There is truly no better place for a Moishe House NAIM retreat than Miami. Last weekend, Mem Global gathered its Israeli Moishe House Residents on a sunny beach surrounded by palm trees — and immediately fulfilled the first mitzvah of the retreat: rescuing Israelis from freezing places like Chicago, Pennsylvania, New York, and even Northern California (cold by Israeli standards!). The weekend was warm, but our hearts were even warmer.

From the very first moments, something clicked. Within minutes we became a tight, lively group — sharing jokes, stories, and that instant, familiar bond that happens when Israelis find each other abroad. As Moishe House Residents, we’re used to building community with new faces, but there was something uniquely comforting about being surrounded by people who share not only the mission, but also the humor, culture, and rhythm that feels like home.

The retreat struck a perfect balance between learning, rest, and meaningful connection. One of the highlights was the free time we spent together at the beach — a rare, well-deserved chance to simply breathe, recharge, and enjoy the warmth. In typical Moishe House fashion, everything was organized perfectly: just the right blend of chill time, socializing, and deep, intentional content. It reminded us how thoughtfully these retreats are crafted and how much care goes into creating spaces where we can feel both held and inspired.

We also had powerful moments of learning and growth. Residents from across the U.S. shared stories from their houses — creative event ideas, challenges they’ve overcome, and the kinds of successes that spark new inspiration. These conversations reminded us how much wisdom sits within this network, and how stronger and more imaginative our houses become when we learn from each other.

Perhaps the most emotional moment came during Havdalah. Even though most of us are completely secular, something shifted as we stood together in a circle, singing. The melodies felt like they belonged to all of us — a shared cultural language that we don’t always get to experience so deeply when living far from home. It was a simple ceremony, but it held a surprising depth: a reminder of the beauty of Jewish tradition and of how community can make even a short moment feel grounding and meaningful.

Throughout the weekend, we were reminded again of how fortunate we are to be part of Mem Global. Even though we already knew how impactful the organization is, it was powerful to witness it firsthand — to see how widespread and significant the Moishe House NAIM program has become, and how deeply it contributes to Jewish life across North America. It’s heartwarming to be part of something that grows not only in numbers, but in spirit.

In just a few days, we returned home recharged — full of new ideas, renewed motivation, and excitement to continue building vibrant communities in our own cities. And maybe most importantly, we now carry this experience with us, along with new friendships that we know will last far beyond Miami.