October 7, 2023—a date that is etched into our souls—changed us, and it changed the world. But it did not break us.
Your journey to Israel is part of living history, you are part of the story of what comes next — courage, resilience, and hope. By being here, you are a living bridge of our people, connecting our past and our future. Your presence is not only a gift to Israel, but a reminder to every Israeli that they are not alone.
When we came back to Israel after October 7, we thought we were going there to give — to offer support, comfort, and strength. It’s what Jewish women, mothers, and leaders do — we show up for one another, even — especially — when it’s hard. What I found was that the very act of showing up bound me even more deeply to the land, the people, and our shared history.
Your presence here now is part of the Jewish story. By walking this land, by meeting the people, by opening your heart — you are strengthening the bonds of our people and deepening your own connection to the values and the legacy that have carried us through the generations.
This journal is here to help you capture it — not just the facts of where you went or what you saw, but the moments that moved you, challenged you, and changed you. It’s meant to remind you that you are part of a beautiful, unbroken chain of Jewish women — from our biblical heroines to the modern women leading with resilience today. May you be inspired not just by what you witness, but by the strength you discover within yourself. You are now living your part of the legacy of impactful Jewish women.
Our story is not just one of survival, but of hope — the kind of hope that builds, mobilizes, and leads. When you return home, carry that hope with you. Become a voice for Israel, be that light in your community, and a builder of bridges in a world that desperately needs them. We are one people. One family. Bound by history, values, and love, stretching across generations and around the world.
May this journal guide you as you write your own chapter in our shared story. I am so proud to stand with you — as a fellow mother, as a Jewish woman, and as someone who believes deeply in the power of this journey.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Jeanie Milbauer Momentum Co-Founder Oneg CEO & Founder oneghome.com
HOW BEST TO USE THIS JOURNAL
NAVIGATE WITH EASE
Utilize the Table of Contents as your roadmap throughout this journal. Each section is organized to guide your exploration.
FIND INSPIRATION IN PRAYERS, PSALMS & POEMS
Seek solace and inspiration in the collection of prayers, psalms, and poems curated to guide you through various situations and emotions.
ENGAGE WITH THE MOMENTUM MISSION AND GOALS
Understand their purpose and significance in your journey. Let them inspire your own goals.
ACCESS YOMM JOURNEYS
Easily access Yomm Journeys by scanning the QR codes provided, enhancing your understanding and engagement with the transformative sessions on the trip.
EXPLORE AND REFLECT ON SESSION MATERIALS
Dive into the wealth of learning materials provided. Write, draw, and record your reflections in your own style on the blank pages provided.
EMBRACE ISRAELI CULTURE
Familiarize yourself with Hebrew phrases, Israel's National Anthem, Hatikvah, and other songs to deepen your connection to Israel.
DEEPEN YOUR IMPACT
Engage with additional resources and take action towards further learning and making a positive impact.
CLOSING REFLECTIONS
Capture the essence of your journey with this opportunity to contemplate your experiences, both big and small, and recognize the personal growth and insights you've gained along the way.
THE POWER OF THE JEWISH MOTHER
OUR MISSION
To empower women to change the world through Jewish values that transform ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Inspire a woman, you inspire a family. Inspire enough families, you inspire a community. Inspire enough communities, you can CHANGE THE WORLD.
Connect more deeply to your Jewish identity, your heritage, and your purpose. Return home ready to shape your family, strengthen your community, and lead our Jewish future.
THE RIPPLES BEGIN WITH YOU.
THANK YOU
to the Israel Ministry of Diaspora Affairs for helping us bring thousands of participants to Israel!
Since 2009 Momentum has welcomed 24,000+ participants with 450+ Partner Organizations from 36 countries, impacting 48,000+ children and, through our online education, leadership summits, the Yomm app, and many other initiatives, we have reached more than 5,000,000 people across the globe.
As of January 2024
MOMENTUM GOALS
CONNECT TO JEWISH VALUES
The Momentum Journey is structured around eight core Jewish values that are unpacked through sessions, experiences and group reflection.
ENGAGE WITH ISRAEL
Engage through bearing witness to meaningful testimony and sites, cultivating relationships with the Israeli mothers embedded on the journey, drawing inspiration from the resilience of Israeli civic society, and supporting Israel in your local community.
TAKE ACTION
Engage in volunteering opportunities in alignment with the needs of Israeli society as it rebuilds. Craft a personal plan to achieve your boundless potential as a mother and a community member, mobilizing yourself and others to empower your home and community.
FOSTER UNITY WITHOUT UNIFORMITY
Join a movement of mothers from the four corners of the world and experience how that diversity is mirrored in Israeli society. Act to elevate the dignity of others, embracing the global Jewish family, focusing on the values we share, and honoring our differences.
A WINDOW INTO
JEWISH VALUES ON YOUR MOMENTUM JOURNEY
ON EACH DAY OF YOUR POWERFUL JOURNEY IN ISRAEL, WE DELVE INTO ONE CORE VALUE.
UNITY & MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY
Achdut v'Areyvut
We are all interconnected and responsible for one another.
COURAGE
Azut d’Kedushah
Boldly step out of your comfort zone to confront the most pressing challenges facing the Jewish people with pride, innovation, and “holy chutzpah.”
HUMAN DIGNITY
Kavod Habriyot
Each person is made in God’s image, infinitely valuable and deserving of dignity.
FAITHFULNESS & TRUST
Emunah
A relationship with God can anchor you, inspiring you to step up and make a difference even in the most trying times.
GENEROSITY
Chesed v’Tzedakah
Acts of kindness and giving uphold our world.
PEACE & WHOLENESS IN THE HOME
Shalom Bayit
Family relationships provide a living laboratory for growth.
GRATITUDE
Hakarat Hatov
Enjoy the benefit of acknowledging and appreciating the good in others, ourselves, and our blessings.
LEARNING AND GROWTH
Limud v'Hitlamdut
You are part of the People of the Book. You can approach every experience as a learner, internalizing the learning to build your capacity to do good.
Learn more about Momentum’s core Jewish values. Join the Living Jewish Values Journey on
The Traveler’s Prayer
Tefilat HaDerech
A traditional prayer that asks for a safe journey
May it be Your will, Adonai, our God, and God of our ancestors, that You lead us in peace, direct our steps in peace, guide us to peace, and make us reach our desired destination alive, joyful and in peace. Rescue us from any foe and obstacle on our way, and from all afflictions that trouble the world. Send blessing and success to the works of our hands, and grant us graciousness, kindness, and compassion in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. Hear our appeals, for You are a God who hears prayers and appeals. Blessed are You, Adonai, who listens to prayers.
* For a more detailed map of the Gaza Envelope Communities, turn to page 96.
ISRAEL'S DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Israel’s Declaration of Independence, an excerpt of which appears below, is a statement of courage. We experience the fruits of its azut d’Kedushah — its “holy chutzpah” — on the bustling streets of Tel Aviv.
The Land of Israel was the birthplace of the Jewish people. Here, their spiritual, religious, and political identity was shaped. Here, they first attained statehood, created cultural values of national and universal significance, and gave to the world the eternal Book of Books.
Pioneers and defenders, they made deserts bloom, revived the Hebrew language, built villages and towns, and created a thriving community controlling its own economy and culture, loving peace but knowing how to defend itself, bringing the blessings of progress to all the country's inhabitants, and aspiring toward independent nationhood.
The State of Israel will be open for Jewish immigration and the ingathering of exiles; it will foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; it will be based on freedom, justice, and peace as envisaged by the prophets; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race, or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education, and culture; it will safeguard the Holy Places of all religions; and it will be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
Placing our trust in the Rock of Israel, we affix our signatures to this proclamation on the soil of the Homeland in the city of Tel Aviv, on this day, the 14th of May, 1948.
Prayers, Psalms & Poems
for Times of Trouble
Translations are by Dr. Ronit Ziv-Kreger, Momentum's Director of Education. Translation copyright (c) 2023 Momentum Unlimited and Ronit Ziv-Kreger.
INTRODUCTION
IN TIMES OF CRISIS, THE JEWISH PEOPLE ACT.
WE SPEAK OUT, WE VOLUNTEER, WE GIVE. WE TAKE ACTION WITH OUR HEADS AND WITH OUR HANDS.
We can also take action with our hearts and souls. We are a spiritual force.
The language of prayer and the poetry of Psalms have been a foundation for Jewish communities in times of crisis for millennia.
The prayers in this booklet can ease isolation and overwhelming emotions and express our call for God’s support through the unfathomable circumstances of war, captivity, pain, and loss.
Prayer is a way to spiritually connect with those on the front lines of adversity. Many parents of hostages and soldiers have requested that we pray for them.
They want to feel the resilience and relief that comes from knowing that a global Jewish community is standing with them –including during nighttime hours when difficult battles are often taking place.
May these prayers inspire your prayers and, in the process, move you to see even more ways of providing support.
May they serve as a reminder that you are part of an indomitable people who will continue to triumph over adversity and make the world better – a people of hope connected to a land of hope.
Acheinu: A Prayer for Freeing Captives
Brothers and Sisters, Israel Family Who are in danger or bondage, Waiting anywhere, on land or at sea. God, please have compassion, send them your compassion, lead them from danger to your comfort, From darkness to brightness, From chains to freedom, Right now, in a hurry; let it be today! :וניחא
Scan to hear Ricka Razel* sing a beautiful rendition of this prayer with her son Binyamin Van Leeuwen.
Prayer for Those Being Held in Captivity
May the One who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, bless, guard, and protect the captives name of captive(s), among our brothers and sisters of the House of Israel who are in distress and in captivity, as we are gathered in prayer on their behalf.
May the Blessed Holy One shower them with compassion and deliver them from darkness and calamity, release them from bondage, save them from suffering, and return them speedily to their families.
Establish for them what is written: “Those redeemed by Adonai will return, entering Zion singing, with everlasting joy beaming over them. Gladness and joy will overtake them, while sorrow and sighing will flee away.”1
And let us say: Amen.
Prayer for Israel Defense Force Soldiers
May the One who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, bless the members of Israel’s Defense Forces and its security services, who stand guard over our land and the cities of our God, from the border of Lebanon to the Egyptian desert, and from the Mediterranean Sea to the Aravah, and wherever else they are, on land, in the air, and at sea.
May Adonai cause the enemies who rise against us to be struck down before them.
May the Holy One of Blessing protect and rescue our soldiers from every trouble and distress, affliction and illness, and send blessing and success in their every endeavor.
May God subdue our enemies before our soldiers, and may God grant them deliverance and crown them with victory. Establish for them what is written: “It is Adonai your God who goes with you to fight your enemies for you, to deliver you.”2 And let us say: “Amen.”
2 Deuteronomy 20:4.
Prayer for the State of Israel
Our heavenly Parent, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, the beginning of the rise of our redemption. Shield it with Your loving-kindness; envelop it with Your peace. Guide its leaders, ministers, and advisors with Your light and truth and direct them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the hands of those who defend our holy land. Impart them with deliverance and crown them with triumph, granting peace in the land and an everlasting joy for its inhabitants. Remember our brothers, the whole house of Israel,
in the lands of our (in Israel: their) dispersion, and swiftly lead us (in Israel: them) upright to Zion, Your city, and Jerusalem, the dwelling place of Your name…. Unite our hearts to love and revere Your name and observe all the words of Your Torah, and swiftly send us Your righteous anointed one of the house of David to redeem all who long for Your salvation.
Appear in Your glorious splendor to all the inhabitants of Your world, and let all who breathe declare: Adonai, God of Israel is majesty, whose Majesty reigns among all. Amen, Selah!
for Difficult Times
PSALM 20 for Times of Trouble
To the music conductor: a Psalm of David. May Adonai respond to you in time of trouble; may the name God of Jacob lift you up, send you help from that sacred source and sustain you from Zion, remember all the contributions you made, and accept your offerings.
Selah!
[As you face this trouble,] May God grant your heart’s desire, and fulfill your plans successfully.
Then, we will sing for joy at Your saving us and
raise a gratitude banner in the name of our God. May Adonai grant all your wishes.
I know [already] now that Adonai saves His anointed, answering from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand. While some attack with chariots and others with horses, we invoke the name of Adonai, our God. They will collapse and fall, and we will rise, encouraged. Adonai, bring us victory. Majesty, will answer us on the day that we call.
Want to explore prayers and poems for Israeli soldiers and citizens? Join the Prayer as a
PSALM 121
Seeking Help and Protection
A song of ascent. I raise my eyes to the mountains — looking to where my help will come. My true help comes from Adonai, constant maker of heaven and earth, As He will not allow your foot to falter; your protector will not tire. See, Israel’s protector does not tire or sleep.
Adonai is your protector, Adonai shelters you, present at your right hand. The [heat of the] sun will not harm you by day, nor [the chill of] the moon by night. Adonai will protect you from all harm and will protect your spirit. Adonai will protect your going and your coming now and always.
Mourner’s Kaddish
Recited in the presence of a prayer quorum
(:לֹבא)
(Mourner:)
[May we do our part so that] God’s great name be magnified and sanctified (Congregation: Amen) throughout the world created according to divine will. May God’s sovereignty and majesty be established in your lifetime and in your days, and in the lifetime of the entire family of Israel, swiftly and soon; and say: Amen.
(Congregation: Amen)
(Mourner and congregation:)
May God’s great name be blessed forever and all time.
(Mourner:)
Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, raised, honored, elevated, and illuminated be the name of the Holy One of blessing, (Congregation: Blessed is He)
beyond any blessing, song, praise, and consolation expressed in the world; and say: Amen.
(Congregation: Amen)
May there be great peace from heaven, And life for us and all Israel – and say: Amen. (Congregation: Amen)
May the One who makes peace on high, Make peace for us and all Israel – and say: Amen.
(Congregation: Amen)
A Coat of Many Colors
My son returned from battle, his duffel bursting with things that I had not packed for him.
Socks donated by a community in Argentina
A quilted blanked smelling like someone else's home
A blue towel from a family from the Moshav Tzitzit from Jerusalem
A fleece jacket, gifted by a high tech company
A scarf knitted by an elderly lady
Undershirts purchased by a Paybox group
A sheet that was given to him by a friend
Gloves bought by teenage girls
A jacket from the closet of someone who came and requested to give.
I spread out all of these garments and weave together a new coat of many colors.
See, Yosef, your brothers were there for you.
Racheli Moshkovitz
Mother to Mother
Sometimes, all one mother needs is one other mother, who will hold her pain, only for one moment, who will see her heart, only for one moment, who will hug her tightly, only for one moment, who will remind her, even if for only a moment, that she is not alone.
Tal Kolker Cohen
Excerpt from In My Life, On My Life
And every person is a dam between past and future. When a person dies the dam bursts, the past breaks into the future, and there is no before or after. All time becomes one time Like our God: our Time is One.
Blessed be the memory of the dam…
When a man dies, they say, “He was gathered unto his ancestors.” As long as he is alive, his ancestors are gathered within him, each cell of his body and soul a delegate from one of his thousands of ancestors since the beginning of time.
Yehuda Amichai
* Slightly adapted from a translation by Chana Bloch and Chana Kronfeld, Open Closed Open, Houghton Miffin Harcourt, 2000.
Seven Lines to Dawn
Nonetheless, life; and nonetheless, love. The time will come when we will see the gate of the heart bursting open to a world of hope. In its paths we shall step again, and in its beauty marvel, with our spirit clear and calm: The time will come when we will see the morning rising, the dawn of humanity that is emerging.
Amir Or
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
To everything there is a season, and there is an occasion for every experience under heaven.
A time to birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot that which is planted.
A time to slay and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to discard stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embraces.
A time to seek and a time to lose; A time to keep and a time to discard.
A time to rend and a time to sew; A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace.
A Person Does Not Have Time in Life
A person does not have time in life
To have time for everything.
A person doesn’t have occasion for everything to have its own season. Ecclesiastes was not correct in claiming so.
A person needs to love and hate concurrently. With the same eyes to cry and to laugh. With the same hands to discard stones and to gather stones, To love in war and war in love.
To hate and forgive and remember and forget
To organize and muddle to eat and digest What a long history Does over many years.
A person in life does not have time. When one loses, one searches When one finds, one forgets When one forgets, one loves And when one loves, one begins forgetting…
One dies, like a fig, in autumn, Shriveled, full of oneself, and sweet, The leaves drying out on the ground, With bare branches already pointing to the place Where to everything there is time.
Yehuda Amichai, 1982
A Prayer for Seeing a Soldier*
At the corner of Kaplan and Ibn Gvirol, you stand next to me waiting to cross, a tower of olive with dust on your boots, and I barely subdue a primal urge to wrap my arms around you.
Soldier, what can I say to you?
For centuries, we had no defenders, just amulets and allies, and now your body is but one brick in a massive wall of protection.
There is a prayer for seeing a rainbow, but what is the prayer for seeing a soldier?
We are each a ray of light emanating from the same source — your strengths are the prism through which your individual light shines.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS DAY
TASTE OF TORAH:
All Israel is responsible for one another.
— Babylonian Talmud, Shavuot 39a
UNITY AND MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY
BIG IDEAS TO BRING HOME
We’re all a ray of light emanating from the same source — your strengths are the prism through which your individual light shines.
Judge favorably. See the light in your sister and welcome what may be illuminated differently for you when you see it through her light.
See good say good — use your words to elevate your experience and the experience of others. When you will inevitability see something that can be better, rather than kvetch, mine the moment for potential to inspire growth and positive change.
The Jewish people merited to receive the Torah at Mount Sinai because we were unified—like one person with one heart. Every single one of us was at Sinai, and each of us received the Torah in a way that spoke uniquely to us. We have what to learn from each other. Our experiences at Sinai were not identical, just as our perspectives today are shaped by who we are. We see the world not as it is, but as we are. We see more of the whole when we tap into understanding other perspectives.
Elevate the dignity of others, embracing the global Jewish family, focusing on the values we share, and honoring our differences.
What can we learn from each other? Even in the face of unimaginable pain, Israelis continue to show extraordinary strength: rebuilding communities, supporting one another, and demonstrating a resilience that is rooted in hope, unity, and an unshakable commitment to life.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS DAY
YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
In the face of challenge, we can center ourselves and see that we actually have what we need in order to face it. Ask yourself "what skills, talents, experience, connections, and resources do I have?" At the end of our journey in Israel, we will look back at this list and make a plan on how to channel it for doing good.
Boldly step out of your comfort zone to confront the most pressing challenges facing the Jewish people with pride, innovation, and “holy chutzpah.”
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS DAY
TASTE OF TORAH:
Seven times the righteous person falls and gets up.
— Proverbs 24:15
THE COURAGE TO ACT ON YOUR CALLING
BIG IDEAS TO BRING HOME
Holy chutzpah, Azut d'Kedushah, is the trait that helps us step outside of our comfort zone for a holy purpose.
The Jewish connection to Israel is not a modern invention, but rather is thousands of years old. God called Abraham and Sarah with the words Lech Lecha: go forth, go toward your destiny.
Jewish tradition teaches that every person has a mission; we each have our own Lech Lecha call. Listen for yours. When God calls you to be present, you might not want to accept the mission. It takes courage.
Like the founders of Tel Aviv, you can identify your mission by the gifts, skills, and connections you have, and by the needs of your surroundings.
October 7 is a reminder of how courageous women can be. Women like Sharon Perlman, a founder of First Line Med, a volunteer task force that partners with the IDF and Israel’s Ministry of Health to source, fund, and supply medical equipment. Women like past Momentum participant Alissa Haroush, who harnessed her community connections to raise $100,000 for survivors and soldiers on the front lines.
Israeli response to this war —not only the IDF soldiers—but also the mothers who are holding homes together, the hundreds of thousands of tireless Israeli volunteers.
Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the decision that something is more important than your fear. You can be brave and afraid at the same time.
WHERE COURAGE LEADS
Take a moment to reflect on the many roles you inhabit in your life—mother, volunteer, Momentum cohort member, colleague, citizen, and a Jewish woman. Each of these identities carries unique opportunities for impact.
For each role, ask yourself: What’s possible if I fully embrace this role with courage? If I were to dream without limits, what would I want to create, contribute, or change?
ROLE DREAM
Mother
Volunteer
Momentum Cohort Member
Colleague
Citizen
Jewish Woman
Other
ISRAEL: YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
FROM DR. ZOHAR RAVIV
The Jewish Story Supersedes Tragedy. While actively remembering and commemorating October 7, we must be attentive to the gravitational pull of tragedy and its hazardous ramifications on Jewish identity. We can engage with October 7 and with the attendant rise in antisemitism without these becoming the chief axis around which our Jewish identity revolves. Our identities should never be founded upon atrocities or a sense of victimhood.
Building Relationships. October 7 created a tectonic shift in Jewish identity and associations with Israel all over the Jewish world. For the Jewish people to unpack these events requires a new “cultural bilingualism” — an open dialogue about what it means to be an Israeli living in Israel, and what it means to be a member of world Jewry who faces multiple challenges regarding both Jewish identity and associations with Israel. The reciprocal exchange of knowledge and stories, the creation of shared experiences, and the building of networks serve as powerful sources of emotional sustenance, comfort, support, and accountability.
Moral Clarity. The heinous acts of October 7 have no place whatsoever within legitimate discourse concerning political debates, territorial disputes, historical narratives, social ideals, or religious ideologies. They should never be allowed to be presented in “necessary context,” within “multiple narratives,” or from “diverse perspectives.”
Unity, Action, and Empowerment. As a member of the Jewish people, you never stand alone. Taking action and mobilizing others to take action reminds you and others around you of this active application of an ancient Jewish ethos. In most countries you are a part of a large mainstream, a perplexed majority that feels like a silenced minority. When you take action, you empower others to regain their voice.
Israel in Context. The paradigm of the State of Israel as a postHolocaust refuge for the Jewish people is erroneous and misleading, ignoring that Israel has been a part of Jewish consciousness for over 3500 years, practice, and communal life throughout history. Israel’s Declaration of Independence expresses this crucial context as necessary to responsibly create a modern, democratic state fully committed to recalling its ancient roots alongside the values and ideals of the contemporary free world.
Zionism in Context. The paradigm of the late 19th century Zionist movement as a project of “colonialism” is also erroneous and misleading. Zionism is the millennia-long relationship between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel and cannot be responsibly understood or discussed outside of this 3500 year old historical and communal context.
Want to continue learning with Dr. Zohar Raviv? Join the Israel: Narrative and Nation Journey on
Hatikvah
“THE HOPE”: ISRAEL’S NATIONAL ANTHEM
As long as deep within the heart a Jewish soul stirs, and forward, to the ends of the East, an eye looks out, toward Zion.
Our hope is not yet lost, the hope of two thousand years, to be a free people in our land, the land of Zion and Jerusalem.
Kol od balevav penimah, nefesh Yehudi homiyah. Ulfa'atei mizrach kadimah, ayin l'Tziyon tzofiyah.
Od lo avdah tikvatenu, Hatikvah bat shnot alpayim, Lihyot am chofshi be'artzenu, Eretz Tziyon viYerushalayim.
Lihyot am chofshi be'artzeinu, Eretz Tziyon viYerushalayim.
THE ENDURING DREAM OF ZION
Isaiah 2:3
For out of Zion shall go forth Torah, and the word of God from Jerusalem.
Isaiah 51:3
God will comfort Zion; God will comfort all her ruins and will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of God. Joy and gladness will be found there with gratitude and melody.
Zechariah 8:3
So says God: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the Mountain of Adonai of Hosts, the Holy Mountain.
Joel 2:23
People of Zion, be glad and joyous in Adonai your God, who has kindly given you the early rain fall!
Psalm 97:8
Zion hears and rejoices, and the daughters of Judah will be glad because of Your judgments, Adonai.
Midrash Tehillim 76:3
Why is it called Zion (Tzion)? Because it is distinguished (metzuyan) as the place where the Divine Presence rests.
Yehuda Halevi (c. 1075–1141)
My heart is in the East, and I am at the edge of the West; how can I taste what I eat, how can I enjoy it?
Glückel of Hameln (1646–1724)
May God lead us speedily to our land, for I have no desire but to live and die in the Holy Land.
Theodor Herzl (1860–1904)
We shall live at last free on our own soil and die peacefully in our own home. The world will be liberated by our freedom, enriched by our wealth, magnified by our greatness.
Henrietta Szold (1860–1945)
Zionism is a homecoming to the Jewish fold even before it is a homecoming to the Jewish land.
Nechama Leibowitz (1905–1997)
The Land of Israel is not a mere piece of territory. It is the soil upon which the Torah is meant to be lived.
Leah Goldberg (1911–1970)
I never walked the streets of Jerusalem in my youth, yet every stone was carved in my heart.
ZIONISM AND ME: A CONVERSATION
JOURNEY OF GROWTH
This session explores the core IDEA of Zionism and how it’s been APPLIED in political, religious, and cultural ways. Your Journey of Growth resource will continue that conversation at home.
STEP 1
Form Small Groups of three with the women sitting near you.
STEP 2: READ ALOUD.
Each of you choose one quote to read aloud to your group. All groups will read at once. Embrace the noise! It’s the sound of Jewish learning and voices in conversation.
STEP 3: DISCUSS TOGETHER USING THESE PROMPTS:
• Which of these quotes resonated most with you, and why?
• Which quote challenges you or makes you think differently, and how?
• What do these quotes reveal about the evolving nature of Zionism?
• How do you think these different expressions of Zionism exist in tension?
STEP 4: JOURNAL USING THESE PROMPTS: THERE ARE NO “RIGHT” ANSWERS.
To me, Zionism means
Because
When I hear the word “Zionist,” I feel…
What strengthens me in speaking about Zionism is
What challenges me in speaking about Zionism is
When it comes to Israel and Zionism, I see my parenting role as
Beyond parenting, a way I can mobilize myself or others could include
THE IDEA OF ZIONISM
“Zion” appears over 150 times in the Hebrew Bible… The longing for Zion was… woven into the very fabric of Jewish faith and lived experiences since the first exile some 2500 years ago. It is the persistent memory, recognition, and longing for Israel as the Jewish Homeland, irrespective of the myriad of lands that have since become home for Jews…
Zionism is the revival of a pledge wherein Jews are… proactive and sovereign owners of their own destiny, agents of social change, builders of communities, and creators of a better present as well as a future… [Zionism is a] proactive vision rooted in the ancient Jewish connection to the Land of Israel, one that seeks to actualize the values of the Jewish people in form of a modern state among the family of nations.
— Dr. Zohar Raviv*
POLITICAL APPLICATION
"I consider the Jewish question neither a social nor a religious one, even though it sometimes takes these and other forms. It is a national question, and to solve it we must first of all establish it as an international political problem to be discussed and settled by the civilized nations of the world in council."
—Theodor Herzl, The Jewish State (1896)
RELIGIOUS APPLICATION
"The return to the Land of Israel is a return to Judaism. It is the return to the source of our faith, to the wellspring of prophecy, to the place where the Divine Presence seeks to dwell. It is the beginning of redemption."
—Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, Orot HaTechiya (written c. 1920s, published 1946)
CULTURAL APPLICATION
"We must create in the Land of Israel a center for the spirit of our people… a place where our national culture will develop in its own way, in the Hebrew language, and in the spirit of our people."
—Ahad Ha’am, The Cultural Tasks of the National Movement (1906)
* Scan the QR code for the excellent article from which Zohar's words are quoted.
REFLECT AND CONNECT
Take a moment to slow down and reflect. In front of you, you’ll see David Cards spread out on the floor. These images are here to help you connect with different aspects of Courage—both in yourself and in the way you show up for your family and community.
Gallery Walk
Walk around the space and take in the different images. Let yourself be drawn to the ones that speak to you.
1. Choose an image that represents an aspect of Courage you want to develop in yourself.
2. Choose a second image that represents an aspect of Courage you want to bring home to your family or community.
Once everyone has their images, we’ll sit in a circle. When it’s your turn, share which images you chose and why. There’s no right or wrong answer—just your own reflections and what feels meaningful to you in this moment.
Scan the QR to learn more or to purchase
HUMAN DIGNITY
Kavod Habriyot
Each person is made in God’s image, infinitely valuable and deserving of our dignity.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS DAY
TASTE OF TORAH:
Therefore, Adam, the first human, was created alone, to teach you that anyone who destroys one life is considered by scripture to have destroyed an entire world, [as Adam was one person, from whom the population of an entire world came forth.] And [conversely,] anyone who sustains one life is considered by scripture to have sustained an entire world.
— Talmud Sanhedrin 4:5
UPHOLDING HUMAN DIGNITY
BIG IDEAS TO BRING HOME
The attacks on October 7 violated a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that had been in place since May 2021. The resulting massacre and hostage crisis are a catastrophic affront to and violation of human dignity.
The attack catalyzed a war, demeaning human dignity on all sides.
You have an inherent dignity because you were created in the image of the Creator. Every human being contains this spark of deep holiness.
On Passover, we spill drops from our wine glass in acknowledgment of the losses of our enemies, who are also created in the image of God. Jews do not celebrate suffering or death, no matter the context.
We bear witness to the aftermath of the atrocities of October 7 by acknowledging and holding the brokenness, and by becoming story bearers who refuse to let tragedy demean our dignity as human beings.
Even in the face of unimaginable pain, Israelis continue to show extraordinary strength, rebuilding communities, supporting one another, and demonstrating a resilience that is rooted in hope, unity, and an unshakable commitment to life.
As agents of hope we tell our stories (even the tragic ones) by focusing on dignity and resilience, by focusing on hope, by being attentive to reality and by looking forward, by mobilizing ourselves and others to make a better future. #wewilldanceagain
REFLECT AND CONNECT - HUMAN DIGNITY
Articulating our thoughts and emotions after such a profound experience can be incredibly challenging. Yet, time to Reflect and Connect is a crucial part of our journey together. It's a time to come together and begin processing what you have seen and heard today. Be kind to yourself and generous with each other.
SOMETHING YOU HEARD THAT IMPACTED YOU
SOMETHING YOU SAW THAT IMPACTED YOU
A WORD OR PHRASE ABOUT HOW YOU ARE FEELING
1. Message to the World : If you could share something with the world about the impact of being present at these sites, what would it be?
2. Sharing with Family : What about this experience do you want to bring home to your children? How can you speak of the value of Human Dignity with your children?
3. Sharing with Community : What do you hope to share with your community from your experience today?
FAITHFULNESS & TRUST
Emunah
A relationship with God that can anchor you, inspiring you to step up and make a difference even at the most trying times.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS DAY
TASTE OF TORAH:
Trust in God and do good; abide with reverence on the land and cherish faithfulness and trust.
— Psalms: 37:3
THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS OF EMUNAH
FINDING UNITY AMID DISAGREEMENT
Emunah is less about belief — and more about trust, faithfulness and steadfastness. Trust in a Power greater than ourselves, and steadfastness, sticking with the unfolding journey, faithfully, even when we don’t understand it.
There is (HP) Higher Power acting in each of our lives. Our lives are more meaningful when we connect with that power.
Hashgacha Pratit (HP) is a Jewish concept that teaches that things happen in our life in ways that have Divine intent and reason, even when it is beyond our comprehension.
Emunah is faithfully trusting that God is guiding us, even in uncertainty and disagreement. Lech Lecha: God tells Abraham and Sara to leave everything familiar behind and walk into the unknown. Lech Lecha is an act of both courage and trust. Abraham and Sara did not have all the details, yet they stepped forward.
Faithful disagreement. On almost every page, the classic formative books of Jewish rabbinic thought, the Mishna and Talmud, model a faith-filled respect for other opinions. Moreover, in the many dozens of disagreements between the two main schools of thought, the House of Hillel and the House of Shamai, we follow the former, the House of Hillel, because their practice was to elevate the opinion of the other. Before teaching their own opinion on an issue, they would teach the opposing opinion, unpacking its value.
Emunah is not about all believing the same thing or avoiding conflict—it is about trusting that we are all part of the One, so unity is still possible, even in disagreement
Emunah that starts with trusting in God can expand to faithfully trusting that we can navigate even difficult conversations so that we may be of service to a Greater Good.
HOW DOES EMUNAH , TRUST AND FAITHFULNESS, AFFECT HOW WE APPROACH CHALLENGING CONVERSATIONS?
• Shift from certainty to curiosity – What can I learn from this person?
• Create space for both justice and compassion – How do I honor that the person before me is also made in God’s image?
• When we practice faithfulness, we make courageous decisions because we trust that righteousness and justice will win out. We know we have a role to play, even if humbly small.
• Embrace trust even in conflict – How can I disagree with you and still elevate that you are part of my community?
• Practice active listening with humility – Am I listening to deeply understand, or to respond?
REFLECT AND CONNECT
After visiting Har Herzl, Israel’s national military cemetery and a key site of remembrance, take time as an individual and as a group to reflect and explore:
1. Was there a particular grave or story that stood out to you? Why?
2. How do you see the values of unity, courage, human dignity, and faithfulness & trust reflected in what you saw today?
3. How do you think the memorials here influence the way Israel remembers its fallen soldiers and leaders? What influence might such remembrance have on Israel’s culture or national identity?
4. What is something you will take away from this visit and share with others?
5. How can we honor the memory of those who have fallen beyond visiting here? If you were to design a way to commemorate one or more of those who served, what would it look like?
THE POWER OF PRAYER
BIG IDEAS TO BRING HOME
Soul Full: Gateways to Jewish Prayer is a companion designed to support your personal prayer journey, not only to give you insight into Jewish prayer, but to help you personalize your prayers in ways that speak to your current joys and challenges.
Prayer is talking to God, in any language, in any place. Talking to God can be scripted or unscripted; both are ways to connect to the Divine.
The Hebrew word for prayer is l’hitpalel, which means to self-examine. Prayer is a time to explore what you stand for, what you want, and why.
Prayer has a meditative quality that allows space for new clarity.
If you haven't prayed in a while (or ever) that's okay. There is no wrong way to pray. When you walk up to the Wall, just say, "Hi. It's me." That's all the introduction you need.
GENEROSITY
Chesed v’Tzedakah
Acts of kindness and giving uphold our world.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS DAY
TASTE OF TORAH:
When any of your kinsfolk is poor, in the land God is giving you, do not harden your heart or shut your hand against your needy kin. Open your hand generously, providing for what the person needs and is lacking.
A ROADMAP FOR GENEROSITY
Generosity – Chesed v’Tzedakah
BIG IDEAS TO BRING HOME
Givers are happy people.
Givers live with a generosity that flows from the heart and seek to meet the needs of those around them, enriching their lives and the lives of others.
Such lovingkindness upholds the world, according to Judaism.
Giving generously is spiritual work , and Jewish tradition guides us to give not only when the muse strikes us.
Chesed, acts of lovingkindness, are a response. To practice chesed is to respond to the needs of another. In this way chesed sustains the world by building relationships.
Chesed begins with what’s right in front of you. Look at the woman next to you — what does she need? Look at your family — what do they need? Look at those who are vulnerable in your community — what does your community need?
We can understand generosity in three categories: physical, financial, and spiritual. We often think of “financial kindness” as charitable giving, but the Jewish concept of giving, tzedakah, comes from the Hebrew word for justice and righteousness. It is about using the resources we are gifted to make the world more just and righteous.
We create love (ahava) through giving (hav), teaches Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler.
Parenting is role modeling generosity. “Teach your child according to his/ her own way” (Proverbs 22:6) guides us to have a generous spirit and to support each child to be who he or she is.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS DAY
Want to cultivate 8 qualities for soulful parenting? Join the Becoming a Soulful Parent Journey on
DISCONNECT TO CONNECT: SHABBAT
BIG IDEAS TO BRING HOME
Shabbat is a weekly invitation to disconnect in order to connect more deeply with yourself and those around you.
On Shabbat, you have an opportunity to stop creating in order to remember that you are not the Creator.
Jewish life embraces more than productivity. You are a human being, not a human doing.
Allowing yourself to be fully in the moment is a gift — that’s why we call it the present.
Consider how you can make Shabbat a joyful delight, a rejuvenating pause.
Explore the possibilities of Shabbat . It’s not all or nothing at all.
Discover reflections and rituals to elevate Shabbat Join the Gateway to Shabbat Journey on
YOUR GUIDE TO A MAGICAL SHABBAT IN ISRAEL
FIRST, UNWIND FROM THE WEEKDAY FRENZY. UNPLUG FROM THE WEEK AND LOOK FORWARD TO THIS DAY OF SHABBAT SHALOM!
OUR SHABBAT JOURNEY BEGINS ON FRIDAY EVENING
Light candles to signal the start of Shabbat
OPPORTUNITIES OF SHABBAT
Learn, reflect and process with inspiring sessions
Visit the Kotel for song, dance, and prayer
Get Shabbat inspiration from your new books, Soul Full and The Shabbat Guidebook
Shabbat dinner:
• Sing Shalom Aleichem
• Say the Blessing for the Children
• Recite the Kiddush (blessing over the wine)
• Handwashing and Hamotzi (blessing over the bread)
• The Birkat Hamazon (blessing after eating) expresses gratitude after our meal
Take in this awesome and unique experience
AS SHABBAT COMES TO AN END
Enjoy a light third meal
The Havdalah ritual invites you to bring the light, scent, and taste of Shabbat into your week
SHAVUA TOV! HAVE A GOOD WEEK!
EXPLORING SHABBAT
SOUL FULL
Looking for Shabbat blessings and wisdom? Check out “Kindle Joy - The Magic of Shabbat” on p. 71 in your copy of the Momentum prayer companion Soul Full: Gateways to Jewish Prayer
Use the QR code to pre-order the full book, including a chapter on meditation, and five other chapters, forthcoming summer 2025.
ONEG
Created by Momentum co-founder Jeanie Milbauer, Oneg helps you access the joy and beauty of Shabbat through modern ritual objects and guiding materials. Use code Momentum2024 for 20% off a one time purchase. www.oneghome.com
ONETABLE TOGETHER
OneTable Together supports those 50ish+ looking to reconnect with friends or build new connections to find, share and enjoy Shabbat dinners in their home communities or when they are traveling. Hosts and guests benefit from personalized support, on demand DIY tools and Jewish learning resources to elevate their Friday night. gettogether.onetable.org
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS DAY
PEACE AND WHOLENESS IN THE HOME
Shalom Bayit
Family relationships provide a living laboratory for growth.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS DAY
TASTE OF TORAH:
Love your neighbor as yourself. Rabbi Akiva says this is the greatest teaching of the Torah.
— Midrash Sifra Kedoshim, 4:11
IN PURSUIT OF PEACEFUL RELATIONSHIPS
BIG IDEAS TO BRING HOME
Relationship and parenting struggles are opportunities for us to grow.
Intimacy in a marriage is like water in the desert; by the time you are thirsty, you may risk relationship dehydration. Drink the water!
In relationships, actions speak louder than words.
We are meant to BOND in a family "Is what I'm about to say or do going to bring us closer or further apart?"
The more you give, the more you love.
We grow not through our spouse's good qualities, but through their challenging qualities.
Your marriage doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful. And neither do you.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS DAY
PARENTING TOWARD WHOLENESS
BIG IDEAS TO BRING HOME
Parenting toward wholeness begins with acknowledging our own suffering and how it affects our patterns and parenting. That acknowledgment puts us on a journey of healing toward wholeness, toward embodying that each of us and our child(ren) are beloved, a pure soul that is innately good.
Children have unique souls and are not a "second coming" of us, our goals, or our dreams.
Give your children a balance of love and boundaries: 80 percent love and 20 percent boundaries. For teens, its 90/10. For rebellious and challenging teens, it may temporarily be 100/0.
The best way to raise a mensch is to BE a mensch.
Model living your values. The best way to teach values to your children is to be an example and live those values yourself.
Listen to your children even when you vehemently disagree. Listen from a place of curiosity rather than trying to prove why they are wrong or change their minds.
Our roles as mothers change as our children grow: When they are very young (0-3) we are directors; as they grow (4-9) we are supervisors; then from ages 10-25, research is showing that we are most effective as mentors, setting high standards and offering strong support.
As parents, when you can, open the channels of connection between grandparents and grandchildren. Family stories and relationships that span the generations give them deep roots from which to grow.
The perfect is the enemy of the good. As parents, seek progress — “good enough” often results in healthier, happier families.
GRATITUDE
Hakarat Hatov
Acknowledging and appreciating the good in others, ourselves, and our blessings.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS DAY
Want to learn how to talk about Israel?
Join Better Conversations about Israel Journey on
TASTE OF TORAH:
Give thanks to God for God is good; God’s lovingkindness endures forever.
— Psalms 107:1
BRING YOUR MOMENTUM HOME
BIG IDEAS TO BRING HOME
"Show, don't tell." Transform the inspiration of this trip into the perspiration of action! Action takes time and effort.
You have a unique mission to achieve in this world. Have deep gratitude for your gifts, skills, and connections — these are blessings. When you carry yourself with this knowledge, you lead by attraction rather than promotion.
Start small. Plant seeds for the changes you wish to see in yourself and in those you love. Remember to water them with a watering can, not a fire hose!
We explored these values on our journey together:
Unity and Mutual Responsibility, Achdut v'Areyvut
Courage, Azut d'Kedushah
Human Dignity, Kavod Habriyot
Faithfulness & Trust, Emunah
Generosity, Chesed v'Tzedakah
Peace & Wholeness in the Home, Shalom Bayit
Gratitude, Hakarat Hatov
Continue your Journey of Growth back home with your sisters and with the Yomm app to deepen your learning with speakers you’ve met on your mission and many more.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! YOUR MOMENTUM ACTION PLAN
STEP 1: YOUR BOLD MISSION
Look at what you wrote on Day 2 about where courage leads. What is one meaningful action you feel called to take? See pages 42-43. Write down your action in one clear sentence.
Why is this action important to you?
What are three other ways you can achieve or approach this aspiration, other than by following the initial action you wrote above? 1 2 3
Now, reconsider your action so that it is specific, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Write down your action in one clear sentence.
Consider naming your mission — think bold, inspiring, or funny!
STEP 2: PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS
Look back at what you wrote on Day 1 about your unique strengths and skills. Which of these strengths will help you take this action? See page 36.
Write down 1-2 strengths that will support you.
STEP 3: ASSEMBLE YOUR CAST
Every great mission needs co-stars and supporting characters. Who’s in your corner? (Friends, mentors, family members, fellow Momentum sisters?) Who might be unexpected allies?
List 3-5 “cast members” – the people who will support you.
STEP 4: THE FIRST MOVES & THE PLOT TWIST!
Even the best movies have obstacles—but the heroine always takes action! The first bold step I will take THIS WEEK is
Step 1
Step 2
The unexpected challenge I might face is
My plot twist — how I’ll pivot to face this unplanned challenge is
STEP 5: THEME SONG
Think of an epic movie montage where the heroine is leveling up. What song is playing? Pick an anthem that pumps you up!
Every great film ends with a final, powerful line. If your future self could leave you one message, what would it say?
Write your message to yourself & sign your name with a bold autograph.
Autograph
Share your action-packed story with the global Momentum sisterhood! #MomentumMobilizes
Additional Resources
TAKE ACTION
MOMENTUM ACTION NETWORK
A community of women turning inspiration into action through leadership, learning, and impact.
HASBARA TOOLBOX
Be Israel’s voice in times of crisis.
SPARKIL
Support small businesses during the war with interestfree loans, and make an impact with less effort than buying a cup of coffee.
LOVING MOMS
Loving Moms is a grassroots community of women united by love for Israel and a commitment to raising awareness, taking action, and advocating for a brighter future.
FOR THE SAKE OF ARGUMENT
Reflections on Jewish event planning during wartime. Dive into our analysis of key issues, questions, and suggestions around marking the war in your communal events and spaces.
STICKERS OF MEANING
Bring the powerful message of Israeli stickers honoring those lost on October 7 and the war to your community.
TIMELY RESOURCES
Curated by Momentum
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER ISRAEL LEARNING AND ACTIVISM
OPENDOR MEDIA
Brings Jewish ideas, values, and stories to life through quality filmmaking and delivers them to a global audience of millions using today’s most popular and far-reaching digital platforms.
ISRAEL21C
This website offers more than 10,000 originally researched and produced articles, videos, images, and blogs by Israeli thought leaders.
STANDWITHUS
StandWithUs empowers and energizes students with leadership training and educational resources to counter antisemitism and educate about Israel.
THE ICENTER
The iCenter is home to a trove of resources that can help you and your children connect more deeply with Israel and Israelis. Check out the iCenter's new playlists with your family, along with YouTube links to favorite recent songs and their lyrics in Hebrew and English.
THANK ISRAELI SOLDIERS
Thank Israeli Soldiers empowers, embraces, and educates the brave men and women who serve Israel.
WAR IN ISRAELTHE UNEXPECTED HEROES
In times of crisis, the Israeli people come together. Ordinary citizens have risen to the occasion with extraordinary acts of courage.
ADDRESSING ANTISEMITISM
YOU ARE NOT ALONE. WE FACE ANTISEMITISM TOGETHER. WE HAVE ALLIES, JEWISH AND NON-JEWISH. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO LEAN ON YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THE MOMENTUM SISTERHOOD FOR SUPPORT AND INSPIRATION.
ANTISEMITISM IN OUR MIDST: PAST AND PRESENT
This video from the Berkeley Center for Jewish Studies Antisemitism Initiative charts the history of antisemitism from its origins until today. It tackles the hard questions about different and changing forms of antisemitism, persistent anti-Jewish stereotypes, the complex racial position of Jews in contemporary America, and the precise line between criticism of Israel and antisemitism.
STANDWITHUS
TEN THINGS YOU CAN DO TO FIGHT ANTISEMITISM
Antisemitism is on the rise around the world. Jews are facing harassment, bullying, isolation, and physical violence. We all have a responsibility to stand with the Jewish community against this bigotry. Here are ten ways you can fight antisemitism and proactively educate others to do the same.
UNPACKED
NAVIGATING ANTISEMITISM ON CAMPUS
Since Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel, university campuses have become a hotbed of debate. Students supporting Israel, and others supporting Palestine and even Hamas have held demonstrations and spread petitions. Help your college-aged children arm themselves with the knowledge and perspectives needed to navigate discussions about Israel and Judaism on campus.
DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN
Watch Dr. Erika Bocknek, Licensed Medical Family Therapist, deliver a session focused on how you can speak to your children about the crisis in Israel and antisemitism. The webinar includes best practices for how to support your children to handle difficult topics. This program is geared towards parents with children under the age of 8.
SHINE A LIGHT ON ANTISEMITISM
Shine A Light is a purpose-driven convening platform for organizations, companies, institutions, and individuals to unite in shining a light on antisemitism in all its modern forms. Antisemitism impacts all of us, but people don’t always know how to talk about it. Together, we’ll learn how to navigate these difficult conversations and find solidarity in our stories.
HELPFUL TIPS
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Police: Dial 100
Ambulance: Dial 101
Fire Brigade: Dial 102
Home Front Command: Dial 104
TIPPING
In restaurants, check the bill to see if service is included (usually it is not). If not, 12–15% is a good amount to tip. It is accepted practice to tip hotel staff, your tour guide, and tour bus driver. Before you leave, Momentum collects your tips for bus drivers, tour guides, hotel staff, and all others who serve you during the scheduled programming. Your Community Leader or Bus Leader can advise on amounts to give.
MONEY
The NIS (New Israeli Shekel, or simply the shekel) operates on the decimal system. Before or during your trip, go to www. xe.com to check the current rate of exchange.
% NIS
TAX
There is 18% value added tax (VAT) on most goods and services in Israel. Tax is always included in the price. Upon making a purchase of $100 or more at a gift store that has an agreement with the VAT authorities, you should fill out a form at the store and have it stamped there. You will be eligible, upon presenting the form and the item at the airport, for a 17% refund prior to departure.
CREDIT CARD
You can pay with your credit card almost everywhere, but usually only for 20 shekels and up (so make sure you have cash with you). In the shuk (open-air market), it's better to pay cash. In general, it’s better to pay with cash, because you’ll pay a fee every time you swipe your credit card. ATMs are available, but some charge high fees.
ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES IN ISRAEL
The electric current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. Electric shavers, traveling irons, and other small appliances require adaptors and/or converters.
DRINKING WATER
Drink plenty of fluids so that you don’t dehydrate. Water in Israel is of good quality and suitable for drinking. Bottled natural spring water is available everywhere. Your bus drivers will have bottled water for sale on the buses.
CLOTHING
Dress is informal, so bring casual clothes. Bring a light jacket, as you may be in different areas of the country on the same day, or indoors with air-conditioning. Dress in layers. Modest clothing is required for most holy sites.
GAZA ENVELOPE COMMUNITIES
TEL AVIV HAIFA
JERUSALEM
ASHKELON
GAZA SDEROT
BEER SHEVA
EILAT
GAZA STRIP
Dayr al Balah
Khan Yunus
Rafah
Rafah crossing
Sufa
Keren Shalom
Kerem Shalom goods crossing
ASHKELON
Zikim Karmia
Yad Mordechai
Netiv Ha’Asara
Erez crossing
Erez
Gvar'am Or Haner
Ibim
SDEROT
Nir Am
Gaza City
Nahal Oz
Alumim
Kfar Aza
Sa’ad
Shuva Yahini Mefalsim Gevim
Zimrat Tkuma
Tushia
Kfar Maimon
Beeri Shokeda
NETIVOT
Kissufim
Re’im
Nova Festival Re’im camp
Ein Hashlosha
Nirim
Nir Oz
Magen OFAKIM
Yesha Ami’oz
Nir Yitzhak
Pri Gan
Yated Sdei Avraham Avshalom
Dekel
Yevul
Shlomit
Ein HaBesor Mivtahim
OLD CITY (JERUSALEM)
Abshalom
SITES
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION TO ILLUMINATE ISRAELI LOCATIONS AND DESTINATIONS.
JERUSALEM
Israel’s first Jewish modern city, founded in 1909, was eventually given the name Tel Aviv, the Hebrew title of Theodor Herzl's novel Altneuland ("Old New Land"). Although it was founded as a small settlement on the sand dunes north of Jaffa, Tel Aviv was envisaged as a future city from the start. It was here that Israel’s independence was declared in 1948.
Photo by Artem Belinsky/ Unsplash
Jerusalem, the capital city of the State of Israel, was established by King David. The cobblestone streets of the Old City offer a historical path to places of worship for three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In 1967, following the Six-Day War, the city was reunited under Jewish rule. The Hebrew date of its anniversary, the 28th of the Jewish month of Iyar, was declared as Jerusalem Day, and each year it is celebrated by the city’s Jewish residents and Jews around the world.
TEL AVIV
MACHANE YEHUDA
Machane Yehuda is a historic neighborhood in Jerusalem.
Founded in 1887, Machane Yehuda is famous for its vibrant open air market, known as the Shuk. Featuring over 250 vendors, you will be able to find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to clothing and Judaica. At night the Shuk transforms into a hot spot for nightlife, with bars, restaurants, and live music. To learn more about the shops and restaurants you can explore at the Shuk, and to find a helpful map, visit: en.machne.co.il (http:// en.machne.co.il)
Photo by Tim Mossholder/ Unsplash
Encompassing the populated area within 7km (or 4.3 miles, the range of mortar shells and rocket fire) of the Gaza border, the Gaza Envelope includes over 50 communities, including small towns and kibbutzim. Following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, most residents were evacuated to safer locations across Israel. The government has since approved a plan to rehabilitate and redevelop these communities over the next five years.
Photo by Ezrazo/ Wikipedia
GAZA ENVELOPE
NOVA FESTIVAL SITE
In the early hours of October 7, 3500 young Israelis and foreign nationals were in a stretch of tree-dotted brush near Kibbutz Re’im for the Supernova Sukkot gathering, an open-air music festival billed as a celebration of unity and love. Invading Hamas terrorists murdered 364 participants, and around 40 were taken hostage. In the weeks and months following the attack, the sight of the Nova festival was transformed into a solemn memorial to the victims who lost their lives there. Pictures of those killed and taken hostage now stand somberly on the spot where the festival occurred.
THE DEAD SEA
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth's surface and a natural wonder. This salt lake is bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel to the west. Renowned for its incredibly high salinity, the Dead Sea allows visitors to float effortlessly on its surface. Its mineral-rich waters and therapeutic mud make it a premier destination for health and wellness. The Dead Sea is also close to the caves of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls, some of the most important biblical manuscripts, were discovered. Despite the ongoing challenge of receding water levels, numerous initiatives are in place to preserve and protect this unique site for future visitors.
Photo by Konstantin Tretyak/ Unsplash
Photo by Sara Polak via PikiWiki
THE JEWISH QUARTER
Within the Old City, there are four distinct neighborhoods: the Jewish Quarter nestled in the southeast, alongside the Muslim, Christian, and Armenian quarters. The Jewish Quarter and its surroundings contain remains spanning nearly every era of Jewish history, from the time Joshua set foot in the land of Israel to the present day. Noteworthy synagogues like the Hurva (built in the 18th century), Ramban (established in the 1400s), the Tzemach Tzedek Shul (erected in 1858), the four Sephardic synagogues (dating back to the 16th century), Menachem Zion (founded in 1837), and Tzuf Dvash (constructed in 1860) are steeped in history. Landmarks such as the Cardo, the Broadwall, the Burnt House, and the Herodian Mansion add to the richness of the area's heritage.
WESTERN WALL
The Western Wall, also called the Wailing Wall or the Kotel, is an ancient limestone structure situated in the Old City of Jerusalem. It's just a small part of a much longer retaining wall, known altogether as the Western Wall. Originally built as an expansion of the Second Jewish Temple under Herod's reign, it encloses the top of Mount Moriah, known as the Temple Mount. The Western Wall holds immense religious importance due to its association with the Temple Mount, considered the holiest site in Judaism where the Holy Temples once stood. The Western Wall stands as a most sacred place for prayer.
HEBREW PHRASES
English Transliteration (How to say it)
Hello, goodbye, or peace Shalom
What is your name?
My name is…
How are you?
What’s up?
All good
Eich kor’im lecha? (masc.)
Eich kor’im lach? (fem.)
Shmi…[your name]
Ma shlomcha? (masc.)
Ma shlomech? (fem.)
Ma nishma?
Ma koreh?
Ma hamatzav?
Hakol tov
Excellent Metzuyan
Everything is fine
So-so, neither good nor bad
Hakol beseder
Kacha-kacha
Not good Lo tov/Lo mashehu
Good morning
Good evening
Good night
See you soon
Boker tov
Erev tov
Layla tov
Lehitra’ot
Thank you Toda
Do you have?
How much does it cost?
Yesh lecha? (masc.)
Yesh lach? (fem.)
Kama zeh oleh?
Ivrit (Hebrew)
English Transliteration (How to say it) Ivrit (Hebrew)
How much?!
I want…
Kama?!
Ani rotzeh (masc.)
Ani rotzah (fem.)
Money Kesef
Can you help me?
Ata yachol la’azor li? (masc.)
At yechola la’azor li? (fem.)
Change Odef
Receipt
May I have a menu, please?
May I have the check, please?
Bon appetit
Please/ You’re Welcome
Let's go!
Great!
Kabbalah
Efshar lekabel tafrit, bevakasha?
Efshar lekabel cheshbon bevakasha?
Bete’avon
Bevakasha
Yalla
Sababa
Want to tap into the beauty of Hebrew? Join the Hebrew for the Heart Journey on
HEBREW NAMES AND MEANINGS
ARIELLA
Ariella means "lioness of God." The variant form "Ariel" is another name for Jerusalem and, specifically, the altar in the Holy Temple (Ezekiel 43:15). (Another Variation: Arielle)
ATARA
Atara means "crown." It is sometimes used for naming someone after a Kreindel, the Yiddish for "crown."
AVIGAIL
Avigail means "father's joy." Avigail was one of King David's wives.
(I Samuel 25:42). (Variations: Abigail, Avigayil)
AVITAL
Avital was another of King David's wives (II Samuel 3:4). Avital means "father of dew," referring to God as sustainer.
AYELET
Ayelet means "musical instrument," as in Psalms 22:1. (Variation: Ayala, meaning "doe")
BINA
Bina means "understanding," "intelligence," "wisdom."
BRACHA
Bracha means “blessing.”
CHANA
Chana means "grace." This name is associated with the ability to create beautiful prayers: Chana appears in the Bible as praying to God and then giving birth to the prophet Samuel. (I Samuel1) (Variation: Hana, Hannah)
CHAGIT
Chagit means "festive," "celebration." Chagit is another of King David's wives (II Samuel 3:4). (Variation: Hagit)
DANIELLA
Daniella means "God is my judge."
DEVORAH
Devorah means "to speak kind words." Devorah appears in the Bible as the great prophetess and judge who led a revolt against the Canaanite king (see Judges).
DALIA
Dalia is a type of flower.
ESTHER
Esther means "hidden" in Hebrew, and "star" in Persian. Esther is the heroine who saved the Jewish people in the Purim story. Her story is told in the Book of Esther.
ELIANA
Eliana means "my God has answered me."
GAVRIELLA
Gavriella means "God is my strength." (Variation: Gabriella)
GILA
Gila means "joy." In Kabbalah, Gila means "to reveal God," which is a great source of joy.
HADAR
Hadar means "splendid," "ornamented," "beautiful."
ILANA
Ilana means "tree." In Kabbalah, the numeric value of Ilana (96) equals the Hebrew term for "throne of God." (Variations: Elana, Ilanit)
KEILA
Keila is a Yiddish name derived from the Hebrew word "keli," which means "vessel." A talented person is often referred to as "Keli" – a complete vessel, capable of performing great things. (Variation: Kayla)
LIAT
Liat means “you are Mine" (i.e., God's).
LIORA
Liora means "I have light." (Variation: Lior)
MEIRA
Meira means "one who gives light."
MICHAL
Michal means "Who is like God?"
Michal was King Saul's daughter (I Samuel 14:49) and the first wife of King David (I Samuel 18:27).
MIRIAM
Miriam is a biblical heroine and prophetess who is central to the Exodus story.
NECHAMA
Nechama means "comfort."
NOA
Noa means "to tremble or shake."
The biblical Noa was one of the daughters of Tzelofchad, who are praised for their wisdom. (Numbers 26:33)
NAOMI
Naomi means "pleasant." The biblical Naomi was the mother-inlaw of and inspiration for Ruth, as recorded in the Book of Ruth.
ORA
Ora means "light." (Variation: Orit)
ORLI
Orli means "My light." (Variation: Orly)
PENINA
Penina means "pearl." The biblical Penina was Elkanah’s wife (see I Samuel 1). In Kabbalah, Penina is related to the word penimi, meaning "inner.”
RACHEL
A rachel in Hebrew is an ewe, a symbol of purity. The biblical Rachel is one of the four matriarchs, the favored wife of Jacob.
RINA
Rina means "joy." (Variation: Rinat)
RIVKA
The biblical Rivka is one of the four matriarchs, the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob. Rivka was known for her great kindness. The English variant is Rebecca.
RUTH
Ruth means "sweet and pleasant."
The biblical Ruth was a righteous convert and ancestor of King David, as recorded in the Book of Ruth. (Variations: Rut, Rus)
SARAH
Sarah means "princess." The biblical Sarah was a great prophet, the first of the matriarchs, the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac. (Genesis 17:15) (Variations: Sari, Sarit, Sarita)
SHALVA
Shalva means “tranquility.”
SHARON
Sharon is a region in Israel, known for being especially plentiful and nourishing. (See the commentary Metzudat Tzion on Isaiah 33:9) (Variations: Sharona, Sharonit)
SHAYNA
Shayna means “beautiful” in Yiddish.
SHIRA
Shira means "song" in Hebrew.
TALIA
Talia means "dew from God." In Kabbalah, Tal signifies Divine nourishment in a hidden manner, like dew that descends unseen to water the plants.
TAMAR
Tamar means "palm tree" and denotes righteousness. Tamar was the wife of Judah and ancestor of King David. (Genesis 38:6)
TIKVA
Tikva means "hope."
TOVA
Tova means "goodness."
YAEL
Yael means both "ascend" and "ibex." The biblical Yael was the heroine who saved the Jewish people by bravely killing the enemy general Sisera. (Judges 4)
YEHUDIT
Yehudit means "grateful." Yehudit was a heroine of the Hanukkah story; she bravely killed the enemy general Holofernes. (Variation: Judith)
SONGS TO SING AND SHARE
Transliteration
Od yavo shalom aleinu ve'al kulam!
Salaam, aleinu ve'al kol ha'olam, salaam, salaam.
Kol ha’olam kulo gesher tzar me’od (x3). Veha’ikar (x2) lo lefached (x2) klal.
Peace will come upon us and on everyone!
Salaam,1 On us and on the whole world.
The whole world is a very narrow bridge. And the main thing is to not be afraid.
Hineh mah tov umah na’im shevet achim gam yachad.
Oseh shalom bimromav
Hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu ve’al kol Yisrael ve’imru amen. Ya’aseh shalom, shalom aleinu ve’al kol Yisrael.
David Melech Yisrael chai chai v’kayam!
1 "Peace" in Arabic.
How good and pleasant it is when brothers/ sisters dwell together.
May the One who makes peace in high places make peace for us and for all Israel, and let us say, amen.
It is good to give thanks to Hashem, and to sing to His name on high; to speak in the morning of His kindness, and in the evening of His faithfulness!
Serve God with happiness, come before God with joy.
Leshana haba’ah b’Yerushalayim.
Next Year in Jerusalem.
PLAYLIST OF THE SONGS
Unpolished and heartfelt — recorded by Ivonne Bengio and her son Moshe Bengio
MOMENTUM IMPACT STORIES
INSPIRING WAYS MOMENTUM PARTICIPANTS ARE TAKING ACTION
Moran Lev-Ary
Momentum Sister and Fellow
Bilingual Speech and Language Pathologist
Following the onset of war in Israel, as children found themselves confined to bomb shelters and disconnected from school, Moran realized she could use her voice to make a meaningful impact. She launched a virtual storytime program, bringing together Jewish, Druze, and Muslim kids through fairy tales told in Hebrew and English. In the months after October 7, her engaging performances reached beyond Israel, attracting over 400 children per session from all around the world.
Moran's storytelling sessions leverage her unique talents to provide children joy and comfort amidst crisis. She reflects, "Everybody has a distinct role. It's about discovering how you can illuminate the world during these dark times. For me, sharing stories is how I contribute my light."
Alissa Haroush Momentum Leadership Fellow
Vice
President, Alef Bet Jewelry
After the terror attacks of October 7, Alissa harnessed her community connections – and her beloved network of Momentum sisters – to lead several fundraising efforts for Israel. The first was a drive to buy cell phone chargers for Israelis who were being deployed and didn’t know how they’d stay in touch with their families. That grew into fundraisers for more urgently needed supplies like socks and underwear.
Alissa has also hosted events with special guests, including members of the Rosenfeld family who tragically lost two family members in the attacks. Her events have raised approximately $100,000 for survivors and soldiers on the front lines.
Says Alissa, “Little things really make a huge difference. It’s not all or nothing: you do what you can. I did, and it worked.”
Candice Sussman
Momentum Sister, Second-grade Hebrew School Teacher Founder of Live Braid
After the October 7 attacks, Candice had the idea to bring people together virtually, from Utah to Israel, to make challah – she'd call it" Live Braid." When the actor Mayim Bialik reached out to help, Live Braid soon went viral, with nearly 1,000 people from 49 states and over 30 countries registering for the event in just two weeks.
During the virtual event, Candice led attendees through the spiritual and physical nourishment of braiding challah. There were inspirational speakers, a poem reading, and a live rendition of "Hatikva" performed by a Los Angeles cantor. Participants could scroll through hundreds and hundreds of faces and names and hear each other's voices, which Candice said was empowering.
"Live Braid enabled folks to connect, to reconnect, to share, and to not be afraid."
Judith Benchabo
Momentum Fellow, Community Leader and Leadership Coach
Momentum Board Partnership Committee Member
Senior Transformation
Executive; Founder, Jewish Experience Spain
Judith has helped grow Momentum's presence in Spain to six cities, impacting the lives of more than 150 women.
After the horrific attacks of October 7, Judith collaborated with her Momentum sisters, brainstorming ideas on how they could help. Judith inspired a group of mothers in a powerful public tribute to the 30 children taken hostage, displaying photos, strollers, and toys in Madrid. She also worked with Momentum sisters to build a list of 200 soldiers to pray and light candles for each week on Shabbat.
Through her work with Momentum, she now sees leadership as a collaborative ecosystem of service. "Leadership is an action word; it's doing. What can I do? What can you do? What can we do together?"
THE MOMENTUM FELLOWSHIP: A LEADERSHIP JOURNEY
The Momentum Fellowship is a transformative leadership development program designed to empower Jewish women and their communities with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead together to make significant community impact.
Fellowship Next has been made possible by the Zitelman Family Foundation’s generosity.
Program Overview
The Momentum Fellowship program begins with a 3-day in-person summit (a leadership conference) and continues with a facilitated 3-month learning-module.
Momentum’s 2025 Summits
Panama | June 9th-11th (in Spanish)
Chicago | September 7th-9th
Israel | December 9-11 (in Hebrew)
Momentum Fellowship Next is an exclusive program designed for graduates of the Momentum Fellowship who are ready to take their leadership to the next level. This is your opportunity to grow, lead, and make a difference while being equipped with cutting-edge tools, strategies, and insights to address the challenges facing Jewish communities today.
Visit the Momentum Fellowship webpage to learn more.
Learn more about about "Adaptive Leadership" and learn to lead with curiosity, empathy, and flexibility Join the Adapt to Lead Values Journey on
BOOSTS
Momentum Boosts are dynamic live webinars featuring wisdom, tools, and techniques to lift you up and inspire you from wherever you are! Give yourself a boost by joining Jewish educators, experts, musicians, and celebrated guests from around the world.
To learn more and register
THE ART AND PRACTICE OF LIVING WONDROUSLY
Discover the power of wonder in this guide to living with depth, joy, and meaning. This book is more than just inspiration—it’s a roadmap to embracing life fully, even in moments of uncertainty. Science confirms what wisdom has always taught us: experiencing awe and wonder, even briefly, enhances our well-being, deepens our connections, and builds resilience. This collection is a much-needed guide for weaving wonder into daily life, offering stories and insights from some of the most brilliant minds and soulful thinkers of our time.
To pre-order the book
Yomm is a global community of Jewish women invested in daily transformation and growth. On the Yomm app, users embark on digital Journeys that deepen their engagement with Jewish life and encourage meaningful new connections with others. Each Journey features high-value, original Jewish wisdom and interactive exercises that prompt reflection and conversation.
Following October 7, Yomm released a series of timely Journeys to equip users with the knowledge to speak out and take action for Israel.
DOWNLOAD THE YOMM APP
Google Apple
Featuring Jewish educators and experts like:
Debra Messing
Mom, Artist, Activist, Traveler
Montana Tucker
Social Media Star, Activist
Dr. Zohar Raviv
International VP of Education, Taglit-Birthright Israel
Ariel Halevi
Co-Founder and CEO, VAYOMAR
Hen Mazzig
Activist and Senior Fellow at the Tel Aviv Institute
Dr. Deborah Gilboa
Physician and resilience expert
Dr. Becky Kennedy
Clinical psychologist, Good Inside Founder & CEO
Yomm was created by Momentum in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, the Mayberg Foundation, and Debra and David Magerman.
TASTE OF TORAH:
I will repopulate your cities and the ruined places will be rebuilt. The desolate land will be tilled after it had been laid waste in the site of every passerby. People will remark, “This once desolate land has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.”
—Ezekiel 36: 33-35
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This journal is the work of many talented, idealistic people. We thank the wonderful Momentum Staff for collaborating on this project. The graphic design is by Ira Ginzburg Studio.
At Momentum, we feel that we are blessed. We thank God for all the success and good that has brought us on this journey to make a better world.
Edited by Momentum Education Team: Dr. Ronit Ziv-Kreger, Jessica Berkowitz, and Einat
Hoch.
A NOTE FROM THE HEART
Tear out this page if you'd like to write a personal prayer to leave at the Kotel.
