Mothers of Teens Return From Retreat With Hope

The Holding Strong Retreat, a one-of-its-kind retreat for Lubavitch mothers, took place recently in Michigan. Organized by Bassie Shemtov, co-founder of Friendship Circle, it provided mothers the unique opportunity to learn, grow and recharge with the best minds, the biggest hearts and the most experienced voices in raising happy, healthy, chassidishe teens.

Speakers included Rabbi Shais Taub, Yosef Malkin, Soro Morozow, Dena Gorkin, and many more renowned educators.

Along with trusted mental health professionals from within our own communities, the event focused on charting a way forward for our teens.

The following was written by a participant following the event:

I just spent four days on the most amazing parenting retreat in northern Michigan.

The food was beyond description. Fresh, unique, plentiful, and gorgeous.

The accommodations were next level. Warm and cozy, cutest decor and every single bedroom was facing the lake.

The pampering. Personalized gifts and treats all day long.

The speakers. I can’t do them justice. Let’s just say we got the best of the best.

The vibes. Such. Great. Vibes.
No judgement. No competition. Only acceptance.

So why I am I telling you about this if this was a one time retreat that may or may not happen again?

I’m sharing this because I want you to know there is hope.

The system may be broken, but the people are not.

I was surrounded by 35 fellow moms of preteens and teens who were there for one purpose- to make this world a better place for our children.

To learn everything we need to embrace, love, nourish and cherish ourselves and our children.

Moms of all different ages, stages, backgrounds, and social circles all uniting for our precious souls.

Moms who learned that we are exactly what our child needs. No matter what and no matter when.

Rabbi Malkin, Rabbi Taub, Mrs. Dena Gorkin, Dr. Oshra Cohen, Rachaelle Ostrov and Mrs Sara Morozow shared their brilliance and passion in education. They empowered us to be the best version of ourselves and see the best in our children.

And all I could think when leaving the retreat was, THERE IS HOPE.

There are issues, big ones.

But there are such good people. With soul. With passion.

We will be okay.

We are okay.

This retreat was organized by Bassie Shemtov and The Friendship Circle of Michigan. May Hashem bless her with energy to make this possible for every single Chabad mom to attend.