Passing the baton

Helen Zalik became Momentum Board President in October 2020. At a time when Jewish families craved stability amid uncertainty, Helen solidified Momentum’s status as a global pillar of inspiration and growth. Now, she’s “passing the baton” to Debbie Hochberg, our incoming Board President!

In an exclusive interview, Adrienne Gold Davis speaks with both of these amazing, accomplished women about leadership, balance, and what’s next at Momentum.

Adrienne: Helen and Debbie, it’s wonderful to be part of this baton passing. Helen, what would you say was the most fulfilling part of your tenure as President of Momentum’s Board?

Helen: It has been exponentially rewarding to be part of the growth of this organization. When I came into this presidency, we thought it was the tail end of Covid. But we turned out to be dead smack in the middle of it. To be able to help guide Momentum during that time as we grew into a movement that is present for women wherever needed, both online and offline, has been incredibly impactful.

Adrienne: Debbie, what are you most excited about in your new role?

Debbie: I’m most excited about building on some of the incredible things that Helen brought to Momentum and helping to broaden our impact. We have pretty ambitious goals in terms of numbers – but equally, if not more important, we want to expand our impact. How can we make this experience more meaningful to women, families, and communities all over the world? How can we build bridges between diverse Jewish communities?

Adrienne: What do you love about Momentum?

Debbie: I love that Momentum focuses on what we share. It brings people together from different countries with different perspectives, practices, and professions, and connects us deeply. Momentum focuses on the elements of Jewish life we can all agree upon — Jewish values, a love of Israel, taking action, and unity without uniformity. That’s what I love most.

Adrienne: We have a lofty goal, but it seems to be working!

Adrienne: Debbi, you’ve been involved with us for a few years and in different capacities. What inspired you to take on this new role?

Debbie: First, Momentum’s work in Jewish education is so impactful. Adrienne, you in particular had a tremendous impact on me as an individual. Number two, the passion and commitment of the staff and the board is unparalleled — it’s beautiful, fun, and empowering. Number three, being able to learn from Helen as a mentor and friend has been a tremendous privilege for me. Lastly, in life, opportunities come even when we don’t seek them – but I do believe that if you can, you should stretch and push yourself to do better, learn more, and achieve more.

Adrienne: As you know, Helen has been with Momentum since its inception. She was on the very first Momentum trip, and is an amazing example of what Momentum can accomplish in terms of developing leaders, building communities, and taking the experience from the personal to the global. Debbie, where do you hope to take the movement?

Debbie: We have a lot of growth opportunities in the United States — populations that we have not yet reached or that we have only just begun to reach. And, there are some places that need Momentum and that Momentum needs outside of the U.S. It’s incredible what Momentum was able to achieve when people weren’t traveling. Now, we have all these new technological tools and programs that were put in place — and we can be together in person! Imagine what we can achieve now with all of these incredible learning opportunities and the ability to get together.

Adrienne: Helen, what is your blessing for Debbie as you pass the baton to her?

Helen: I want Debbie’s leadership to be joyous and meaningful, and may she find purpose and wisdom in her work. She has many dreams, goals, and ambitions for Momentum, and I’m excited for her. I know she’s going to do great things.

Adrienne: I’m grateful and humbled to have this important conversation with two extraordinary women. Debbie, do you have any last thoughts that you would like to leave us with?

Debbie: Right back at you, Adrienne. May we all continue to learn from you and from the other wonderful Momentum educators, uphold the values that make Momentum what it is, and carry those values into our personal lives. If we’re able to do that, we will continue to achieve incredible things together.