Orot Healing Retreat co-chair

Karin Hepner is the co-founder of Irvine Hebrew Day School (est. 2014), a Jewish day school in California founded on principles of social emotional development and growth. Karin received her doctorate in Molecular Biology from UCLA where her research focused on genetic targets for cancer therapy. Karin has demonstrated extensive commitment to building Jewish community and activating others to join her in supporting important communal causes. Karin is on the Board of IHDS. Originally from New York, Karin is raising 5 children (and one rescue dog) in Irvine, CA with her husband Absalom.

Orot Healing Retreat co-chair

Rikki Hepner has over twenty years of experience working in the health industry with groups and individuals with disabilities. She works as a consultant broker for individuals receiving services through the state of New York. Rikki has decades of experience as an activist who advocates and organizes events for non-profit causes. Rikki lives in Manhattan, New York City, with her three children, her rescue dog and husband, Zachary.

Rabbi Yonah Bookstein is the founding rabbi of Pico Shul, Rabbi at Camp Neshama, and director of Shabbat Tent. Rabbi Yonah has worked with Jewish communities across the globe. During the 1990’s, as director of the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation in Poland, he spearheaded efforts at Jewish community renewal. As a Campus Rabbi, he is credited with helping Jewish students launch successful Israel advocacy efforts on America’s most notoriously anti-Israel campuses in Southern California. The Forward has called Rabbi Yonah one of the “game changers” in American Jewish Life. He was named a Jewish Community Hero by the Jewish Federations of North America, and one of the Top Ten Jews in Social Media by NJOP. Rabbi Yonah is a former Fulbright Fellow, a graduate of Oxford University, Jagiellonian University in Krakow Poland, and The University of Oregon. Rabbi Yonah lives in Los Angeles, with his wife Rachel and their four children.

Lead Therapist

Guy Svill is the founder of Ruach Adama, the school for the study of the ‘Gates’. Since October 7 Guy has dedicated his work to helping those living with trauma, and has initiated a community healing project for Nova survivors, called ‘One Heart’ . Guy teaches and trains therapists to accompany and heal during times of crisis. He published 5 books on the threshold crossings within the inner journey - from darkness to light. Read Guy’s letter expressing Ruach Adama's support for the Orot Healing retreat for Nova survivors.

Ariel has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, corporate philanthropy, cause-related marketing, corporate governance, and fundraising. Notably, Ariel created National Homeless Youth Awareness Month alongside singer-songwriter Jewel and Virgin Mobile, Youth INC’s RBC Race for the Kids alongside RBC Bank, Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day Walks with Pallotta Teamworks, and Volunteers in Medicine with Johnson & Johnson. She currently works as the Head of US Philanthropy for Food for Education. Ariel has an MBA from Notre Dame and lives in NYC with her husband and three sons.

Adi is an Israeli-American, born in South Africa to two diplomats, and raised in the Israeli village of Kochav Yair. Her professional and service journey began as a medic in the Israeli Navy. She received her law degree at Reichman University, and worked at the Israeli Ministry of Justice. Adi’s dedication to humanitarian causes led her to work with IsraAID, through which she participated in refugee service missions abroad. Adi’s love for travel and broader connected to the world led her to her work at Swelina.ltd. Adi is also a certified NLP master practitioner and a Watsu therapist. Adi is committed to making a positive impact on Israeli and Jewish communities through advocating for social change and providing healing.

Dr. Kalman is a physician and medical director at Maccabi Natural Health Care. Dr. Kalman specializes in psychiatry at the Abarbanal hospital clinic, and utilizes methods of integrative psychiatry.. Dr. Kalman serves as a professional consultant of the Lev Ehad program at Ruach Adama.

Margo Levy treats trauma victims using a variety of methods including trilotherapy developed by Israeli Zen Master Nissim Amon, which emphasizes the development of inner balance along, with explicit Mindfulness strategies. She also utilizes the Integrative Medicine Energetic Wash method developed by cardiologist Dr. Nader Butto, who developed a system that alleviates the negative health impact of emotional trauma. Margo accompanies and guides groups of Nova survivors at Ruach Adama. Margo also has a degree in Hospital Administration and is a certified yoga instructor, and practice which she incorporates into her Mindfulness therapeutic approach.

Niva Harel has a degree in Chinese medicine, and incorporates reflexology, aromatherapy, and other various healing techniques into her treatment of trauma victims. One of her unique and effective approaches has been the incorporation of music and one’s voice as a tool for healing. She leads therapeutic workshops for Nova survivors. Niva is a soul singer in Hebrew, English, and Yemeni. Niva also has a podcast: "Messages of Love".

Ifat has been facilitating and accompanying trauma victims from the Nova festival at Ruach Adama. She is a certified Arvigo Therapist, utilizing a method of massage specifically for female victims. Ifat has been a a student of medicine of many ancient cultures, incorporating proven methods into her therapeutic approach with victims of trauma.

Etika Cohen treats trauma victims through various methods including Trilotherapy developed by Zen Master Nissim Amon. Etika utilizes a variety of breathing methods including tantra and acupressure to address PTSD and trauma. Etika also uses Tantra yoga to incorporate her breathwork strategies while treating trauma victims at Ruach Adama.

As a certified NLP practioner, Rachel Hadad uses guided affective imagery and emotional therapy to help her clients process their trauma. As an experienced practioner she moderates group therapy and workshops at Ruach Adama. Rachel’s work is devoted to supporting people in times of crisis. She is also a teacher and guides tours through the land of Israel.

Amit Diment’s research in Consciousness has been the foundation of his treatment methods for people in crisis. Amit combines Eastern wisdom and Western psychology, as well as the Trilotherapy method. Amit utilizes his experience to support Nova survivors at Ruach Adama.

Rani received his training in psychotherapy at Reedman College with a focus on the mind-body connection, focusing on the link between psychological distress and the way our body responds to distress (trauma). Rani leads groups in this method at Wingate College and Ruach Adama. As a student and teacher in the Sufi way for over 20 years, Rani incorporates self-realization into his practice and treatments.

Shelley is a movement therapist who trained at Open Floor International where she studied conscious movement practice. Her dedication to mind-body work spans more than 16 years and includes different disciplines and approaches, including Reiki and meditation. Shelley also give voice to minority groups, women, and youth through access to the arts, specifically film.

Nimod Shaul received his certification in energy washing therapy from Dr. Nader Butto's School of Integrative Medicine. Nimrod leads therapy groups at Ruach Adama using Trilotherapy and breathwork as primary modalities of healing.