From June 6–12, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ had the privilege of hosting 13 extraordinary Israeli therapists from our partner communities: Ofakim, Merchavim, and the Druze village of Hurfeish, through a unique Caring Connections Living Bridges program called Nefesh L’Nefesh. In the shadow of the trauma and burnout that followed the October 7 attacks, this program was designed with one core mission: to offer healing for those who dedicate their lives to healing others.
At the heart of this initiative was Dr. Deborah Lubetkin, a local psychologist specializing in trauma and PTSD. Deborah opened her home—and her heart—to create a restorative, retreat-like setting where these caregivers could slow down, breathe deeply, and begin to heal. As Deborah explained, “Therapists are at high risk during this time… They are caring for themselves and their own families, in addition to serving their clients. What makes this time so different for therapists in Israel is that they all have the same shared collective trauma. They never have a break from having the same material repeated over and over.”
With the help of Michelle Lepak, LCSW, creator of Presence Psychotherapy, the therapists were immersed in a powerful mindfulness-based model to heal trauma in a very supportive and immediately healing manner. Despite language barriers, the learning was rich and transformative. The group—diverse in geography, culture, and even language—came together with commitment, mutual support, and love. With help from translators, multilingual volunteers, and even Google Translate, every concept was examined carefully until the right Hebrew word was found. The learning wasn’t just theoretical; it was deeply felt.
The impact was visible. Faces softened. Laughter returned. One participant said she hadn’t been able to cry in over two years and that this was her first opportunity to process her own feelings after October 7. The retreat included daily healing practices such as craniosacral therapy, aromatherapy and acupressure (with take-home essential oils), sound healing, and therapeutic chanting. On the final evening, Penni Feiner, who composed a unique Nefesh L’Nefesh chant, led the group in a circle of song. Hearts were open. Spirits lifted. And community was forged.
And then, as the week ended, war broke out again. Eight of the participants were diverted to Rome while on their flight back to Israel, while the remaining five were in the U.S. or Mexico—ironically, all safely away from the immediate conflict. Thankfully, all 13 therapists made it home a week later. Deborah described this as divine protection: “I have seen this before. Certain healers are not in an actual traumatic event and are therefore more prepared to return to their community to offer support in a different way.”
The connections forged during this week didn’t end with the program. A WhatsApp group continues to serve as a space of mutual support. Penni shared a recording of the chant. Michelle offered a Presence Psychotherapy video practice. Hosts and volunteers reached out to offer homes, help, and continued connection. And across the ocean, participants are sharing what they’ve learned—with their clients, communities, and each other.
In the end, Nefesh L’Nefesh was more than a program. It was a declaration: that healers deserve healing, that caregivers deserve care, and that across distance and difference, we are one.
The therapists’ training and support in Presence Psychotherapy will continue once they are back in Israel and plans are already in the works to continue this Living Bridge in Israel by opening the training to other Israeli therapists.