A Different Purim
This year I decided we will have an “all vaccinated” Purim seudah in our home and began inviting friends who I knew had had their shots. But alas, the Ministry of Health has just declared that this too will not happen.
There’s no time like Rosh Hashanah to think about the big picture. God created the world with great potential and only the creation of humans on the sixth day enabled that potential to be realized. A midrash in Chullin 60b reveals to us that while the earth brought forth grasses on the third day of creation, they grew underground, unable to sprout above soil until the needs and will of a human being to pray for rain brought vegetation to fruition. All of creation hovered in potential until Adam was created and developed a relationship with the Creator.
And so we carry that legacy now thousands of years later. We carry the responsibility to bring forth potential from our world. From the most mundane material object to a divinely created soul we are blessed to care for, we are tasked with developing the potential of each in its fullest form.
In parenting, the energy of this season is particularly opportune for introspection, rejuvenation and imagination about the coming year. Starting with the blank slate, this is a moment to think deeply about your role in educating your future generation and how your talents can empower you in this holy work. While technology abounds, as it should, do not underestimate your uniquely human qualities that can build a lasting foundation for your child or teen, carrying them through life with high Jewish self-esteem. Imagine waking up each morning clear that every day is an opportunity to foster positivity about Jewish identity. Try engaging your imagination to practice how you can role model small acts of kindness and wonder at the universe that build sensitivity in a human being. How can you imagine ways to empower your kids, so they emerge from your home equipped with the values-based foundation of Judaism needed to build the strongest next generation possible?
Imagination is something we often associate with children, but the sacred work of parenting is best enabled by engaging “holy imagination”! It may feel like a stretch at first because we aren’t used to the idea of imagining with adults. But once you practice and engage in this kind of imagining, the clarity comes. There is no better place to remove the smudges from our lens and see priorities clearly. We can imagine building a human being based on divinely given values, mitzvot, and traditions. This is the clarion call of a Jewish parent. Make this new year one in which you tap your uniquely human, indispensable, and essential talents to the holy work of Jewish parenting and bring forth the highest potential in your seedlings just waiting to burst forth with vitality.
This year I decided we will have an “all vaccinated” Purim seudah in our home and began inviting friends who I knew had had their shots. But alas, the Ministry of Health has just declared that this too will not happen.
It takes a village and a LOT of H.P. (Higher Power).
Mother to Mother Israel Unity Mission
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
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.