Jewish Press of Pinellas County

Wanted: local Jewish moms for trip to Israel, empowerment


Local Jewish mothers seeking a more meaningful life and deeper connection to Jewish values are invited to a virtual open house via Zoom on Monday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. to learn about the MOMentum program which offers a highly subsidized trip to Israel and bonding with other like-minded Jewish moms.

The Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast, together with MOMentum, are recruiting participants for a trip to Israel in May 2022. Qualifications include being a Jewish mother to children 0-18 years old. Registration for the open house is required. Visit JewishGulfCoast.org/MOMentum.

“Every woman is searching for something in a different way as they are all going through different things in their own lives. However, they all want to grow and be a better mom, a better wife, a better friend and a better daughter. This is all for them to become a better person and create a better life for their family,” said Maxine Kaufman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast

MOMentum (formerly Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project) is a global movement with a focus on the Jewish mother. A group of local women will take part in the movement’s year-long journey designed to empower women to connect to Jewish values, engage with Israel, take action and foster unity, culminating in a trip to Israel.

Most costs for the trip are covered by MOMentum including hotel, most meals and tours, while participating moms are responsible for air fare, tips and some meals, Kaufman said.

The Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast sent 10 women on one of these trips in November 2019.

“MOMentum gave me the opportunity to connect with moms from around the world on two things that were important to all of us – our families and our personal growth – with the magnificent backdrop of the land of Israel,” said Barbara Mazer, a participant in the 2019 trip and group leader for 2021. “At first I barely knew the other women from Pinellas County who participated in MOMentum at the same time as me, but after our journey I now consider them all to be true friends. I don’t often use the phrase ‘life changing,’ but MOMentum truly set the course for what I hope to achieve as a mother and member of our global Jewish community.”

The open house will provide general information and a Q&A for interested participants. For additional information, email Barbara Mazer at bmazergross@gmail.com.

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