Momentum: The Jewish Journey begins at home

By Jana Zalmanowitz

(AJNews) – Last month, along with 9 other Calgary Jewish women, I had the opportunity to take part in a powerful experience in Israel through Momentum, made possible through the investment and support of the Calgary Jewish Federation. Over the course of a week, we joined a group of 300 other Jewish women from around the world, including other parts of Canada, the USA, India, Montenegro, Australia, South Africa and Israel. We had many differences: an array of first languages, varying levels of familiarity with Judaism and Israel, and different backgrounds and education. But we all shared one role: motherhood.

Momentum is a Jewish organization rooted in the belief that the mother holds transformative power within the family and community. By connecting mothers with Jewish values and with Israel, Momentum empowers women to become inspired leaders, rooted in Jewish pride and purpose. Through this connection, women return home not only changed – but motivated to take action within their own communities.

“The ripples begin with you,” stated our Momentum learning materials, handed to us on the first day. We read it and feel the responsibility of raising the next generation of strong, proud Jews in a post-October 7 world. No pressure.

While the Israel journey lasts one week, Momentum is a year-long commitment. We’ve pledged to continue learning, growing, and translating the experience into real impact at home, here in Calgary. It’s a small way of making the already profound responsibility of Jewish motherhood even more meaningful.

Our packed schedule included seminars, led by engaging educators. Each day took us through a different Jewish value: Unity & mutual responsibility, courage, human dignity, faithfulness & trust, generosity, peace & wholeness at home, gratitude, learning & growth. We were excited! By the end of the week, we would all be completely whole, enlightened and inspired mothers, ready to bring these values to the next generation through our children, right? Piece of cake. Just like the rest of parenting.

The trip started in Tel Aviv where we got to experience the metropolis of modern Jewish culture. Amongst the highs of rich Israeli cuisine, a booming tech scene and a vibrant cityscape, we also came face to face with the realities of post-October 7th Israel: Loved ones of the murdered and stolen at Hostage Square sharing their pain and calling for the release of their family members. Sirens and ninety seconds of warning to move to a shelter. The Israelis whose lives pause and rebound with resilience after each of these reminders.

Our group moved south. We bore witness to the stories of those at the Nova Music Festival Site. We placed stones at the memorials of those who were lost, including the friend of one of the mothers in our group. We volunteered and made mosaics with women on a kibbutz to beautify their garden. We rode the bus past the kibbutzim shattered by October 7th, alongside the Israeli women on our trip who shared how their lives have changed and how they move forward with hope and purpose.

We moved on to Jerusalem. We relearned the history as we walked through the old city. We cried alongside our twenty-something year old trip leader on Har Herzel as she paid respects to a friend recently laid to rest amongst many other young soldiers. We tried to absorb all the knowledge shared by our educators as to how Israel continues to find a way to represent itself on the global stage and how we can arm ourselves with knowledge and tools to combat ever-present but dangerously rising antisemitism. We prayed and danced at the Western wall with our group of mothers, as Gen Z Birthright travellers, new soldiers, and leadership program participants joined us. We lit Shabbat candles and felt peace.

One of the most profound parts of the trip was traveling north to The Galilee Panhandle, our partnership region. Seeing the impact of our local community’s support in Israel made it all so personal. It reminded us that Calgary’s Jewish community isn’t just connected to Israel in theory – it’s rooted in real relationships, and we have a role to play.

We saw many things. We learned many things. But as one of our educators taught us, people remember only a fraction of the facts they’re told. What they remember is the feeling. So what did this Israel experience make us feel? I asked a few of my Momentum sisters and this is what they had to say:

Reconnection with Israel and Pride in Being Jewish

“As an Israeli [Calgarian], I wasn’t sure what to expect. What could I possibly see or feel that I hadn’t already experienced? But wow – was I wrong. This journey deepened my connection to the land in ways I didn’t think were possible. It made me even prouder to be Jewish, to be an Israeli.” – Polina

“I work in a non-Jewish space where I have been subject to anti-semitic aggression since October 7. Most of my colleagues are not Jewish…I always feel somewhat “othered.” But not in Israel. In Israel I could just be. And that was priceless.” – Carrie

Hope for a Jewish future built on Israeli Resilience

“It was both heartbreaking and inspiring to hear from many Israelis about their experiences of Oct. 7th and the war. Their resilience showed me we have to go on and live a full life for ourselves, our families, our nation, and the people we have lost.” – Andrea

“Israelis have resilience and courage like no other. They endure the weight of so much hatred directed at Israel, Zionists, and Jews in the diaspora, yet they remain persistent in their commitment to their homeland. I realized the strength and importance of those who defend it.” – Debra

Community and Connection

 “I found a new community, a sisterhood rooted in shared purpose and strength.” – Polina

“Connecting with so many women from so many walks of life who share in their passion for being Jewish was what I needed and Momentum provided that, along with so much more.” – Carrie

“I want to help other women feel what I felt on this trip: connection, purpose, and strength. I’ll invite others into this journey and support them as they find their own voice.” – Melanie

The Ability to Take Action at Home

“I now feel emotionally ready to engage in conversations regarding the war with people outside the Jewish community. I feel prepared to effectively advocate for Israel and democracy.” – Andrea

“I’m excited to bring the ideas and inspiration from this trip to life, right here in Calgary.” –  Polina

“My conversations with local mothers deepened my understanding and appreciation for the critical role in nurturing our families and our communities, reinforcing the idea that, even amidst chaos, we are truly the glue that holds everything together and we can make a difference. – Debra

“This experience lit a fire in me. I’m not the same person I was before – and I don’t want my community to be the same either. I want it to be stronger, more connected, and more inspired – and I’m ready to help make that happen.”  –Melanie

We aren’t coming back with all the answers to the challenges Jewish people in Israel and the diaspora currently face but what we have returned home with, is a sense of agency. We have been given the gift of our community’s faith in our ability to strengthen Jewish life and values locally. As mothers we realize we’re well-poised to start that work within our homes so Jewish positivity can grow exponentially from our families. We cannot thank our community enough for believing in the potential of Jewish mothers. We’re working hard to make them proud!

For more information about future Momentum trips or information on other community opportunities for getting involved in local Jewish life, contact Sydney Truax at struax@jewishcalgary.org.