Our story
A legacy of faith.
An ocean of kindness.
The life and vision of Rebbetzin Batya Barg z”l continue to inspire a mission of hope, education, and Jewish connection.
Rebbetzin Barg z”l lighting a candle in memory of her parents at Netiv Batya.
Rebbetzin Batya Barg z”l
Faith through darkness.
Light for others.
Born in Kyiv, Rebbetzin Batya Barg z”l survived the Holocaust. Six of her beloved brothers were murdered in Babi Yar. Through unimaginable loss, she held on to faith and a deep resolve to rebuild Jewish life.
During the years of Soviet rule, she risked her life teaching Torah and helping Jews preserve their heritage. She later recounted a near-death experience in which her soul saw her life in review and returned with a mission to bring light and hope to others.
Though she had no biological children, she became a beloved mother to hundreds of girls in Jerusalem.
A school born from the heart
Someone to believe.
A place to belong.
After arriving in Israel, Rebbetzin Barg was drawn to girls from difficult homes who needed someone to believe in them. Together with her devoted student and partner, Rebbetzin Esther Ben-Haim, she opened a small school with a profound dream: to give each girl faith, education, and a second chance.
That school became Netiv Batya. For more than twenty years, the two women worked side by side, guiding, comforting, and believing in every girl who came through its doors.
The birth of Yam HaChesed
Yam HaChesed grew out of this shared vision. Together, the two rebbetzins traveled the world, teaching and awakening Jewish hearts. People moved by Rebbetzin Barg’s courage and faith became partners in sustaining the school and the programs around it.
Her legacy lives on
Today, Rebbetzin Esther Ben-Haim continues the mission at Netiv Batya — Rebbetzin Barg School. Spark JLM carries forward the same love for Jewish outreach and unity, connecting young Jews to their heritage and to one another.
Meet the people carrying it forwardOpportunity through support.
Empower Jewish youth from underprivileged backgrounds in Israel through education, social guidance, and financial assistance, with a particular focus on girls facing hardship.
Every girl able to thrive.
A future where every Jewish young person has the resources, personal guidance, and encouragement to realize their potential and contribute to a stronger, more resilient community.
Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Kremer z”l
Rabbi Avraham Yechiel Fish z”l
A future begins with you
Be the reason
her tomorrow is brighter.
Your support brings education, care, and opportunity to Jewish girls and families in Israel.
Make a difference