Jewish girls will “UNITE TO IGNITE” at the 16th annual Jewish Girls Winter Retreat to take place January 12-16 at the scenic Jewish Greenbush Retreat in Upstate NY for girls ages 8-14.
The unique family atmosphere at the Jewish Girls Retreat is a ‘home away from home’ for many girls around the world. Girls will be traveling from as far away as North Dakota, Florida, MA, PA and NY and will be led by an incredible group of staff.
This year’s winter retreat theme highlights the year of Hakhel – unity, which takes place every seven years when the king of Israel would unite the nation and read the Torah in the Holy Temple. The 5783 theme “Unite to Ignite” focuses on our inner spark that is ignited through unity.
Each day is packed with workshops and activities fostering unity and teamwork such as a talent show, concert, ice skating, grand trip, auction, GROW workshops, Shabbat from A-Z, inspiring Shabbat program, an arts program that includes choir, drama, fine arts, culinary arts, and more. Each day is filled with moments of self discovery, Jewish pride and meaningful friendships that lasts a lifetime, says founder and director, Nechama Laber.
In a warm and nurturing environment, our caring staff give each girl the tools to shine with confidence, says Avraham Laber, camp Rabbi and nature director. Some of our dedicated summer staff will be returning and they include, Art and program director: Chana Laber, Culinary Head: Raizel Laber, Shaina Laber: Kitchen Head, HC Singing Head:Ahava Keet, HC Learning Head: Devorah Leah Smith, GROW Buds Mentorship head: Adina Abramov, Writing Head: Sara Appelsies.
GROW Workshops on the theme“Ignite your Light” include self discovery reflections: What is your unique light (strengths) and how can you brighten the world? Whom can you thank for igniting your spark? How can we foster oneness and unity despite our differences? How can you be a star and help others shine? How can we transform darkness into light and “Unite to Ignite”?
The (JGR) Jewish Girls Summer and Winter Retreats have been from the most inspiring experiences of my daughter’s year. For a 4 day winter program, it amazes me how powerful your impact is! I wonder if your staff know how influential they are in my daughters’ lives? The friendship and inspiration my daughter receives from JGR is a very precious gift. The connection is monumental, and I don’t say this lightly,” says JGR mom, Esti Grossman from North Dakota.
In August 2022, JGU launched the GROW Connection Network with resources to connect and support women who are empowering the women of tomorrow. JGR alumnae, women in education and leadership are taking GROW leadership trainings. Weekly GROW Circles meaningfully connect women to their core, Creator and a global community.
The 5783 Winter Retreat will launch the GROW Buds Mentorship Pilot Program using the GROW method to train mentors to support girls emotionally and spiritually. GROW is an innovative method to grow connection based on the structure of prayer in the siddur.
The Winter and Summer Retreat is a project of JEWISH GIRLS UNITE, the global (online) community for Jewish girls. Girls continue to unite and grow year round through the online Bat Mitzvah & Beyond Club, the Teen GROW Connection Circle and the new budding GROW Mentorship program.
Visit the online community for Jewish Girls at www.jewishgirlsunite.com.
To register for JGR Retreats, visit https://
To join the GROW Connection Network for women visit,
Email jewishgirlsunite@gmail.
Call us at 518.727.9581.
