Women’s Retreat to bring Jewish women together

Jewish women from across the Lehigh Valley and beyond will have the opportunity this spring to learn, create and connect.

Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley will host a one-day retreat on Sunday, March 22, at Temple Beth El, for anyone interested in personal growth with a Jewish flavor.

The retreat will feature keynote speaker Ruchi Koval, the co-founder and associate director of the Jewish Family Experience. Koval frequently runs women's character-development groups and is a certified parenting coach, motivational speaker and blogger at outoftheorthobox.com

Her book, "Conversations With G-d: Prayers for Jewish Women," was published in 2016.

Koval comes from Cleveland, but is a familiar face to many women in the Lehigh Valley – she served as trip leader for the Lehigh Valley’s last two Momentum cohorts.

“I can’t speak highly enough about Ruchi and the impact her words had on me and my entire group,” said Stephanie Smartschan, director of community development and operations for the Jewish Federation, who led last year’s trip. “She is so engaging and inspiring. The women of the Lehigh Valley are in for a real treat.”

The retreat will also include breakfast, lunch, break-out sessions, mitzvah projects and more. There will be many opportunities for women to interact with and learn from each other. 

“This is such an amazing opportunity for all Jewish women in our community to come together and have a shared, meaningful experience,” Women’s Retreat Co-Chairs Beth Kushnick and Lauren Rabin said. “We are so looking forward to the connections that will come out of this.”

“Engaging in conversation and cultivating connections among women helps to promote the future of our Jewish community,” said Carol Bub Fromer, Women’s Philanthropy president. “That’s what Women’s Philanthropy is all about.”

Registration is now open for the Women’s Retreat on Sunday, March 22, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Temple Beth El. $54 per person. To register, call 610-821-5500 or click here. Visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org/womensretreat to learn more.