International Women’s Shabbaton in Krakow Marks a Decade of “Chochmat Nashim”
Nearly 200 women from across Ukraine, Europe and Israel gathered in a prestigious hotel in Krakow for a three-day international Shabbaton organized by Kollel Torah, celebrating ten years of the impactful “Chochmat Nashim” (Women’s Wisdom) program. The event brought together participants from 14 cities in Ukraine and 10 additional countries, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere that combined meaningful learning, spiritual growth, and a strong sense of unity.
The Shabbaton featured a rich program of lectures, workshops, group discussions, and social activities led by community rebbetzins, Chabad emissaries, and guest speakers from across Europe.
The opening session included a class titled “A Compass for Life” delivered by Rabbi Elisha Gabriel Pavlotsky, followed by an address from Beni Haddad, head of The Jewish Agency in Ukraine, who shared his personal perspective on the connection to Israel and its role in contemporary Jewish life. Participants also engaged with representatives JRNU and the SmartJ and EnerJew initiatives.
A highlight of the seminar was the immersive “Rooms in a Circle” experience, where participants moved through themed spaces dedicated to prominent Jewish women and the concept of feminine strength. Among them were sessions inspired by Miriam the Prophetess, Queen Esther, Ruth the Moabite, and Shifra and Puah — each combining learning with creative and interactive activities.
The Shabbat itself was marked by festive meals, singing, and words of Torah. A particularly moving moment came during the Torah reading, when 14 women received Jewish names. The spiritual program continued with a lecture by Rabbi Dovid Altman of Berlin, an open symposium, and interactive activity. One of the most memorable experiences was the Seder Nigunim led by Mushka Alperin of Zhytomyr, which united participants in an emotionally resonant expression of Chassidic joy.
Following Shabbat, a gala evening featured a presentation highlighting the program’s impact across Europe, alongside remarks by Rabbi Moshe Leib Weber, director of Kollel Torah, on the importance of Torah study for women. “The program has become an important part of the process of Jewish revival,” Rabbi Weber later remarked “This Shabbaton created a space where women can connect, reflect, and gain renewed strength. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants expressing how meaningful it was to step away from daily challenges and recharge spiritually.”
The evening included music, videos, and personal testimonies reflecting the program’s influence.
On the final day, participants were offered excursions to Auschwitz-Birkenau and to Krakow’s historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, once a vibrant center of Jewish life.
The Shabbaton was organized and led by a dedicated team of Chabad emissaries, headed by Mrs. Shoshi Weber and Mrs. Leah Lipsker together with the participating Chabad Shluchot, and supported by the Meromim Foundation, The Israeli Ministry of Aliyah and Integration led by Minister Ofir Sofer through the Ofek Israeli project headed by Aryeh Abitbol, JRNU led by Rabbi Shlomi Peles, The Federation of Jewish Communities, Rabbi Shlomo Neeman, Head of the FJC Educational Department, and the Jewish Community of Dnipro under Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.
The gathering is part of the broader “Chochmat Nashim” initiative, which today unites women from more than 100 cities across the Former Soviet Union and Europe. With over 2,300 participants attending weekly classes, the program continues to strengthen Jewish identity, knowledge, and community life throughout the region.
