and dedicated to helping others and serving the community. She joins the Chizuk Mission after an impressive career in administration and human resources in the healthcare industry.
Throughout her career, Leah managed a vast workforce of over 5,000 employees, showcasing her exceptional organizational skills and unwavering attention to detail. Her composed and collected demeanor creates a harmonious work environment, fostering collaboration and productivity.
Interestingly, Leah’s journey with Chizuk Mission began as a participant, where she personally experienced a profound impact on her life. Now, by joining the Chizuk Mission team she is able to combine her personal and professional skill sets to help others.
Leah lives in Boca Raton, FL with her husband and five children.
ESTI STAHLER
Director of Experience and Engagement
BIO COMING
HEAR WHAT WOMEN ARE SAYING
OUR POSEK
Rabbi Yitchak Berkovitz Shlit"a
R’Berkovits is recognized world-wide as a prominent posek and ba’al eitzah. Through his varied roles in the kiruv world, he has become a sought after speaker and his advice on complex community matters is valued by Rabbonim across the globe.
R’Berkovits saw the untapped potential of countless yeshivaleit to make huge differences in Klal Yisrael. This was the inspiration behind the creation of the Jerusalem Kollel – a place to transform bnei Torah into leaders who will share their love for Torah and Hashem with our fellow Jews.
