In Jerusalem, Israel, at this time of year, the weather becomes an annual topic for discussion.
When will it rain?
When will the winter weather arrive?
We had a partial answer beginning on Thursday night when the atmosphere cooled. Thunder and lightning announced the stormy weather. After intermittent deluges over Shabbat, the warmer weather is to return, for at least a week.
A week ago, the sun was setting into the clouds over the Judean Hills when I arrived at Neve Ilan for a very special event.
Nearly 800 Jewish women from around the world filled Kedma Hall on Sunday night for a gala celebration, titled “A Mother’s Heart: The Heart of a Nation.”
Momentum, formerly JWRP (so glad they rebranded, I could never get those letters straight), welcomed women from around the world to join Israeli women for a special evening event.
The hall was ready for an elaborate dinner celebration. But this was no simple mazel tov meal.
Opening speakers set the tone, with Racheli Fraenkel, Mehereta Baruch-Ron, and Batsheva Moshe sharing their inspiring personal life stories.
Momentum presented its inaugural award winners, Cheryl Wise, Pamela Claman, Tzahit Levi, Estela Goldberg, and Natalie Ciner, for their outstanding dedication over the years.
The hundreds of women included mothers of injured soldiers and women on their first trip to Israel.
From Guatemala and Ecuador, Singapore, LA, Atlanta, GA, and more, they joined in song as one.
One of the most emotional moments was when the mothers of freed hostages were on the stage.
They were awarded recognition by Momentum and cheered on by the other women in the room
Momentum founder Lori Palatnik had much to be proud of, and yes, a few men attended also.
Women who came from Maryland smiled and posed for a photo.
Women from Israel held up a flag as they appreciated the women on the stage.
The largest groups were from the US, and the enthusiasm was not muted as they came together.
(Yes, the flag was turned and correctly shown a second later.)
Momentum leaders state that a meaningful immersive experience can be difficult to translate into daily life. However, life is a journey. This was one fabulous conclusion for the recent mission trips.
Will the women return soon with their families to further explore the beauty of the Jerusalem streets?
Next year in Jerusalem has long been a statement, and hopefully for more, it will be a reality.