From Los Angeles, taking action for Israelis on the front lines
In the days after Oct. 7, Momentum sister Alissa Haroush felt called to help.
This morning we learned that in Hebrew, ‘peace’ and ‘wholeness’ share the same root, which means they share some connection. The Hebrew language is fascinating and so rich in meaning. The mere choice of a word for a given concept, its mere expression, can provide us with deep revelations and insight into the truths of life. Hebrew is that rich. For example, while we say in English that love is not enough to maintain a relationship, I would not say the same in Hebrew. “I love you” in English, is an expression of a feeling that I sense and experience deep inside of me; it’s about me. If I say the same words in Hebrew, the true meaning is very different.
The word ‘love’ in Hebrew shares the same root as the verb: to bring (Hav). Interestingly not a feeling, but an action. So loving someone requires me to take action. “I love you,” literally translates in Hebrew as “I bring you,” i.e., “I bring to you.” It’s all about the other person.
This morning, we talked about the fact that a successful relationship requires us to do for the other. Though we start separate, as we DO for one another, we grow closer. We strive for peace and wholeness.
As we saw, the words peace and wholeness in Hebrew share the same root, which means, meaning that both concepts share a common origin. They have the same source. What if then to achieve a peaceful, successful relationship meant also achieving a certain wholeness? Wholeness in the relationship itself, but also within yourself. When you are whole with something, it means you are one with it, no longer separate from it and thus also at peace with it.
When you come to a relationship from a place within you, of wholeness and inner peace, you can achieve Shalom Bayit with more ease than when you come fragmented. Our internal starting point, therefore, impacts our relationships with others, perhaps it is even an expression of it. What if our relationships with others served as a mirror for our relationship with ourselves? It would mean that by doing for ourselves, growing and becoming better versions of ourselves, we also impact all of our relationships. By improving our relationship with ourselves, we improve our relationship with others. By becoming whole from within, we can ultimately become whole with another. We can achieve Shalom Bayit.
Now that is powerful!
Martine Cohen
JEMS
Montreal, QC, Canada
In the days after Oct. 7, Momentum sister Alissa Haroush felt called to help.
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.