OCTOBER 31 • 2024 | 39
in Israel for English-speaking
men, the first of its kind. They
rented the alpaca farm, a beautiful
property surrounded by the Israeli
Negev mountains and vast desert
landscapes.
“It was so perfect for what we
envisioned; we rented it before
anyone signed up,” Weiner said.
Ultimately, more than 50 men
joined together in the desert.
The retreat took place in March,
six months after the war started,
when most people living in Israel
were desperate for a well-needed
emotional break.
Wiener, Gelber and Pamensky
also wanted to give back to those
who are courageously putting their
lives on the line for the sake of the
country; 11 tickets were sponsored
for IDF soldiers and Nova massacre
survivors, thanks to generous
sponsors.
In all, the participants crossed
the spectrum of Israeli society, from
religious and secular backgrounds,
but also in age range, from 20 to 60.
“Everyone was there for the same
reason, to take off the armor of
their lives and be real with each
other, share and create authentic
connections while learning new
ways to deal with life,” Wiener said.
Events included ice bathing,
breathwork, yoga, singing around
the fire and somatic healing
workshops with a strong emphasis
on navigating inner emotions.
Workshops were led by top-of-
the-line facilitators, such as Omer
Gonen-Haela, Zohar Wilson, Yom
Tov Glaser, Dov Bachur, David
Moshe and Micha Horowitz.
Feedback was overwhelmingly
positive from all participants and
the men are excitedly planning the
next retreat.
The next retreat is slated for Dec
11-13. Space is limited. For more
information, check out achvaretreat.
com or follow their Facebook or
Instagram.
ABOVE: The men gather around a bonfire. RIGHT: Akiva Pamensky, Zev Gelber
and Mordechai Wiener, organizers of the retreat. BOTTOM RIGHT: Attendees
enjoyed a drum circle.