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FAQ - Updated February 22, 2023

What is the MOMentum Yearlong Journey?

Momentum’s flagship program is the MOMentum Yearlong Journey, which includes an inspiring trip to Israel for women across the globe, specifically Jewish mothers with children aged 18 and under (age 21 for Mothers of Lone Soldiers). Since 2009, over 20,000 individuals from 30 different countries have experienced this life-changing journey, returning home with a connection to Jewish values, ties to Israel, and the tools to take action in their homes and communities. We encourage you to check out more information about the Yearlong Journey and other learning opportunities with Momentum by exploring our website.

Who is this trip intended for?

  • Mothers who have a child serving or served (in the past 2 years) as a Lone Soldier in the IDF. We will also accept women whose child is in the process of joining the IDF.
  • All participants must have at least one child 21 or under.
  • The Momentum Journey is designed for women less committed to Jewish community life and ritual observance.
  • Available to be in Israel July 11-18, 2023
  • Committed to attending the pre and post-trip online sessions
    Desire to join a group travel experience with other Mothers of Lone Soldiers.
  • The Israel trip is fast-paced and active; participants need to be in good health in order to participate.

What can I expect from participating in the MOMentum Yearlong Journey for Mothers of Lone Soldiers?

The MOMentum Yearlong Journey is designed for women who are less engaged in Jewish communal life and ritual observance. You can expect to experience a transformative process of Jewish learning and growth, with pre and post-trip online learning sessions, a trip to Israel, and a trip to Israel July 11-18, 2023 with a group of Mothers of Lone Soldiers. Israeli mothers will join the trip with you serving as a living bridge between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora.

As this is a highly subsidized program, it is a requirement that participants will fully participate in all classes, programs, and tours while on the trip in Israel. Each day is a mix of classes, tours, activities, and some free time. If you have friends or family, you would like to visit while in Israel, including your soldier, it is recommended that you either arrive early before the trip begins or extend your stay in Israel. The free time is limited and sometimes only later in the evening. You can get a taste of the trip by looking at a sample itinerary.

Which countries are eligible to participate?

The trip is open to the global community, but all classes and activities will be held in English. All participants must have an excellent command of English.

What are the dates for the Yearlong Journey?

The Momentum journey begins with 4 pre-trip sessions on zoom that take place in the months leading up to the trip. The pre-trip meetings for the July 2024 trip are scheduled for May 1, May 15, and June 12 .

The trip begins in Israel on Monday, July 11, 2023. All participants must be in Israel by 12pm on the first day of the trip. The trip ends Monday night, July 18, 2022. Departing flights can be booked after 11 pm Israel time.

What are the dates of the trip?

The trip begins in Israel on Monday, July 11, 2023. All participants need to be in Israel by 12pm on the first day of the trip. The trip ends Monday night, July 18, 2023. Departing flights can be booked after 11 pm Israel time.

What are the costs?

This is a highly subsidized program. All land costs are covered by Momentum.

Participants pay a $99 acceptance fee, $75 for all tips on the trip, and $25 for the Year of Growth book, given in Israel.

Participants pay for their own flights. Subsidies are available upon request.

1-2 meals each day are at the participant’s expense.

Participants pay a $500 deposit, which is fully refundable upon returning from the trip.

Pre and post-trip learning sessions are included in the Momentum subsidy. Attendance is mandatory and free of charge.

Limited flight subsidies are available. Once accepted to the program, email Maya Barlev Eshel for more details.

Will I have time to visit with my lone soldier, family, and friends on the trip?

It is recommended to come early, before the trip begins, or to extend your stay in Israel after the trip to spend time with your lone soldier, family, and friends. While the trip does include some free time daily, it is limited and we find most participants prefer spending their free time on the trip with their fellow participants. Additionally, the programming each day starts first thing in the morning and can go well into the night.

How strenuous is the trip?

This experience has a lot packed into it—the days are long and full of activity: We walk 35–40 miles on the trip, Explore Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on foot, and climb a lot of steps in Tsfat. All this and just being out in the heat require a fair amount of effort. It’s also important to remember that the trip is exciting and can bring up a lot of emotions, and this will affect your energy level.
If you don’t currently exercise, consider beginning a program to increase your stamina. If you have any health problems, consult your physician about the itinerary, and make sure to discuss any concerns with your Community Leader.

Is the deposit refundable if I need to withdraw from the trip?

A refundable deposit is due within 2 weeks of your acceptance and is required to confirm your participation and reserve your spot on the trip. No refunds will be made if you cancel your participation within 60 days or less of your trip or if you leave mid-trip. See link at bottom of the page for the Covid related cancellation policy.

What are the pre and post trip commitments?

Every woman who participates in the trip must commit to joining the educational sessions online, designed especially for this group.

The pre-trip online sessions this year are April 3, May 1, May 15, and June 12, tentatively at 11 am ET.

Post-trip sessions will be monthly, August 2022-July 2023, online for 1 hour, led by Community Leaders and Momentum Educators.

What is the process for being accepted to this program?

As applications are received, successful applicants will be contacted for a short interview via Zoom. The process will be highly selective.

Participants from a wide range of backgrounds and communities from around the world will be selected. We are looking for outstanding individuals who are also interested in Jewish learning, taking leadership roles, and want to participate in a group travel experience.

For this opportunity, we are looking for women who meet the following criteria:

  • Mothers who have a child serving or served (in the past 2 years) as a Lone Soldier in the IDF. We will also accept women whose child is in the process of joining the IDF.
  • Participants must have at least one child age 21 and under
  • The Israel trip is fast-paced and active; participants must be in good health to participate.
  • The Momentum Journey is designed for women less committed to Jewish community life and ritual observance.
  • Available to be in Israel July 11-18, 2023
  • Committed to attending the pre and post-trip online sessions
  • Desire to join a group travel experience with other Mothers of Lone Soldiers.

When will I find out if I am accepted and how long do I have to confirm my participation?

All participants will be notified of their application status within 2-4 weeks of a Zoom interview. If selected, you will have 2 weeks to confirm your participation and pay the refundable trip deposit. If you do not confirm your trip participation within this time frame, we reserve the right to offer your spot to other applicants.

A waiting list will be formed for applicants who fit the criteria but were not accepted due to a limited number of available spots.

To secure your spot on the trip and prevent last-minute cancellation, participants are required to pay a $500 deposit, refunded upon your return from the trip.

How many women will be selected to participate in the Momentum Yearlong Journey, that includes the trip in July 2023?

Following the smashing success of our past Mothers of Lone Soldiers missions, we have space for 44 mothers on this special trip. Unfortunately, not everyone who applies will be accepted.

What if my child has completed their army service already, or has not begun yet?

We are looking for mothers whose children are actively serving as Lone Soldiers at the time of the trip.

We will also accept women whose child served as a Lone Soldier in the IDF in the past 2 years or is in the process of joining the IDF.

Additional Helpful Information:

Additional Questions? Contact Us!

For more information contact Maya Barlev Eshel

THIS WEBSITE WAS CREATED IN LOVING MEMORY OF RITA KRAKOWER MARGOLIS

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