Around 70 mothers from the Greater Philadelphia region traveled to Israel through Momentum on July 5-12. The Momentum trip was supported by and in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia as well as the Kaiserman JCC, Aish Chaim, Congregation Beth Solomon, Chabad Lubavitch of Bucks County, the Chester County Jewish community and the Kehillah of Old York Road. On the MOMentum trip that spanned eight days, the Greater Philadelphia cohort joined groups of women from around the world to explore the country as well as their inner power and strength as women and mothers.
“I was fortunate enough to travel to Israel through Momentum. The trip was an amazing experience!,” said Anna Eberman, who hadn't been back to Israel since starting a family 13 years ago. “Spending a week in Israel was a spiritual journey and I felt a deep connection to the land and to Judaism. I learned so much from our brilliant lecturer, Ruchi Koval, traveling through the country and meeting many inspiring women.”
The trip is part of a year-long program that includes a curriculum focused on a new Jewish value each month, emphasizing the forging of connections with one’s self, family and community.
Women from Greater Philadelphia standing under an Israeli flag atop of Masada.
All 70 women from Philadelphia plus some of the incredible funders and team members who made this experience happen.
Three of the five total Philly groups in the Old City of Jerusalem. The groups were from Aish Chaim/Kaiserman JCC, Jewish Federation’s Kehillah of Old York Road, and Bucks County. Not pictured are the groups from Northeast Philadelphia/Congregation Beth Solomon, and Chester County.
The Old York Road Group at the Israel Stock Exchange in Tel Aviv.
Celebrating on the first night in Israel.
The Old York Road Kehillah on the last night in Israel.
The group overlooking the Western Wall at Havdalah.
Cindy Smukler, a group leader of the Aish Chaim/JCC Kaiserman cohort, speaks to the Momentum groups at the Anu Museum in Tel Aviv, where her family has been recognized for their involvement in helping Soviet Jews escape.
(From L to R): Deb Langer, Nina Willner, Anna Eberman, Kim Decker at the Western Wall.
Each group was gifted a color-coordinated pashmina for the trip.
The group in the desert outside Jerusalem.
Through the generosity of a local philanthropist, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia was able to treat all 70 women from Philadelphia and Old York Road to dinner on one of the nights where participants had time on their own, free of planned programming. The participants went to Decks in Tiberias, which is owned by a woman originally from Philadelphia who made Aliyah! While enjoying a gorgeous dinner, the women heard about the connection between Israel and the Jewish Federation and learned a bit about Women’s Philanthropy. They then enjoyed an evening of dancing and celebration.
Soaking up the Israeli sun in Jerusalem.
(From L to R): Cindy Smukler and Gevura Davis.
Enjoying the party on the last night of the trip.
WATCH: Discovering Yourself in Israel
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See more photos from the trip by clicking here. For questions about travel opportunities with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and supported programs, please contact Erica N. Miller, Mission Manager for Domestic and Overseas Travel, at erica.miller@jewishphilly.org.