One Week in Toronto
One week in Toronto was packed with so much life, and none of it planned…by me.
Connecting with each other and Shabbat
I am really glad for the opportunity to connect with my group during Shabbat when things seemed a little less hectic.
Many of us gathered after dinner for games and wine in the hotel lobby Friday night, and I feel I got to know them better. That closeness continued during the Shabbat morning discussion.
We all went to lunch at a home near Mamilla Mall. Our lunch hosts were incredibly welcoming and made us feel right at home. Both had lived in the U.S., and they were joined by an acquaintance from Northern Virginia who had attended my synagogue as a child. The couple, Avi and Rachelle, had a lovely meet-cute story about falling in love over a year of being friends — I would totally see that movie. And they shared how they grew up with different Shabbat customs, and now shared their home with visitors curious about what Shabbat is like. (Note to self: check out Shabbat of a Lifetime for my next visit to Israel)
Later in the day, Havdalah was a joyous musical celebration, with dancing on the roof overlooking the Kotel. I am not Shabbat observant, but I love Havdalah whenever I do it. I love the sensory elements, the aroma of spices, and the sizzle-pop of the candle being extinguished — there’s magic in it. I think one concrete way I will bring my trip home with me is to make more of an effort to do Havdalah.
While it wasn’t part of the Momentum program, I enjoyed the Tower of David Night Spectacular, about the history of Jerusalem — I watched in wonder as the story was projected on the stone walls of the fortress.
I also loved that my whole group went that we made time for each other and shared the experience. Shavuah Tov!
Jenn Rafael
Pozez JCC / The JFGW
Fairfax, VA
One week in Toronto was packed with so much life, and none of it planned…by me.
Since their Momentum trip, Merri and her sisters have stuck together during times of simcha and sorrow. Now, it is time for her to call on them in return.
Mother to Mother Israel Unity Mission
May 13-19, 2024 | July 2-7, 2024
Join our leadership, alumnae, and our partner organizations in supporting our sisters and their families with love, strength, and taking action.
Unity Mission for Men
May 13-19, 2024
Momentum leadership, alumni and fathers of lone soldiers are embarking on this critical mission to support our fellow Israeli fathers, brothers, and their families, as we take action and bring them spiritual strength.
Apply to 2024 Fall Trips
For Jewish mothers with children age 18 and under
Participants only pay their acceptance fee and airfare
To participate in the Momentum Yearlong Journey, women must live in close proximity to a Partner Organization. See our partners list here. Please notify your Community Leader with any updates to your application
Apply to 2024 Fall Trips
Mainly for the husbands of Momentum sisters
$900 for Momentum husbands
Each man get a scholarship of $2,100-$2,400
Partner Organization contributes $700 per man
The Israeli Government does not contribute to the Men’s Trips
To participate, men must live in close proximity to a Partner Organization. See our partners list here. Please notify your Community Leader with any updates to your application
November 4-11, 2024
An exclusive, transformational, spiritual, and uplifting journey for women looking to invest in themselves and help us continue to build the Momentum movement.
Please note: This trip is not subsidized.