The MOMentum Journey of Growth empowers women to connect to Jewish values, engage with Israel, take action, and foster unity without uniformity. It includes a profound, personal 7-day experience in Israel, during which women explore the Jewish homeland, take in inspiring Jewish wisdom, and join a global Jewish sisterhood.
MOMentum Journey of Growth 2024
Dates: NOVEMBER 4-11, 2024
QUALIFICATIONS: Jewish mothers with children under the age of 18
TRIP LEADER: Jessica Ochs
SHALOM AUSTIN APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, August 21
COSTS NOT COVERED BY MOMENTUM
-
-
- Airfare
- $500 deposit to Momentum (fully refundable upon return from the trip)
- $360 Shalom Austin Annual Campaign Donation
- $99 acceptance fee
- $75 tips
- $25 year of growth book
- Some meals
- Cell-phone service in Israel (not just wi-fi enabled)
-
PARTICIPATION EXPECTATIONS
-
-
- 4 sessions with Jessica Ochs prior to trip
- 7 PM: September 4, September 18, October 8, October 22
- Participate in trip as scheduled
- Whats App downloaded on phone for communication (via messages and chat groups) with MOMentum and our group
- Debrief upon return
- Ongoing program participation (approximately 6 per year)
- 4 sessions with Jessica Ochs prior to trip
-
HOW TO SIGN UP
-
- Shalom Austin Application – deadline August 21!
- Interview with Jessica Ochs
- MOMentum application
Experiencing Israel with an emphasis on Jewish family values – with mothers from Austin and across the globe – was such an honor […] Now, I have a beloved group of Momentum moms in Austin to lean on, celebrate with, and to relate to on our Jewish journeys as matriarchs.
– 2023 Austin MOMentum traveller
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Shalom Austin has partnered with MOMentum for its 2024 Journey of Growth Trip to Israel.
MOMentum was established in 2008 when eight Jewish women from different walks of life, affiliations, observance, and ages came together to make a difference. They agreed that it was time to empower and inspire women with the rich beauty of their Jewish heritage, and Momentum was born.
For more information about Momentum, visit momentumunlimited.org/about-momentum.
Below are some of the frequently asked questions which have been provided by Momentum.
FAQs
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO GO ON THE TRIP?
There are three primary qualifications to go on the trip:
-
- This trip is designed for people who are not highly engaged in the Jewish community or Jewish ritual observance.
- Our participants are mothers with children at home 18 or younger.
- Participants must be physically and emotionally healthy.
What if I have already been to Israel?
Momentum gives priority to applicants who have never been to Israel, or who visited before they turned 18, but many of our participants have visited Israel in the past. Apply and speak to Jessica Ochs for more details.
Are there any expectations after the trip?
The Momentum experience begins with three or more Pre-Trip meetings connecting the participants to each other and to Israel before the Trip. The Momentum Journey of Growth experience is designed to activate enthusiastic engagement with the beauty of Jewish life, to build a lasting connection with Israel, and a commitment to take action in one’s community towards making a better world.
Participants attending the Momentum trips commit to attending a follow-up session once per month with the organization that accepts them. Your trip leader, Jessica Ochs, will lead the monthly sessions throughout the year while Momentum supports the sharing of ideas and provides continuing education to make the year-long experience memorable for our participants.
What does the trip cost?
This is a heavily subsidized trip for our participants. Each participant on our women’s trip receives a scholarship –
25% provided by Shalom Austin, and Momentum raises the remaining 75% with Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism and the Momentum Scholarship, funded through donations and contributions.
See above for costs not covered by Momentum.
How strenuous is the trip?
This experience has a lot packed into it—the days are long and full of activity. We walk 35–40 miles on the trip and explore Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on foot and by climbing steps. All this and just being out in the heat require a fair amount of effort. It’s also important to remember that the trip is exciting and can bring up a lot of emotions, and this will affect your energy level.
If you don’t currently exercise, consider beginning a program to increase your stamina. If you have any health problems, consult your physician about the itinerary, and make sure to discuss any concerns with our trip leader, Jessica Ochs!
Is there time to shop?
Of course! There are many opportunities to shop nearly every day. Every dollar you spend infuses capital into the Israeli economy.
Do I need to purchase insurance?
Momentum purchases Israeli health insurance for all participants during the scheduled trip dates. If a participant arrives early or stays after the Trip, they are responsible for extending the health coverage at their own expense. In addition, Travelers Insurance is required for all participants in case of trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost/delayed baggage, flight delays, and more.
Where can I exchange money?
For large purchases, you can use your credit card, but in the shuks (local markets), cash is king, and will allow you to haggle for a better price—a time-honored tradition in Israel!
The easiest way to get cash is to use your bank card at an ATM. (NIS, New Israeli Shekels). The fees will vary, but not by much. If you choose to use ATMs, it’s vital that you notify your bank before the trip to avoid your card being frozen by ATM transactions in Israel.
Also, remember that fees are charged per transaction, so you should take out larger quantities less frequently. Money changers are available in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to change cash into shekels.
CONTACT US
SHALOM AUSTIN
7300 HART LANE
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731
(512) 735-8000
Follow Us:
BECOME A MEMBER
Join the JCC
Membership Types
Policies
Financial Aid
Take A Tour
Shalom Community Member
DONATE
Annual Campaign
Generations Campaign
Jewish Foundation
Tribute Gifts
Advertising & Sponsorships
WHY TO GIVE
Our Impact
Your Dollars at Work
Annual Report
Shop & Give Back
CONNECT/GET INVOLVED
New to Austin
Professional & Social Groups
Volunteer
Community Resources
Supporters
Programs
CALENDAR
JCC Programs & Classes
Community Events
Jewish Family Service
FITNESS & SPORTS
Facilities & Schedules
Fitness
Personal Training
Free Group Fitness Classes
Premium Group Fitness Classes
inBody
Swimming Pool
Swim Lessons
Swim Team
Masters Swim
Stroke Clinics
Sports
Youth Sports Classes
Adult Sports Leagues
Basketball
Pickleball
Wellness
Community Garden
Massage
Babysitting
Policies
ARTS & CULTURE
JBookFest
JGallery
Austin Jewish Repertory Theater
Austin Jewish Film Festival
EDUCATION
Rapoport Center
Early Childhood Program
After-School Activities
Parenting Programs
Financial Assistance
COUNSELING, SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUPS
Jewish Family Service
Our Staff
Schedule an Appointment
Support & Discussion Groups
Inclusion Services
Emergency Financial Assistance
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
Early Childhood Program
After-School Activities
JCamps
BBYO
Parenting Programs
Jewish Schools in Austin
Child & Adolescent Therapy
Inclusion Services
Birthday Parties
Professional & Social Groups
Financial Assistance
ADULTS
Fitness
Sports
Swimming
Arts & Culture
Jewish Education
Counseling, Support & Discussion Groups
Professional & Social Groups
Inclusion Services
Financial Assistance
ADULTS 55+
Relocating to Austin
Adults 55+ Programs
Counseling, Support & Discussion Groups
Inclusion Services
Professional & Social Groups
Financial Assistance
PROFESSIONAL & SOCIAL GROUPS
Women’s Philanthropy
Jewish Austin Men
Shalom Families
Young Adult Division (YAD)
ABOUT
Shalom Austin
Jewish Community Center
Jewish Federation
Jewish Family Service
Jewish Foundation
Leadership
Board of Directors
Newsletters
Publications
Media
Facility Rentals
Employment Opportunities
Contact
HOURS
Holidays and special events may affect hours. Holidays and special events may affect hours.
To verify holiday hours, click here.
JCC Fall/Winter Hours
Monday-Thursday 5:30 AM – 10 PM
Friday 5:30 AM – 6 PM
Saturday-Sunday 8 AM – 6 PM
JCC Pool Hours
Monday-Thursday 5:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3 – 9 PM
Friday 5:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Saturday 1 – 5 PM
Sunday 8 AM – 5 PM
Small pool is closed for the season.
Looking for Babysitting Hours?