Friday, finally.
This was the day I was waiting for — Shabbat in Jerusalem.
In the early afternoon, several of us went to Machane Yehuda shuk, where I repeatedly got lost — it was so crowded, I couldn’t see my friends 10 feet in front of me.
Everyone — everyone — was preparing for Shabbat. It reminded me of the supermarket on the eve of a snowstorm, when people load up on staples.
But this was people buying pastries, wine, nuts, tea, produce, and challah — loaves of Challah piled several feet high. Someone in our group remarked the Israelis were choosing Challah like we do cantaloupes — they pick them up, they squeeze them, they rap on them and listen for the hollow sound, they smell them. I’m not sure what makes a loaf ideal, but people seemed to know what they wanted.
And while the market was crazy busy (especially in the Marzipan stall, where I scored chocolate rugelach), it was just hours from being completely shuttered. Shabbat is coming.
There was a lovely concert with folk musicians as we waited for the sun to set — we lit Shabbat candles, and I thought of how grateful I was to be there.
I am not sure what I was expecting when I went to the Kotel, but dancing with 600 women was exhilarating. I truly felt their joy and was glad for the chance to welcome Shabbat with them.
Jenn Rafael
Pozez JCC / The JFGW
Fairfax, VA
The full shock of the devastating news reached us only after sunset, as the holiday ended: the kidnapped hostages, dead, and wounded; the unimaginable brutality with which human dignity was violated; the thousands of soldiers heading to the front lines, our sons-in-law among them.
Every day in Israel is like living a meaningful miracle. There is no place like home.
THIS WEBSITE WAS CREATED IN LOVING MEMORY OF RITA KRAKOWER MARGOLIS
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.
