Th e Momentous MOMentum Israel Year-Long Journey

Charlotte Jewish News December 2021

By Andrea Gamlin

Three years ago, I left the United States for Israel. Of course, I returned eight days later and with a renewed connection to Judaism. As a wife and mother, I was nervous about leaving behind my husband and kids, not because I thought they’d suffer from malnourishment, dirty clothes, or heaven forbid watch too much TV for one week and one day. My husband is a great cook, both he and my kids (since they were in 7th grade) do their own laundry, and one week of potentially more TV wasn’t going to kill anyone. No, my anxiety was over being away during my husband’s birthday despite his firm assurances that he’d be just fine celebrating with the kids. We all have reasons for anxiety striking over silly causes, and now you know mine. The last time I’d been to Israel, I was in my early 20s. I’d taken some time off before graduate school to study in Jerusalem at a Judaic program for women who, like me, had a finite amount of time but a boundless desire to learn. All these years later, and after speaking with a few friends who’d been on Momentum’s heavily subsidized trips, it seemed like the MOMentum program would offer the mom time I needed for me and my interest in learning.

Our group of nine, along with our local leader, Sara Oppenheim, flew together from JFK airport to Tel Aviv on EL AL. I knew only two of the nine women before the trip, but after the first day together, we formed a sisterhood. All of us had differing Judaic backgrounds but connected through the journey’s “unity without uniformity” vibe.

We shared our desire to engage with, learn about, and explore Israel and to see historic and important sites. We had energetic conversations about our classes and the wisdom imparted by knowledgeable guides during tours and discussed how we could make the world a better place. We met Jewish women from other parts of the world who shared their backgrounds and feelings with us. It was truly a global Jewish sisterhood.

The MOMentum trip doesn’t end in Israel. Back home, women channel their energy and passion personally, professionally, and communally and continue their journey through educational and leadership programs. Here in Charlotte, our Momentum chapter is called Charlotte Women of Wisdom (W.O.W), and we have events throughout the year for women to start or continue important conversations about Judaism. WOW provides monthly opportunities for Jewish women to engage in Jewish learning of all styles. We talk and learn while making jewelry, while cooking and baking together, while painting, and while playing mah jongg. We meditate, we breathe, we hold each other up during tough times, and we celebrate happy occasions together.

Does it sound interesting to you? Do you know of a Jewish mother with children under the age of 18 for whom this trip would be an outstanding opportunity to grow and learn? Women pay for their own airfare, tips during the trip, and a small acceptance fee and program fee. The remainder is subsidized by our local chapter and Momentum. Our belief is that if you change a woman, you change a family, and if you change a family, you change the world. Jewish women from various or no synagogue affiliation are welcome to join us. Go to www.charlottewomenofwisdom.com for more information. By the way, when I came home, husband and kids showered me with affection (our dog wouldn’t leave my side for days), and miraculously everyone was fine. Bottom line, don’t let being away from home for eight days deter you. Live your most meaningful life starting now. Join us!

Andrea Gamlin making pita in Israel

Featured photo caption: WOW Charlotte Trip Sisters, October 2018