OrahSydney partners with internationally run Momentum to provide 20 women in our local community the opportunity to participate in the MOMentum Year-Long Journey.
The purpose of this program is to inspire Sydney mothers of Jewish school age children (under 18 years of age) to live a more meaningful and connected Jewish life. This program is designed for women who are not currently living and engaged Jewish life.
The program provides unique opportunities to be inspired by our rich Jewish heritage and values, experience Israel like never before and form lasting connections within the community. We believe the mother is at the core of Jewish continuity and by igniting her soul she will thrive and shine a brighter light into her home, and collectively the world will be brighter.
As the name of the program suggests, it is a year long journey that requires participant commitment for the duration of the 12 months. It is educational, experiential and completely transformative, including a 9 day life-changing journey in Israel with women from all over the world, followed by a year of monthly face-to-face learning sessions, community involvement, social gatherings here in Sydney. It is an opportunity in life you never knew you needed until you couldn't imagine your life without having experienced it.
This a highly subsidised program, with funding received through scholarship, the Israeli Government and our OrahSydney organisation. As such, an eligibility criteria does apply which you can learn more about here.
THE PROGRAM:
9 day experience in Israel. This includes 8 full days on the Momentum program, plus an extra day for Sydney participants only. Dates for 2025 to be advised.
4 - 6 pre-trip meetings prior to departing for Israel to get you ready.
12 x monthly group learning sessions back in Sydney consisting of in-person classes held every 3 to 4 weeks, usually on a Sunday evening.
Participation in 2-3 community chesed activities throughout the year, fundraising to raise funds to send the next cohort, and plenty of fun social events to enjoy.
The following video gives you a taste of what you can expect. It features some of our 2019 group, whom you may recognise.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY? As this is a heavily subsidised program, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
You must be a mother of a Jewish school age child living at home under the age of 18 years of age.
You are not strictly religiously observant. This trip is designed for people who are not highly engaged in the Jewish community or Jewish ritual observance.
Participants must be physically and emotionally healthy. The experience in Israel has a lot packed in to each day with plenty of walking. The experience can bring up a lot of emotions, all of which will affect your energy level. It is not therapy, but rather an opportunity for tremendous growth.
You must be able to commit to 4 - 6 x pre-trip meetings held in Sydney's east starting late February 2025.
You must be available to travel to Israel for minimum 10 days in either May or November 2025. Dates TBA.
The program requires compulsory attendance at monthly learning sessions with the group for a period of 12 months after returning from the Israel trip.
Willing and excited to participate in all areas if the program which also includes engaging in chesed (community service), fundraising initiatives, and attend social events.
GROUP SIZE: For optimal learning and group cohesiveness, we take approximately 18 - 20 women each year into the program, and 2 to 3 leaders. With the popularity of the program growing rapidly in our community we now receive significantly more applications to participate than we have available places. Positions are determined based on meeting the program's eligibility requirements, a face-to-face interview and the successful completion and scoring via an online Momentum Application Form. Thorough consideration is taken with each application individually, and within the group dynamic. Unfortunately not everyone who applies will be offered a place, and in some instances initial applicants may be successful in a future program offering. COSTS: While the Momentum program is heavily subsidised, with all shared accommodation, tours, speakers and much of the food covered, there are additional costs that will be incurred by each participant. These include:
Return airfare (individuals book their own flights. We will meet up as a group in Israel)
Approximately $1,850AUD covering the ORAHSYDNEY yearly education levy and an additional Sydney program of activities we undertake as a group in Israel, that is in addition to the scheduled Momentum program.
$860USD paid directly to our partner organisation Momentum. (Note: $500USD of this money is a fully refundable deposit offered to the participant at the end of the trip in Israel).
Personal spending money in Israel for shopping, some meals not included (approx 3 dinners and 3 lunches), incidental expenses, pre and post Momentum trip accommodation/transport/food/entertainment, some optional group tours.
Mobile phone plan for international travel whilst in Israel
Travel insurance, and health Insurance before and after the Momentum trip.
