{
  "id": 4244565,
  "title": "In Ein Kerem, Israel’s most unlikely wellness retreat becomes a source of healing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/in-ein-kerem-israels-most-unlikely-wellness-retreat-becomes-a-source",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T18:06:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-906808"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Ein Kerem, a picturesque village in Israel, a serene wellness retreat has emerged as a sanctuary for healing. The Khan Ein Karem Boutique Hotel, with its welcoming hosts Roi and Tomer, exemplifies the hotel's philosophy of offering tranquility, space, and a nourishing breakfast, allowing the natural surroundings to aid in the recovery process. What makes Ein Kerem truly exceptional is the concentration of individuals who have chosen to build their lives in this place, each with their unique approach to healing, fostering a multicultural and interreligious environment.\n\nOne such establishment is Café Itah, a social enterprise founded by Moti Levi, which provides dignified, therapeutic employment for young women and teenage girls dealing with personal crises, trauma, and institutionalization. Under the guidance of head chef Amit, the café serves high-quality, creative dishes that serve a deeper purpose: to bring healing and comfort to those who consume them. The café also serves as a safe haven for girls who have aged out of state welfare facilities, offering them a secure place to sleep and support during their most challenging times.\n\nAnother essential aspect of Ein Kerem's wellness retreat is Avshalom Eshel, a traditional Jewish scribe who reinterprets religious texts as a means of spiritual healing. Avshalom's work extends beyond religious scriptures; he crafts \"arks\" of positive words to offer visitors portable refuge from the modern world's noise and anxiety. His dedication to connecting individuals through artistic expression and spiritual practices is deeply intertwined with the overall wellness of the community.",
  "summary": "Ein Kerem's deepest wellness experience lies in its people, from chefs and scribes to musicians and rabbis, whose food, art, faith and hospitality create an uncommon sense of belonging.",
  "key_points": [
    "Khan Ein Karem Boutique Hotel offers tranquility and nourishing breakfast for healing.",
    "Café Itah provides therapeutic employment and comfort for vulnerable young women.",
    "Avshalom Eshel crafts positive words as spiritual healing through religious texts."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}