Hebrew Staff at The Family Institute
Dr. Yisrael Levitz
- Founding Dean, Lecturer
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Dr. Yisrael Levitz is the founding dean of The Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim.
He is a clinical psychologist, ordained rabbi, and Professor Emeritus of Yeshiva
University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, where he held the distinguished Bennett
Chair in Pastoral Psychology and headed the school’s Psychopathology and Human
Behavior departments. Prior to making Aliya in 1998, he was a practicing psychologist
for over three decades and served as the first Dean of Students of both Yeshiva and
Stern College.Dr. Levitz was appointed the Director of Supplementary Rabbinic training for the
Wexner Program at Yeshiva University’s rabbinic seminary, where he pioneered the
field of Rabbinic Counseling, and published a book with Dr. Abraham Twerski z”l
entitled A Practical Guide to Rabbinic Counseling (Feldheim Publishing).
He continues to teach smicha students at Yeshiva’s Gruss Kollel in Jerusalem,
conducts an advanced training program in Experiential Couples Therapy, supervises
therapists, and teaches Couples therapy at the Family Institute.Dr. Levitz is a Board Certified Diplomate in Marriage and Family Therapy, a Fellow of
the Academy of Family Psychology, a member of the Israel Association of Couple and Family Therapy, and a noted lecturer on a wide variety of psychological and Judaic
topics. He has recently completed a two volume memoir entitled “Generations” which was translated into Hebrew under the title Lapid Hanetzach.
Dr. Micha Belzer, M.F.T.
- Director of The Family Institute, Lecturer, Supervisor
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Dr. Micha Belzer completed his Ph.D. and studies of psychotherapy, couple and family therapy in the Hebrew University. He is a certified couples and family therapist and supervisor by The Israeli Association for Couple and Family Therapy. His topic of research is “religious and secular mixed couples”. He is certified as a parenting coordinator by the CPI Institute in America helping separated and divorcing parents to focus on the children. He has over 20 years of therapeutic experience in a variety of therapy institutes and experience in teaching different aspects of therapy. He is the director of The Family Institute and maintains a private practice in Jerusalem.
Deena Mendlowitz, M.S.W.
- Clinical Director, Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer
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Deena Mendlowitz earned an M.S.W. at Wurzweiler School of Social Work and a graduate degree in Assessment and Counseling at the Institute of Child Study at the University of Toronto. She worked in a wide range of social service agencies prior to making Aliya and completed postgraduate training in Family Therapy at The Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim. She served on the faculty of the Master’s program in Clinical Sociology at the Center of Foreign Studies. Deena is currently the Clinical Director of The Family Institute and maintains a private practice in the Beit Shemesh area.
Rivkah Menkes, M.F.T.
- Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer
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Rivkah Menkes, M.F.T. earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Sociology from the University of North Texas and completed extensive postgraduate training at The Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim, specializing in children, families and survivors of sexual abuse. She is certified as a marriage and family therapist from the Israel Association of marriage and family therapy as well as an EMDR therapist. In addition to teaching and supervising at The Family Institute, Rivkah maintains a private practice in Jerusalem.
Yoel Steiner, M.S.W.
- Lecturer
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Yoel Steiner has an M.S.W. from the Hebrew University, with a specialty in trauma, studied courses in treating sexual abuse victims and inappropriate sexual behavior in children. He trained in family and couples therapy at The Family Institute.
Graduated from a 3 year program in pyschodynamic psychotherapy "Jerusalem Hills" school.Yoel is in private practice in Ramat Beit Shemesh since 2014 where he treats children and adults dealing with a variety of issues. Yoel is also the Hebrew Program Coordinator at The Family Institute.Fluent in English and Hebrew.
Elisheva Atalai, M.A.
- Lecturer
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Elisheva is a licensed, Israeli psychologist with a specialty in marriage and family therapy. Elisheva received her BA in psychology from Bar Ilan University and her MA in psychology from Tel Aviv-Yafo Academic College. Elisheva worked in the Educational Psychological Services of the Jerusalem municipality for twelve years. In that capacity, she treated children and adults, and provided psychological consultation to staff members and parents. She also worked exclusively with families under the auspices of the Family Therapy Center of the Jerusalem Educational Psychology Services.Currently, Elisheva has a private practice in Jerusalem and Mazkeret Batya where she works with individuals, couples, and families. In addition, Elisheva teaches psychology at multiple colleges and also teaches a course on family therapy in the Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim.
Moshe Hoffman, M.A.
- Clinical Supervisor-
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Clinical Psychologist supervisor – Psychotherapy and Psychodiagnostics. Certified Family Therapist, Certified Family Therapy supervisor. Private clinic and supervisions in public organizations. Supervises, teaches, and treats (individual, couple, and family therapies) with an integrative approach focused on emotion, attachment, and mentalization.
Rivkah Harel, M.S.W.
- Clinical Supervisor
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Rivkah Harel, MSW, graduated with honors from the Master's program, majoring in Practice at the Hebrew University.Couple and family therapist - certified by the Israeli Association for Couple and Family Therapy. (Studies at the Shiluv Institute - Jerusalem)Graduate of the Child-Youth Psychotherapy program at Bar-Ilan University. (Certificate studies).Supervisor of graduate students on behalf of the School of Social Work - Hebrew University.Rivkah's professional experience includes over 30 years of direct treatment of adolescents and young adults, supervision of therapists and staff, family therapies and parenting guidance, at the Youth and Young Adult Advancement Division and Family Response.At the same time, she supervised social work students at the Hebrew University.Today:She teaches at the Medical School - Hebrew University.She treats and supervises at a private clinic in Jerusalem.She supervises at the Family Institute - Neve Yerushalayim.
Chana Levitan, M.S.
- Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer
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Chana Levitan, M.S., is a couple's therapist, educator, speaker and author with over thirty years of teaching and counseling experience. Although Chana’s essential training is in Family Systems Theory, she is also certified as an Imago therapist. In addition, Chana’s training as a trauma therapist (certified in EMDR and IFS) allows her to weave trauma therapy into the work that she does with couples—a therapeutic intervention that she finds extremely productive.
Chana has lectured extensively across the globe on the topics of dating and marriage, and has counseled thousands of men and women. Her best-selling book, "I Only Want to Get Married Once" (Grand Central Publishing) is a clear and practical guide to choosing the right marriage partner. Translated into a number of foreign languages, including Chinese, it is making a positive impact out there in the world.Her second book, “THAT’S Why I Married You” (Gefen Publishing)—is a practical guide for couples to not only learn to live with their personality differences but to actually love with their differences.
Chana’s latest project, Marriage Mastery 2023, is a program designed for newly married couples (married under two years) to divorce proof their marriages from the get go. This is the first project offered by the Jewish Marriage Alliance, a non-profit organization that is staffed by Chana, Dr. Yisrael Levitz, Dr. Susan Heitler and Chaya Sarah Rabi.
Chana lives in Jerusalem with her husband and children and is presently working on her third book, which explores the secrets to longevity and lasting joy in a marriage.
For more information, please visit: https://chanalevitan.com/
Rivkah Weiss, M.S.W.
- Lecturer
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Rivkah Weiss, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist in private practice in Jerusalem. A clinical social worker, she graduated with honors from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, and has since completed advanced psychotherapy training at the Israeli Psychoanalytic Institute. In the past she served as the clinical director at Kav L’Noar. She is also a certified clinical supervisor from Hebrew University. In addition to teaching at the Family Institute, Rivkah is an adjunct professor at Wurzweiler School of Social Work and Sara Schenirer.
Silvana Winer, M.A.
- Clinical Supervisor
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Silvana Winer earned an MA degree in Psychology at the Hebrew University and is a certified Couple and Family Psychotherapist.
She conducted pioneering OD Projects in Israel as part of the ‘Organizations and Communities’ Program’s staff lecturing and leading groups at the Ben-Gurion University Behavioral Department and later as program developer and trainer at the Shahar haNegev Social Services Unit. She coordinated, treated, trained and supervised in the area of Addictions on behalf of the Israeli Authority, the National Addiction Division of the Welfare Ministry and in several Therapeutic Communities and Youth rehabilitation centers.
Currently a therapist and Director of Maagalim Center for Psychotherapy that she founded in Zur Hadassa where she lives.
Marcela Finaret, M.S.W.
- Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer
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Marcela Finaret is a clinical social worker (M.S.W) from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is a certified therapist and supervisor by the Israeli Association for Couple and Family Therapy. She is a certified supervisor for social workers and social work supervisors. She is a certified coordinator and supervisor in parental coordination. Additional training: group therapy, emotionally focused couple and family therapy (EFT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). For 10 years, Marcela was the director and supervisor of the addiction’s unit in northern Jerusalem and the department of social services in southern Jerusalem. She was the director of the Jerusalem municipal center for couple and family therapy for 7 years until 2023. At the center, Marcela developed and led unique programs such as parental coordination, parenting coaching for divorced parents, and working on relationship difficulties between parents and children in high-conflict divorce situations. Marcela provided group and individual supervision to the therapy staff and trainees, including supervisor training. Currently: Marcela provides individual, couple, and family therapy at her private clinic in Har Adar. She supervises and teaches trainees at the Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim and provides group supervision for trainees at Shiluvim Institute. She provides group and individual supervision to therapists and social workers in various public frameworks such as couple and family therapy centers and the Ministry of Defense. She supervises parental coordination teams nationwide and teaches various courses at the Central School for Training Social Workers.
Miriam Timsit, M.S.W.
- Clinical Supervisor
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Miriam Timsit earned her M.S.W. from Adelphi University. She is a Clinical Supervisor at both The Family Institute and Machon Shiluv in Jerusalem. She was also a Clinical Supervisor at Hebrew University’s program in Family Therapy. Miriam maintains a private practice in Jerusalem.
Aviva Zahavi Asa, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
- Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer
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Aviva Zahavi-Asa, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., received her clinical license in California in 1989 and worked with at-risk children and adolescents for ten years before making Aliya in 1997. She completed post-Masters training at the Family Institute in 2009, and in 2011 completed advanced training in family therapy at the Magid Institute, School of Psychotherapy at the Hebrew University. Since then, she has received recognition as a certified couples and family therapist and supervisor by the Israel Association for Couple and Family Therapy. She is also certified as a social work supervisor by Hebrew University’s School of Social Work. She served for over 12 years as part of the clinical staff at Ma’ane, a therapy clinic under the auspices of Kiddum Noar of the Jerusalem Municipality, where she provided individual therapy to at-risk adolescents; family therapy to teenagers and their families; treatment to parents of at-risk youth; and where she supervised social work students, social workers and family therapists. In addition, she worked at Machon Shiluv in Jerusalem for over nine years providing couples and family therapy to a diverse client population as well as providing supervision to couple and family therapy interns. She has maintained a private practice since 2007 in Jerusalem and Efrat providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Hebrew and English. She joined The Family Institute staff in 2019 as a clinical supervisor.
Michal Shalev Ben Nun, M.S.W.
- Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer
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Clinical Social Worker, MSW, Certified Couple and Family Therapist
Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) from Ben Gurion University of the Negev
Master's degree in Clinical Social Work (MSW) with a focus on direct practice from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Trained and certified in couple and family therapy at Shiluv Institute in Jerusalem and Shiluvim Institute in Givat Brenner
Currently working as a supervisor and lecturer at the Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim, training therapists in psychotherapy, couple and family therapy. Works in private practice in Jerusalem - providing therapy to individuals, couples, families and groups. Previously worked at Talia Family Therapy Center in southern Jerusalem, Shalva organization for children with special needs, B'nei Brit youth village, and with at-risk youth in the US for 2 years.
"In my work, I am continually moved by the human capacity for healing through connecting to the body, emotions, and meaning - when done within the holding environment of a caring human relationship."
Rachel Parash Cohen, M.S.W.
- Lecturer
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Rachel Parash Cohen, clinical social worker (M.S.W.), certified couple and family therapist and supervisor. Certified sex therapist
Is currently the Director of the “Mifgashim” Center - a center for couple, family, bereavement therapy, and parental coordination in Ma’ale Adumim. And supervises at the Shiluv Institute’s live observation course.
Married with 3 children. Born in Jerusalem. Her father is an eighth generation in Israel and her mother immigrated from Tunisia. Being the youngest child in her family allowed her to be an observer and essentially paved her way as a therapist before she even realized it.
Michaela Schur, M.S.W.
- Lecturer
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Michaela Schur- clinical social worker (M.S.W) certified couple and family therapist and certified supervisor. Psychotherapist (Winnicott Center). Therapist for over 25 years. Works with emotion-centered and attachment-based methods (E.F.T., A.E.D.P.) as well as body-mind-centered therapy.
Owns a private clinic in Mazkeret-Batya. Professional instructor for teams in the Jerusalem Municipality and in the Department of Social Services in Mazkeret-Batya. Privately instructs and teaches a marriage preparation course in pre-military preparatory schools.
Rabbi Dovid Ostroff
- Rav of The Family Institute
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Harav Dovid Ostroff, born in Johannesburg, South Africa, has been teaching Hilchos Shabbos to people all over the world since 2001. He spent his yeshiva years in Yeshivas Kol Torah under the leadership of Hagaon Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l, with whom he had a very close relationship. To this day, Harav Dovid learns b’chavrusa with Rav Ezriel Auerbach (which he has done since 1994). Harav Dovid was tested on Hilchos Shabbos by both Rav Stern of Bnei Brak and the Rabbanut. Rav Ostroff was tested on Hilchos Nidah by Hagaon Rav Moshe Halberstam zt”l and the Rabbanut. He served apprenticeships under Rav Menachem Mendel Fuchs (Ramot, Yerushalayim) followed by Rav Vozner’s Bais Hora’ah (Bnei Brak), after which Hagaon Harav Sternbuch, shlit”a granted Rav Ostroff the heter hora’ah to pasken shailos. Since 1996, he also serves as a Moreh Hora’ah under the auspices of Rav Sternbuch, shlit”a.
Marina Chazan
- Lecturer
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Marina Hazan is a social worker, therapist, and certified trainer in the IFS model, and leads international training programs on behalf of the American IFS Institute.Marina has 25 years of experience in individual, couple, and family therapy, creating and facilitating workshops, courses, and training programs for mental health professionals. She specializes in trauma treatment, attachment issues, challenging relationships, life transitions, and more.In 2008, while completing the Couples and Family Therapy Program at Tel Aviv University, Marina discovered the IFS model. She studied the model extensively in the United States and completed all levels with the model's founder, Dr. Richard Schwartz.The model has influenced Marina both personally and professionally in the deepest ways, and she is excited to share her knowledge, insights, and discoveries with others. Marina guides people with great clarity, confidence, compassion, and hope, believing that every successful journey begins with building a trustworthy and loving relationship within ourselves.
Chagit Peretz
- Administrative Director
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חגית פרץ, בעלת תואר ראשון בחינוךבעברה סגנית מנהלת פנימייה לנערות בסיכוןומנהלת תחום הגיל הרך במינהל קהילתי "גינות העיר"כיום מנהלת אדמיניסטרטיבית במכון למשפחה
Dr. Yisrael Levitz
- Founding Dean, Lecturer
Read More
Dr. Yisrael Levitz is the founding dean of The Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim.
He is a clinical psychologist, ordained rabbi, and Professor Emeritus of Yeshiva
University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, where he held the distinguished Bennett
Chair in Pastoral Psychology and headed the school’s Psychopathology and Human
Behavior departments. Prior to making Aliya in 1998, he was a practicing psychologist
for over three decades and served as the first Dean of Students of both Yeshiva and
Stern College.Dr. Levitz was appointed the Director of Supplementary Rabbinic training for the
Wexner Program at Yeshiva University’s rabbinic seminary, where he pioneered the
field of Rabbinic Counseling, and published a book with Dr. Abraham Twerski z”l
entitled A Practical Guide to Rabbinic Counseling (Feldheim Publishing).
He continues to teach smicha students at Yeshiva’s Gruss Kollel in Jerusalem,
conducts an advanced training program in Experiential Couples Therapy, supervises
therapists, and teaches Couples therapy at the Family Institute.Dr. Levitz is a Board Certified Diplomate in Marriage and Family Therapy, a Fellow of
the Academy of Family Psychology, a member of the Israel Association of Couple and Family Therapy, and a noted lecturer on a wide variety of psychological and Judaic
topics. He has recently completed a two volume memoir entitled “Generations” which was translated into Hebrew under the title Lapid Hanetzach.
Dr. Micha Belzer, M.F.T.
- Director of The Family Institute, Lecturer, Supervisor
Read More
Dr. Micha Belzer completed his Ph.D. and studies of psychotherapy, couple and family therapy in the Hebrew University. He is a certified couples and family therapist and supervisor by The Israeli Association for Couple and Family Therapy. His topic of research is “religious and secular mixed couples”. He is certified as a parenting coordinator by the CPI Institute in America helping separated and divorcing parents to focus on the children. He has over 20 years of therapeutic experience in a variety of therapy institutes and experience in teaching different aspects of therapy. He is the director of The Family Institute and maintains a private practice in Jerusalem.
Deena Mendlowitz, M.S.W.
- Clinical Director, Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer
Read More
Deena Mendlowitz earned an M.S.W. at Wurzweiler School of Social Work and a graduate degree in Assessment and Counseling at the Institute of Child Study at the University of Toronto. She worked in a wide range of social service agencies prior to making Aliya and completed postgraduate training in Family Therapy at The Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim. She served on the faculty of the Master’s program in Clinical Sociology at the Center of Foreign Studies. Deena is currently the Clinical Director of The Family Institute and maintains a private practice in the Beit Shemesh area.
Rabbi Dovid Ostroff
- Rav of The Family Institute
Read More
Harav Dovid Ostroff, born in Johannesburg, South Africa, has been teaching Hilchos Shabbos to people all over the world since 2001. He spent his yeshiva years in Yeshivas Kol Torah under the leadership of Hagaon Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l, with whom he had a very close relationship. To this day, Harav Dovid learns b’chavrusa with Rav Ezriel Auerbach (which he has done since 1994). Harav Dovid was tested on Hilchos Shabbos by both Rav Stern of Bnei Brak and the Rabbanut. Rav Ostroff was tested on Hilchos Nidah by Hagaon Rav Moshe Halberstam zt”l and the Rabbanut. He served apprenticeships under Rav Menachem Mendel Fuchs (Ramot, Yerushalayim) followed by Rav Vozner’s Bais Hora’ah (Bnei Brak), after which Hagaon Harav Sternbuch, shlit”a granted Rav Ostroff the heter hora’ah to pasken shailos. Since 1996, he also serves as a Moreh Hora’ah under the auspices of Rav Sternbuch, shlit”a.
Chagit Peretz
- Administrative Director
Read More
חגית פרץ, בעלת תואר ראשון בחינוךבעברה סגנית מנהלת פנימייה לנערות בסיכוןומנהלת תחום הגיל הרך במינהל קהילתי "גינות העיר"כיום מנהלת אדמיניסטרטיבית במכון למשפחה
Dr. Micha Belzer, M.F.T.
- Director of The Family Institute, Lecturer, Supervisor
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Dr. Micha Belzer completed his Ph.D. and studies of psychotherapy, couple and family therapy in the Hebrew University. He is a certified couples and family therapist and supervisor by The Israeli Association for Couple and Family Therapy. His topic of research is “religious and secular mixed couples”. He is certified as a parenting coordinator by the CPI Institute in America helping separated and divorcing parents to focus on the children. He has over 20 years of therapeutic experience in a variety of therapy institutes and experience in teaching different aspects of therapy. He is the director of The Family Institute and maintains a private practice in Jerusalem.
Yoel Steiner, M.S.W.
- Lecturer
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Yoel Steiner has an M.S.W. from the Hebrew University, with a specialty in trauma, studied courses in treating sexual abuse victims and inappropriate sexual behavior in children. He trained in family and couples therapy at The Family Institute.
Graduated from a 3 year program in pyschodynamic psychotherapy "Jerusalem Hills" school.Yoel is in private practice in Ramat Beit Shemesh since 2014 where he treats children and adults dealing with a variety of issues. Yoel is also the Hebrew Program Coordinator at The Family Institute.Fluent in English and Hebrew.
Elisheva Atalai, M.A.
- Lecturer
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Elisheva is a licensed, Israeli psychologist with a specialty in marriage and family therapy. Elisheva received her BA in psychology from Bar Ilan University and her MA in psychology from Tel Aviv-Yafo Academic College. Elisheva worked in the Educational Psychological Services of the Jerusalem municipality for twelve years. In that capacity, she treated children and adults, and provided psychological consultation to staff members and parents. She also worked exclusively with families under the auspices of the Family Therapy Center of the Jerusalem Educational Psychology Services.Currently, Elisheva has a private practice in Jerusalem and Mazkeret Batya where she works with individuals, couples, and families. In addition, Elisheva teaches psychology at multiple colleges and also teaches a course on family therapy in the Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim.
Chana Levitan, M.S.
- Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer
Read More
Chana Levitan, M.S., is a couple's therapist, educator, speaker and author with over thirty years of teaching and counseling experience. Although Chana’s essential training is in Family Systems Theory, she is also certified as an Imago therapist. In addition, Chana’s training as a trauma therapist (certified in EMDR and IFS) allows her to weave trauma therapy into the work that she does with couples—a therapeutic intervention that she finds extremely productive.
Chana has lectured extensively across the globe on the topics of dating and marriage, and has counseled thousands of men and women. Her best-selling book, "I Only Want to Get Married Once" (Grand Central Publishing) is a clear and practical guide to choosing the right marriage partner. Translated into a number of foreign languages, including Chinese, it is making a positive impact out there in the world.Her second book, “THAT’S Why I Married You” (Gefen Publishing)—is a practical guide for couples to not only learn to live with their personality differences but to actually love with their differences.
Chana’s latest project, Marriage Mastery 2023, is a program designed for newly married couples (married under two years) to divorce proof their marriages from the get go. This is the first project offered by the Jewish Marriage Alliance, a non-profit organization that is staffed by Chana, Dr. Yisrael Levitz, Dr. Susan Heitler and Chaya Sarah Rabi.
Chana lives in Jerusalem with her husband and children and is presently working on her third book, which explores the secrets to longevity and lasting joy in a marriage.
For more information, please visit: https://chanalevitan.com/
Rivkah Weiss, M.S.W.
- Lecturer
Read More
Rivkah Weiss, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist in private practice in Jerusalem. A clinical social worker, she graduated with honors from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, and has since completed advanced psychotherapy training at the Israeli Psychoanalytic Institute. In the past she served as the clinical director at Kav L’Noar. She is also a certified clinical supervisor from Hebrew University. In addition to teaching at the Family Institute, Rivkah is an adjunct professor at Wurzweiler School of Social Work and Sara Schenirer.
Aviva Zahavi Asa, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
- Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer
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Aviva Zahavi-Asa, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., received her clinical license in California in 1989 and worked with at-risk children and adolescents for ten years before making Aliya in 1997. She completed post-Masters training at the Family Institute in 2009, and in 2011 completed advanced training in family therapy at the Magid Institute, School of Psychotherapy at the Hebrew University. Since then, she has received recognition as a certified couples and family therapist and supervisor by the Israel Association for Couple and Family Therapy. She is also certified as a social work supervisor by Hebrew University’s School of Social Work. She served for over 12 years as part of the clinical staff at Ma’ane, a therapy clinic under the auspices of Kiddum Noar of the Jerusalem Municipality, where she provided individual therapy to at-risk adolescents; family therapy to teenagers and their families; treatment to parents of at-risk youth; and where she supervised social work students, social workers and family therapists. In addition, she worked at Machon Shiluv in Jerusalem for over nine years providing couples and family therapy to a diverse client population as well as providing supervision to couple and family therapy interns. She has maintained a private practice since 2007 in Jerusalem and Efrat providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Hebrew and English. She joined The Family Institute staff in 2019 as a clinical supervisor.
Michal Shalev Ben Nun, M.S.W.
- Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer
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Clinical Social Worker, MSW, Certified Couple and Family Therapist
Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) from Ben Gurion University of the Negev
Master's degree in Clinical Social Work (MSW) with a focus on direct practice from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Trained and certified in couple and family therapy at Shiluv Institute in Jerusalem and Shiluvim Institute in Givat Brenner
Currently working as a supervisor and lecturer at the Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim, training therapists in psychotherapy, couple and family therapy. Works in private practice in Jerusalem - providing therapy to individuals, couples, families and groups. Previously worked at Talia Family Therapy Center in southern Jerusalem, Shalva organization for children with special needs, B'nei Brit youth village, and with at-risk youth in the US for 2 years.
"In my work, I am continually moved by the human capacity for healing through connecting to the body, emotions, and meaning - when done within the holding environment of a caring human relationship."
Rachel Parash Cohen, M.S.W.
- Lecturer
Read More
Rachel Parash Cohen, clinical social worker (M.S.W.), certified couple and family therapist and supervisor. Certified sex therapist
Is currently the Director of the “Mifgashim” Center - a center for couple, family, bereavement therapy, and parental coordination in Ma’ale Adumim. And supervises at the Shiluv Institute’s live observation course.
Married with 3 children. Born in Jerusalem. Her father is an eighth generation in Israel and her mother immigrated from Tunisia. Being the youngest child in her family allowed her to be an observer and essentially paved her way as a therapist before she even realized it.
Michaela Schur, M.S.W.
- Lecturer
Read More
Michaela Schur- clinical social worker (M.S.W) certified couple and family therapist and certified supervisor. Psychotherapist (Winnicott Center). Therapist for over 25 years. Works with emotion-centered and attachment-based methods (E.F.T., A.E.D.P.) as well as body-mind-centered therapy.
Owns a private clinic in Mazkeret-Batya. Professional instructor for teams in the Jerusalem Municipality and in the Department of Social Services in Mazkeret-Batya. Privately instructs and teaches a marriage preparation course in pre-military preparatory schools.
Marina Chazan
- Lecturer
Read More
Marina Hazan is a social worker, therapist, and certified trainer in the IFS model, and leads international training programs on behalf of the American IFS Institute.Marina has 25 years of experience in individual, couple, and family therapy, creating and facilitating workshops, courses, and training programs for mental health professionals. She specializes in trauma treatment, attachment issues, challenging relationships, life transitions, and more.In 2008, while completing the Couples and Family Therapy Program at Tel Aviv University, Marina discovered the IFS model. She studied the model extensively in the United States and completed all levels with the model's founder, Dr. Richard Schwartz.The model has influenced Marina both personally and professionally in the deepest ways, and she is excited to share her knowledge, insights, and discoveries with others. Marina guides people with great clarity, confidence, compassion, and hope, believing that every successful journey begins with building a trustworthy and loving relationship within ourselves.
Dr. Micha Belzer, M.F.T.
- Director of The Family Institute, Lecturer, Supervisor
Read More
Dr. Micha Belzer completed his Ph.D. and studies of psychotherapy, couple and family therapy in the Hebrew University. He is a certified couples and family therapist and supervisor by The Israeli Association for Couple and Family Therapy. His topic of research is “religious and secular mixed couples”. He is certified as a parenting coordinator by the CPI Institute in America helping separated and divorcing parents to focus on the children. He has over 20 years of therapeutic experience in a variety of therapy institutes and experience in teaching different aspects of therapy. He is the director of The Family Institute and maintains a private practice in Jerusalem.
Moshe Hoffman, M.A.
- Clinical Supervisor-
Read More
Clinical Psychologist supervisor – Psychotherapy and Psychodiagnostics. Certified Family Therapist, Certified Family Therapy supervisor. Private clinic and supervisions in public organizations. Supervises, teaches, and treats (individual, couple, and family therapies) with an integrative approach focused on emotion, attachment, and mentalization.
Rivkah Harel, M.S.W.
- Clinical Supervisor
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Rivkah Harel, MSW, graduated with honors from the Master's program, majoring in Practice at the Hebrew University.Couple and family therapist - certified by the Israeli Association for Couple and Family Therapy. (Studies at the Shiluv Institute - Jerusalem)Graduate of the Child-Youth Psychotherapy program at Bar-Ilan University. (Certificate studies).Supervisor of graduate students on behalf of the School of Social Work - Hebrew University.Rivkah's professional experience includes over 30 years of direct treatment of adolescents and young adults, supervision of therapists and staff, family therapies and parenting guidance, at the Youth and Young Adult Advancement Division and Family Response.At the same time, she supervised social work students at the Hebrew University.Today:She teaches at the Medical School - Hebrew University.She treats and supervises at a private clinic in Jerusalem.She supervises at the Family Institute - Neve Yerushalayim.
Silvana Winer, M.A.
- Clinical Supervisor
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Silvana Winer earned an MA degree in Psychology at the Hebrew University and is a certified Couple and Family Psychotherapist.
She conducted pioneering OD Projects in Israel as part of the ‘Organizations and Communities’ Program’s staff lecturing and leading groups at the Ben-Gurion University Behavioral Department and later as program developer and trainer at the Shahar haNegev Social Services Unit. She coordinated, treated, trained and supervised in the area of Addictions on behalf of the Israeli Authority, the National Addiction Division of the Welfare Ministry and in several Therapeutic Communities and Youth rehabilitation centers.
Currently a therapist and Director of Maagalim Center for Psychotherapy that she founded in Zur Hadassa where she lives.
Marcela Finaret, M.S.W.
- Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer
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Marcela Finaret is a clinical social worker (M.S.W) from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is a certified therapist and supervisor by the Israeli Association for Couple and Family Therapy. She is a certified supervisor for social workers and social work supervisors. She is a certified coordinator and supervisor in parental coordination. Additional training: group therapy, emotionally focused couple and family therapy (EFT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). For 10 years, Marcela was the director and supervisor of the addiction’s unit in northern Jerusalem and the department of social services in southern Jerusalem. She was the director of the Jerusalem municipal center for couple and family therapy for 7 years until 2023. At the center, Marcela developed and led unique programs such as parental coordination, parenting coaching for divorced parents, and working on relationship difficulties between parents and children in high-conflict divorce situations. Marcela provided group and individual supervision to the therapy staff and trainees, including supervisor training. Currently: Marcela provides individual, couple, and family therapy at her private clinic in Har Adar. She supervises and teaches trainees at the Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim and provides group supervision for trainees at Shiluvim Institute. She provides group and individual supervision to therapists and social workers in various public frameworks such as couple and family therapy centers and the Ministry of Defense. She supervises parental coordination teams nationwide and teaches various courses at the Central School for Training Social Workers.
Miriam Timsit, M.S.W.
- Clinical Supervisor
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Miriam Timsit earned her M.S.W. from Adelphi University. She is a Clinical Supervisor at both The Family Institute and Machon Shiluv in Jerusalem. She was also a Clinical Supervisor at Hebrew University’s program in Family Therapy. Miriam maintains a private practice in Jerusalem.
Aviva Zahavi Asa, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
- Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer
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Aviva Zahavi-Asa, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., received her clinical license in California in 1989 and worked with at-risk children and adolescents for ten years before making Aliya in 1997. She completed post-Masters training at the Family Institute in 2009, and in 2011 completed advanced training in family therapy at the Magid Institute, School of Psychotherapy at the Hebrew University. Since then, she has received recognition as a certified couples and family therapist and supervisor by the Israel Association for Couple and Family Therapy. She is also certified as a social work supervisor by Hebrew University’s School of Social Work. She served for over 12 years as part of the clinical staff at Ma’ane, a therapy clinic under the auspices of Kiddum Noar of the Jerusalem Municipality, where she provided individual therapy to at-risk adolescents; family therapy to teenagers and their families; treatment to parents of at-risk youth; and where she supervised social work students, social workers and family therapists. In addition, she worked at Machon Shiluv in Jerusalem for over nine years providing couples and family therapy to a diverse client population as well as providing supervision to couple and family therapy interns. She has maintained a private practice since 2007 in Jerusalem and Efrat providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Hebrew and English. She joined The Family Institute staff in 2019 as a clinical supervisor.
Michal Shalev Ben Nun, M.S.W.
- Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer
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Clinical Social Worker, MSW, Certified Couple and Family Therapist
Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) from Ben Gurion University of the Negev
Master's degree in Clinical Social Work (MSW) with a focus on direct practice from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Trained and certified in couple and family therapy at Shiluv Institute in Jerusalem and Shiluvim Institute in Givat Brenner
Currently working as a supervisor and lecturer at the Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim, training therapists in psychotherapy, couple and family therapy. Works in private practice in Jerusalem - providing therapy to individuals, couples, families and groups. Previously worked at Talia Family Therapy Center in southern Jerusalem, Shalva organization for children with special needs, B'nei Brit youth village, and with at-risk youth in the US for 2 years.
"In my work, I am continually moved by the human capacity for healing through connecting to the body, emotions, and meaning - when done within the holding environment of a caring human relationship."