New Israel: First cafe for women only

'Cafe Midrash – Atchalta', located on Moshe Sharett street in Afula, one of the main streets, is the first coffee shop in Israel for women only.

The cafe was set up three months ago at the Midrasha for women, which also includes a spiritual Enrichment Center for preschool.

The place was established by Amir Halevy, 30, and his wife, Nitza, 32, a pair of Chabad ba'alei tshuva. Both come from secular homes. After their military service they travelled to learn in Milan, Italy, where they met. After three years of familiarity and Tshuva they returned to Israel , married - and they had three daughters.

"We were looking for a place to build our center," said Nitza and Amir to 'Israel Hayom', which brings their story. "Near our house we saw children aged 10-13 who filled out Winner forms at the opening of a neglected ruin which served as a gambling center. The place closed a few days - and immediately we rented it."

Assisted by many residents and business owners in Afula, the two renovated the place, painted it and brought in the necessary equipment for a coffee house. "The idea behind our project is a place for recreation and rest in a pleasant atmosphere for any woman seeking to enjoy quality time with friends," they say, "The place combines Jewish extracurricular activity with creative activities for kids, cooking and health classes, childbirth preparation, concepts of Judaism, all - with an emphasis on female empowerment. Of course, there are men who want to spend time in our coffee shop, but for now this is not possible. "

The unique cafe, which acts as a non-profit organization sponsored by the Ahavat Yisrael association, is open every day from 16:00pm. It is open also on Shabbos, not in the form of a cafe, but as a meeting place.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!