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THE TEAM

Who we are

The Amatz Initiative (the Hebrew acronym for Agudath Mechanchei Tzon, also meaning courage) is the brainchild of three women, Mrs. Leba Schwebel, Mrs. Tzippy Reifer and Mrs. Michele Weiss, who have committed themselves to inspiring others in the frum community. Each of them has witnessed the struggles that teenagers encounter while in high school as well as the resulting aftermath when they enter the next stages in life.

Leba Schwebel , Founder

A beloved personality in New York and beyond, Leba is a dedicated community activist whose passion and love for fellow Jews is infectious. A writer, columnist, teacher and  inspirational speaker, she has strengthened Jewish women for decades with words, warmth, and wit. She founded the “Intentional Yiddishkeit” chaburos to help women strengthen their emunah, reaffirm their identity as observant Jewish women, and deal with the challenges that they face in today’s ever-changing world. She is also actively involved in Jewish outreach and other communal initiatives. To Amatz, Leba brings a relentless drive, a meticulous eye for detail, and a nuanced understanding of today’s generation.

Michele Weiss, Founder​

Michele’s impressive career — and brimming resume — has produced an activist who holds the knowledge and skills to bring her ideas to life. Michele earned a BS in Accountancy and an MBA from John Carroll University. She currently serves as CFO of the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland, the largest Jewish day school in the state. Michele is also the Mayor for the city of University Heights. Michele holds board positions on YACHAD, an organization servicing developmentally challenged youth and adults and the Community Relations Committee at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Michele is Amatz’s nuts-and-bolts master: drawing on stellar leadership skills, a solid accounting background, and years of experience helping organizations streamline their operations, she excels at executing Amatz’s vision with professionalism, precision, and integrity.

Tzippy Reifer, Founder

A published writer, international speaker, and popular girls’ educator in several New York seminaries and high schools, Tzippy has her finger on the pulse of the frum community — and the unique challenges we face in this generation. Her personal involvement with girls from widely varying backgrounds has allowed her to develop a keen understanding of what contemporary women need most — and she uses this knowledge to mold an initiative that will help our girls blossom.