%20(1)%20-%20Edited%20(1).png)
Mamatefet Community Society
Mamatefet (מאמעטפת) is a registered charity and grassroots community founded by and for Jewish mothers in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Rooted in the Jewish value of Tikun Olam — repairing the world through acts of kindness and connection — we provide mental, physical, and emotional support to women as they navigate the journey of motherhood. From pregnancy through early childhood, Mamatefet fosters connection, offers valuable resources, and builds a strong sense of belonging — because no mother should feel alone.
Our Mission
Mamatefet Community Society is dedicated to creating a sense of belonging and offering meaningful support to Jewish women and mothers across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Our mission is to walk alongside women through every stage — from pregnancy to early motherhood and beyond — by providing mental, physical, and emotional support, fostering connection, and building a strong, inclusive community.
Through our various initiatives, we aim to empower expectant and new mothers, as well as all women in our community, with the tools, resources, and relationships they need to thrive. Inspired by the Jewish value of Tikun Olam, we are committed to making a lasting impact — one woman, one mother, one family, one community at a time.
Meet Our Team
Our dedicated team is the driving force behind everything we do. From planning events to offering hands-on support, each member plays a vital role in creating the warm, welcoming, and empowering environment that defines Mamatefet. Get to know the inspiring women who make our community thrive.
Matti Feigelstock
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Matti is a certified Youth and Family Counselor and currently serves as Program Director at The Bayit. With a lifelong passion for community-building, she began volunteering in the Jewish community from a young age — leading youth programs and dedicating her time to supporting others.
Originally from Israel, Matti moved to Vancouver with a strong desire to help the local Jewish community grow and thrive. Over the past 15 years, she has led countless successful social initiatives and community programs, always bringing warmth, purpose, and heart to everything she does.
Matti is known for opening her home to others and teaching Jewish philosophy to women, creating space for meaningful connection and personal growth.
She holds a Business Management Certificate from BCIT and a Counseling Certificate from VCCT — a combination that has shaped her into a skilled communicator, organizer, and leader. At Mamatefet, Matti plays a central role in organizing impactful events and helping strategically shape the organization’s long-term vision.
Matti lives in Richmond with her husband and their seven beautiful children — her greatest source of inspiration.
Lilach Golan
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lilach is a postpartum doula and breastfeeding support professional with a deep commitment to nurturing families during the early stages of parenthood. With decades of experience as a mother to four daughters, an educator, and a care provider, she understands that every postpartum journey is unique — shaped by each family's dynamics, culture, and lived experiences.
Her holistic, inclusive approach recognizes that the birth of a child affects more than just the mother — it transforms the entire family unit. Whether working with first-time parents, large families, newcomers to Canada, or LGBTQ2+ families, Lilach tailors her care to meet the distinct needs of every household she supports.
Before becoming a doula, Lilach spent 25 years as a professional educator in Toronto’s private school system. That experience continues to shape her work today — she is patient, thoughtful, and passionate about helping parents feel informed and confident. She takes time to explain her guidance, empowering families to make decisions with clarity and confidence.
Lilach completed her CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) postpartum doula training in 2016, is an active member of the Doula Services Association of British Columbia, and regularly participates in breastfeeding workshops and mentorship programs to stay current and connected.
With her rich background in education and a deep passion for supporting young families, Lilach puts compassion, understanding, and respect at the heart of everything she does.
Ilana Binenbaum
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Ilana Binenbaum is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in education, banking, and customer service. She currently serves as Director of Customer Relations at an online learning company, where she brings strategic thinking, empathy, and operational excellence to her work with clients and stakeholders.
Alongside her professional career, Ilana is deeply committed to empowering women and building strong community connections. As a Program Director at Mamatefet, she leads Mamadates — monthly local meetups designed to support and connect Jewish women across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. These gatherings foster a sense of belonging and create space for meaningful conversations, peer support, and personal growth.
Ilana also plays a key role in managing the organization’s operations and services. She coordinates programs, social events, and workshops; represents Mamatefet at community events and meetings; and acts as a liaison between program teams, volunteers, and other departments. She provides administrative support to staff and volunteers while supporting the development and implementation of programs that align with Mamatefet’s mission and long-term goals.
A proud mother of two, Ilana is passionate about running, sports, and healthy nutrition. Whether she’s planning a community event, mentoring volunteers, or welcoming a new family into the Mamatefet network, Ilana brings dedication, warmth, and purpose to everything she does — always striving to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Adi Even
DIRECTOR
Adi is a seasoned Software Development Manager with over 20 years of experience in the IT sector.
She became one of Mamatefet’s first volunteers in 2017, joining the Downtown Vancouver team that organized, prepared, and delivered the very first home-cooked meals to new mothers and their families.
Recognizing early on the importance of a strong online presence, Adi took the lead in building Mamatefet’s first website and continues to maintain it today. She also manages Mamatefet’s Facebook group, helping to keep our growing community connected and informed.
A dedicated “behind-the-scenes” contributor for many years, Adi joined the Mamatefet board in 2023, bringing her technical expertise and long-standing commitment to the organization’s mission.
Adi lives in Vancouver, BC, with her husband and their two sons.
Dr. Mark Rosengarten
DIRECTOR
Dr. Mark Rosengarten is an experienced obstetrician and gynecologist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia and divides his time between BC Women’s Hospital, where he provides obstetrical care, and St. Paul’s Hospital, where he offers gynecological services.
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. Rosengarten graduated from medical school with distinction — and with what he jokingly calls “the highest temperature in his class.” In 1988, he immigrated to Canada and began his medical career in Northern Manitoba, serving as a rural family physician for three years.
He relocated to Vancouver in 1991 to begin his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UBC, completing the program in 1995. Since then, he has been a steadfast presence in Vancouver’s medical community — some say he hasn’t left the hospital since.
Dr. Rosengarten’s scope of practice includes both high- and low-risk obstetrical care, minimally invasive procedures, and general gynecological surgery. When he's not in the OR or delivering babies, he continues to teach and mentor medical students and residents through UBC.
Dr. Rosengarten is a proud supporter of Mamatefet and its mission to provide care, community, and connection to women and mothers throughout their journeys.
Our Founding Team
Mamatefet was co-founded in late 2016 by four dedicated women: Dr. Rotem Regev, Dr. Yael Myer, Tamara Halamish, and Yael Raz.
-
Dr. Rotem Regev: A registered psychologist based in Vancouver, Dr. Regev holds M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Clinical Psychology from the University of Victoria, BC. Specializing in Emotionally-Focused Therapy, she has extensive experience in individual and couples therapy, focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. Her personal experience of giving birth without nearby family inspired her to create a supportive network for other mothers in similar situations.
-
Dr. Yael Myer: Bringing valuable experience in establishing social nonprofits, Dr. Myer's expertise was instrumental in structuring Mamatefet's foundational framework. Her background in community development and organizational leadership helped shape the organization's mission and outreach strategies.
-
Tamara Halamish: A doula and esteemed member of the community, Tamara became the "face" of Mamatefet, known for her helpfulness and direct support to mothers. Her hands-on approach and deep understanding of maternal needs were crucial in building trust within the community.
-
Yael Raz: With a strong background in business, Yael contributed her acumen to the strategic planning and expansion of the organization. Her insights into organizational development and resource management were key in scaling Mamatefet's services to reach more mothers in need.
Together, these women identified a pressing need for a support system among Israeli mothers in Vancouver and worked tirelessly to build Mamatefet into a thriving community network.
A Message from Our Founder
Dr. Rotem Regev, Founder & First President (2016–2019)
"Mamatefet was born from a simple but powerful vision: that no woman in our community should ever feel alone during pregnancy, birth, or early motherhood. As a clinical psychologist, community leader, and mother myself, I recognized the profound need for peer support rooted in cultural familiarity, emotional safety, and mutual care. In 2016, I gathered a small group of dedicated volunteers and together we created Mamatefet—the first Hebrew-speaking, volunteer-run network of its kind in Vancouver. I named it Mamatefet, meaning “mothers who embrace each other in support,” reflecting the heart of our mission.
During my time as Founding President, Mamatefet grew into a vibrant circle of care—offering birth and postpartum visits, shared meals, pregnancy gatherings, and ongoing emotional connection. While my professional journey has since expanded into other areas of community leadership, I remain deeply proud of Mamatefet’s enduring and ongoing impact and grateful to the amazing women who carry the mission forward."
