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Sending Moms to Israel on Life-Changing Trips

JWI is now accepting applications for the next trip, which will take place October 31 through November 7.
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May 5, 2022

In many ways, Moms are the center of the family, and in the Jewish world, they are known to be primarily responsible for the spirituality of their home. Jewish mothers, with help from the fathers, care for their children, oversee their education and make the holidays and Shabbat special.

“We all know that if the mom isn’t inspired, it’s unlikely that Judaism will be happening in the home. The question is, ‘Who’s taking care of mom?’” – Rebbetzin Chana Heller 

Sometimes, however, their efforts aren’t recognized. “Moms are kind of the forgotten demographic in the Jewish world,” said Rebbetzin Chana Heller of Aish Los Angeles. “We throw lots of money in the direction of our kids. But we all know that if the mom isn’t inspired, it’s unlikely that Judaism will be happening in the home. The question is, ‘Who’s taking care of mom?’”

In 2011, a group of Jewish women, including Heller, got together and decided they would fulfill this need. Their goal was to send Jewish mothers who didn’t have a strong connection to their spirituality to Israel on group trips. There, they would learn about the land and Torah, bond with one another and come back with the motivation to explore their Jewish roots. 

These women called their program the Jewish Women’s Initiative, and they send 46 moms to Israel every year for an eight-day trip. The group tours places like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada and the Dead Sea, and takes classes on a variety of subjects. 

“We focus on personal growth and being the role models we want to be for our families and communities,” said Heller. “We learn the deeper meaning of Jewish holidays, mitzvoth and Jewish spirituality in general.”

Sharon Shenker (left) and Chana Heller

Heller, along with Aish LA’s Sharon Shenker, founded JWI together and act as co-directors of the highly subsidized program. In addition, Aish partners with Lori Palatnik’s Momentum organization to help provide funding. The participants pay for flights, tips, a refundable deposit and for COVID testing, while everything else including hotels, group transportation and many meals are covered through JWI/Momentum. 

JWI is now accepting applications for the next trip, which will take place October 31 through November 7. Applicants are interviewed and the final scholarship awards are going to be given out the first week in June. Jewish moms in Los Angeles with at least one child under 17 years of age can apply, and preference is given to moms who have never visited Israel before. The program is highly competitive; for the 45 spots that are available, there are 90 to 130 applicants. 

Mothers who have gone on the program come back home and feel inspired, as well as start engaging with their Judaism in more meaningful ways as well. 

“They learn and grow together, and the women inspire one another to bring Jewish values to their families, plan bar mitzvah or family trips to Israel, celebrate Shabbat on whatever level they are able and much more,” said Heller. “Our philosophy is baby steps add up to growth and change. It’s never all or nothing with us.”

After her trip, one mother joined a temple, started having Friday night dinner with her family and sent her child to a religious school, while another feels more in touch with the Holy Land. 

“JWI has been super fun and inspirational,” said participant Sheri Weinstein. “I am forever grateful that I got to go on the Momentum trip in 2016, since it has forever changed my life. Not only do I have new amazing friends, [but] I also have a stronger connection to my Jewish roots and Israel.”

Bryna Hornstein, who also went on the trip, said JWI “has helped me explore my Judaism on a deeper and more spiritual level. It has helped guide me through good and bad times. The connections of like-minded Jewish women are invaluable.” 

To ensure that the women stay connected and continue their education, Aish requires that they participate in an 18-month follow-up program after the program ends. And while Aish is an Orthodox institution and the trip organizers are also Orthodox, Heller said that it’s not about women becoming frum.

“Moms from all streams of Judaism come together to dialogue about the things that are most important to them,” she said. “An added bonus is the unity that is created. Reform, Conservative, Orthodox or unaffiliated, we are all Moms who want to connect our kids to their heritage and continue the mission of the Jewish people.”


To apply for the JWI trip, visit Momentumunlimited.org/journey. 

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