“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
The famous quote by Neale Donald Walsch hangs over my office desk. During this time of the year, it reminds me of my father sitting at the head of our seder table in Kharkiv, Ukraine, teaching my brother and me: “We might be born as slaves, but we can choose to live as if we are free.”
Life is all about courageous choices. My parents made the courageous choice to leave what was familiar, so my brother and I could grow up in the United States, the land of the free.
In February 2020, our Momentum Board boldly dreamt of the impact we could make “beyond the trips.” How could we expand our successful Momentum Year-Long Journey flagship experience? How could we offer more Jewish wisdom and provide relevant inspiration? How could we bring more meaning into our homes?
Photo: Momentum Board of Directors with Mayor of Bal Harbor, Gabriel Groisman – Feb 2020
One year after the onset of the pandemic, now we can say…
…Yes, our trips are our flagship program, but if people cannot travel to Israel for inspiration, we will bring inspiration to them – digitally online and with local immersive retreats (see more below!)
…Yes, we bring the best wisdom from renowned Jewish educators – and we couple it with the practical expertise and guidance of thought leaders from all walks of life
…Yes, we see the family holistically, so we engage mothers – and we uplift fathers too
This Passover, ask yourself and your loved ones what you need to be courageous, to evolve, and to be your next best self. As always, you can rely on Momentum for some inspiration and support:
- In the Rise & Shine podcast, explore how clearing our homes of bread before Passover actually gives us the opportunity to clear our souls of ego, too.
- Before the seder, download Momentum’s Seder Conversation Starters, share them with your family and discuss your perspectives on freedom – from the challenging to the uplifting.
- As the world opens up, and we move closer to enjoying the freedoms we once had, please join us for local 3-day Momentum Retreats created to rejuvenate your spirit and bring Jewish values to life.
As we identify what we are trying to be free from, let’s decide what we are trying to be free for. What will you do with your newfound freedom?
Momentum strives to make being Jewish meaningful and relevant for everyone – as a people – while respecting each individual’s journey. That’s the freedom of unity without uniformity.
That is what we stand for.
Please share your thoughts and feedback with me. I look forward to hearing from you!
Wishing you and your families a Chag Sameach, and a healthy, joyous, and Happy Passover!
Helen
Helen Zalik
Momentum Board President