Mission

WHEN OUR FOUNDATION IS STRONG, OUR NATION IS STRONG. OHR NAAVA IS THE GLOBAL MOVEMENT OF INSPIRATION, EDUCATION AND STRENGTH FOR JEWISH WOMEN, THE BEDROCK OF KLAL YISROEL. FOUNDED BY RABBI ZECHARIAH WALLERSTEIN, OUR SIX DIVISIONS NOW REACH OVER A MILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS ANNUALLY.

Our Story

Ohr Naava began as a one-off shiur. But it could never end there.

Before Tish’a b’Av 2004, three creative roommates felt a longing to connect with the meaning of the day. They invited Rabbi Zechariah Wallersteinזצ״ל to lead a small shiur.

Turns out they weren’t alone

That first shiur drew a standing-room only crowd. Rabbi Wallerstein recognized the vast need and desire for inspiration, as girls and women from across the community shared their eagerness for a deeper connection to Hashem.

He launched Ohr Naava that night to be their bridge

As long as women in Klal Yisroel desire resources for connection, expression and support, Ohr Naava will innovate to provide them.

about naava

Ohr Naava was founded in memory of Naava Katlowitz, ע״ה a paradigm of growth, humility and elegance.

Naava was an artistic, introspective and beautiful woman who rose above her challenges with dignity and grace. She took great pride in identifying herself—first and foremost—as a Jewish wife and mother, and beloved daughter, sister and friend.

our founder

Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein זצ״ל Legacy

לע”נ הרב זכרי׳ה שמעון בן יצחק הכהן זצ”ל

When any giant in Klal Yisroel passes away, our hearts ache for the singular voice no longer heard and guidance no longer received.

When Rabbi Wallerstein passed away at just 64 years old, Klal Yisroel wondered: who could possibly fill the role of ten people?

Who else could be a hands-on executive of five organizations AND a one-man crisis hotline for hundreds of girls? Who could be a legendary lecturer, successful businessman and model family patriarch? And most significantly: who had a heart big enough to want to do it all?
Years ago, an out-of-town rav arranged a course in Taharas Hamishpacha for his community.

Though he advertised it broadly, just one woman showed up to the first class. His second class fared no better, as the same woman—and only that woman—attended.

Week-after-week, the woman entered right on time, and, respecting that she made the effort, the rav swallowed his pride and delivered a lecture to an audience of one.

On the next visit to his Rebbe, the rav relayed his feeling of utter dejection. All that energy invested to prepare and deliver a course for just one person!

“Tell me,” his Rebbe challenged, “how many mothers did Moshe Rabbeinu have?”
Rabbi Wallerstein loved this story because he lived its message. And his belief continues to drive us forward: Every single woman and girl in Klal Yisroel is worth our energy and deserves our support.

Under the direction of Mrs. Estee Wallerstein, Rabbi Wallerstein’s absolute life partner, and Mr. Yanky Elefant, our Executive Director, Ohr Naava continues to thrive.