CELEBRATION OF Learning - Momentum

LearningCELEBRATION OF

Hadran, Encore

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CELEBRATION OF LEARNINGHadran – Encore

Jewish sources teach that when a group of people gathers together to learn Torah, the Schechinah, God’s Divine Presence, dwells among them. When we study together, something profoundly intimate is created. It is created not only between the individuals studying but also with the sources studied, and of course, with the very Source of all sources itself. For the majesty of Jewish learning is not just in the accumulation of information, but rather in the accumulation of transformation as well. Such transformation within a committed group constitutes something sacred. A journey has been taken. A mission accomplished. A circle completed.

And yet when the end is reached, then what? Endings so often engender mixed feelings; the satisfaction born of completion, as well as the twinge of loss at the prospect of parting ways. As such, transition moments are often best met with ceremony; with a formal expression of appreciation given for the magic of what has unfolded.

In her book, Exit: The Endings that Set Us Free, sociologist and Harvard professor Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot explores the ways in which we mark the many endings in our lives. She writes of how ubiquitous “exits” are, from the large-scale exits of death or divorce to smaller, micro-exits such as waving goodbye to a parent or friend. She notes that society – to its detriment – most often focuses on beginnings and tends to ignore endings. She proposes that a ritualized marking of endings – large and small – is an invaluable act.

She writes, “I think there must be some relationship between our developing the habit of small goodbyes and our ability to master and mark the larger farewells…I certainly believe that the art of attending to, practicing, ritualizing, and developing a language for leave-taking in the most ordinary moments and settings augurs well for taking on the more extraordinary exits that life is sure to serve up.”

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Jewish Ritual Endings and the SiyumWonderfully, Judaism offers ample ceremony for honoring exits and ushering forward transitions, from the weekly Havdalah ceremony at the end of Shabbat to the elaborate shiva and other mourning rituals marking the end of life.

One particular ending which is given exuberant attention within our tradition is the conclusion of a period of sacred study. Given the importance of learning within Judaism, it is no wonder that we have a ritual specifically crafted around the end of a study period. This unique ritual celebration is called a siyum. It includes a celebratory meal, special prayers, and the sharing of a teaching related to the study completed.

One of the elements of a siyum is the recitation of a beautiful passage found at the end of each tractate of the Talmud. This text seeks to address the emotional complexities of closure, allowing a personal moment of reflection, integration, and acknowledgment at the end of a process. The passage expresses

great warmth, as if it were speaking personally to the book that was studied; as if it were saying, “We’re not really parting; this ending is a pivot toward new beginnings. We’ll return to you. We’ll continue to share your glory and you’ll continue to bring glory to us. Our learning will continue to manifest itself in action. Our relationship continues.”

This ritual recitation is named by its first word: Hadran. Hadran is Hebrew for “encore.” It is also aptly related to the Hebrew words for glory and for returning. The Hadran opens with the lines shared below. For our purposes, where the name of the Talmud tractate is usually inserted, we’ve written “Year of Growth”:

“We shall return to you, Year of Growth, and you shall return to us. Our thoughts are upon you, Year of Growth, and your thoughts are upon us. We will not be forgotten by you, Year of Growth, and you will not be forgotten by us.”

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The statement has an affectionate tone to it, like a pledge of commitment to an ongoing relationship. It denotes that the learning has not just been a scholarly endeavor, but a type of personal relationship.

• How might such a sense of affection and relationship reflect your group’s experience of learning through this Momentum Year of Growth?

Craft Your Own CeremonyWe invite you to craft your own type of siyum celebration of your group’s learning to reflect your shared journey of Torah study. Consider inviting each participant to look through this book to select one specific text or idea that she is working on putting into practice in her life – personally, as a family, or in the community.

Make plans for how you’d like to rejoice in your celebration of learning. Consider the following:

• What ritual might you include in your celebration? Might there be an aspect of the siyum/hadran ritual that you can adapt for your group?

• Where will your celebration take place, and with whom?

• How will you offer the opportunity to look both back and forward?

• What reading might you like to include?

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• Reflecting upon the entire span of your journey – from your Momentum trip to Israel through the full Year of Growth – how do you view yourself as a “Letter in the Scroll”? What is your letter? What word are you a part of? What sentence? What story?

• In what ways is your connecting to the other women in your group like a gathering of letters into words, into sentences and stories? What is the story of your group’s journey together?

• Feel free to give expression to your experience in the form of journaling and/or sharing aloud. Consider utilizing other forms of expression, such as drawing, poetry, or song.

The Jewish people is a living sefer Torah and every Jew is one of its letters.

– The Baal Shem Tov Founder of the Hasidic movement, 18th century

At some stage, each of us must decide how to live our lives. We have many options, and no generation in history has had a wider choice. We can live for work or success or fame or power. We can have a whole series of lifestyles and relationships. We can explore any of a myriad of faiths, mysticisms, or therapies. There is only one constraint – namely, that however much of anything else we have, we have only one life, and it is short. How we live and what we live for are the most fateful decisions we ever make.We can see life as a succession of moments spent, like coins, in return for pleasures of various kinds. Or we can see our life as though it were a letter of the alphabet. A letter on its own has no meaning, yet when letters are joined to others they make a word, words combine with others to make a sentence, sentences connect to make a paragraph, and paragraphs join to make a story. That is how the Baal Shem Tov understood life. Every Jew is a letter. Each Jewish family is a word, every community a sentence and the Jewish people through time constitutes a story, the strangest and most moving story in the annals of mankind.

– Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks A Letter in the Scroll: Understanding Our Jewish

Identity and Exploring the Legacy of the World’s Oldest Religion

The following teaching can be used for your processing and celebrating at this, the end of your shared journey.

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As we near the end of our year-long Momentum journey and our Year of Growth learning, consider what might be a fitting reminder, for you, of ways you want to live Jewish values.

The mezuzah, which has been featured on the doorposts of Jewish homes and institutions for generations, serves as a reminder of Jewish living. It is aptly placed on the threshold, as one stepping into or out of an experience. Indeed, the paragraph following the Shema (Deut. 6:9) guides us to “inscribe [the words of the Shema] on the doorposts (mezuzot) of your house and on your gates.”

It’s there as a reminder, to connect us with our best selves and with God. But it also encapsulates core Jewish values that we dove into through Year of Growth, personalized and brought to life. And we can continue to make those values our own.

A mezuzah is a physical, regular reminder of the Momentum values we have explored:

Learning and GrowthWe place the mezuzah on the top third section of our doorpost, but not at the very top. As we reach up to kiss the mezuzah, we remember that there is always room to stretch, to learn, and to grow. We have developed through our Year of Growth journey, and we will find many more opportunities to grow – as a group, as individuals, and as families.

Peace and Wholeness in the HomeThe mezuzah case is often called a bayit (home); the scroll on the inside (representing wholeness) holds everything together. Hundreds of years ago, there was a debate about the right way to hang a mezuzah. One sage said it should hang vertically, to connect heaven and earth. Another said it should hang horizontally, to connect people. Today, many hang the mezuzah diagonally to represent a “both-and” solution, modeling the importance of listening to one another and ultimately doing what is respectful to all. Peace in a family requires listening and bridging different interests, seeking a wholeness that comes from a mindset of “both-and” rather than “either-or.”

Faithfulness and TrustPassing the mezuzah can serve as a reminder to be our best selves, to connect to the ultimate Source of goodness. In that moment, we remember to open our eyes to the Godliness that exists in ourselves and in those around us. In Hebrew, the word for this value, emunah, stems from the same root as the words for art and caretaking. The mezuzah and its (often artistic) encasing can remind us of the steadfast, faithful perseverance required to care for children, create any form of masterful art, and foster a relationship with God.

THE MEZUZAH: A REMINDER OF EIGHT CORE JEWISH VALUES

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GratitudeAs we enter and exit the spaces in our lives, may we feel a sense of appreciation for the people we interact with and the world around us. May we remember the Jewish teaching that one who is wise is one who learns from each and every person. May we remember not to take any person or any blessing in our life for granted. Gratitude requires a pause and an inward turning to appreciate our blessings. So, too, is it with the mezuzah. When we see one on the doorpost, it is a reminder to pause and reflect on what is inside, and feel grateful for our blessings before we go about our day.

Unity and Mutual ResponsibilityWhile mezuzah casings can vary dramatically from one another, the text of their inner scroll (which is the actual mezuzah) is always the same. Etched on parchment, the text includes the Shema prayer which speaks about God’s Oneness. The Hebrew word for oneness is the same as the word for unity, achdut. Though individual mezuzot might look different on the outside, they each share the same scroll soul, reminding us that our family is part of one wholeness and that we have responsibility for one another.

Human DignityTo be kosher, each mezuzah scroll must be handwritten by an expert scribe. Let us adorn our doorposts with mezuzot that are not only ritually kosher, but also meet standards of human dignity. To do this, seek a scroll that is “fair trade,” one that offers the scribe living wage. One example of an organization doing this is MyZuzah.org. MyZuzah ensures the scribes are paid fairly for their work, and their scrolls go through a most rigorous testing process.

CourageThe mezuzah represents a willingness to take a stand and act to oppose oppression. Right before the Jewish people left Egypt, they marked their doorposts – a profoundly courageous act given the cultural norms surrounding them. They slaughtered an animal that served as a deity of the Egyptians and painted their own doorposts with the animal’s blood. Manette Mayberg, Momentum co-founder, past president and trustee, writes, “The specified mark is not subtle, but a bold, emphatic statement using an Egyptian deity, risking potentially life-threatening retribution from their oppressors. God clearly had an eternal message in this, and it applies to us today. Demonstrating bold and fearless distinction – separating ourselves, our homes, and our institutions – has enabled our survival throughout the ages. Beginning with a mark of blood on their doors, the Jews

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To learn more about mezuzah and how to affix it, to find fair-trade kosher scrolls, or to plan a mezuzah-affixing group gathering, check out MyZuzah.org.

who exited Egypt created a unique nation of people capable of sustainability against all odds. Distinction has been the eternal glue of the Jewish people, even as we were scattered to all four corners of the earth. God said, ‘Mark your houses’ because what you hold inside, the values that infuse your families, is the gift that will distinguish you for all time.”

Loving-Kindness and Generous GivingAs we learned, hachnasat orchim, welcoming visitors, is a treasured Jewish practice. We attend to our guests as they enter and exit our homes. Situated on our doorposts, the mezuzah reminds us to treat our guests, and all people with whom we interact, in a thoughtful and generous way. Some have likened Jewish homes to the underground railroad, with the mezuzah as a symbol indicating: “This is a home of welcoming, warmth, and love.”

ReflectionThe values of the mezuzah are global. No matter the generation, the local customs, or the culture, Jews have had the same words marking their doorposts for centuries. Momentum offers you and thousands of women across the world a global sisterhood and connection.

As we celebrate the end of our Momentum year-long journey, let us consider how we can continue to support one another, stay involved in each other’s lives, and share Jewish values with our families, friends, and communities.

Blessing for affixing a mezuzah

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha’Olam, asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu likboa mezuzah. Blessed are you, Adonai our God, Master of the Universe, Who has made us holy with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.

בָרּוּך אַתָּה אַדָנָי אֶלוֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶך הָעוֹלָם

אַשֶר קְדִשָנוּ בְּמִצְווֹתָיו וְצִיווָנוּ לִקְבּוֹעַ מְזוּזָה

• Which Jewish value on these pages resonates with you the most?

• Which Jewish value will you think of when you pass a mezuzah?

• How might we transition from this year-long Momentum experience and continue to support one another?

• Where might you take action to put up a mezuzah, and how can you bring the Momentum values you’ve learned to make it as meaningful as possible?

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For Yourself or with a Partner• Check out the podcasts, videos, and articles on

MomentumUnlimited.org.

• Select a phrase that inspires you, write it on a card, and place it where you’ll see it. Repeat the phrase to yourself a few times each morning with enthusiasm. Phrases you could consider:

• I am a letter in the scroll of the Jewish people • I am an important member of the Momentum movement • I continue to learn and grow

For Families with Children of All Ages• Many mezuzah creation kits are available online; set aside a

time with your family to create one together for a doorway in your home. Older children might enjoy going to a make-your-own-pottery or kiln workshop to fashion their own mezuzah covers. Encourage your children to invite friends or family to participate in the hanging of their special family mezuzah.

For Families with Young Children• Read the PJ Library Book, A Mezuzah on the Door, by

Amy Meltzer, and check out the reading guide available at https://bit.ly/2KzdFfP. Consider using some of PJ Library’s suggestions for sharing stories about your own family mezuzot, choosing a new mezuzah for the house, or talking to your children about the meaning behind the Shema.

• Consider hanging a mezuzah in your child’s room at his or her eye level. Each year, you can move the mezuzah a little bit higher on the wall, marking how your child has grown.

For Families with Older Children• Consider how you’d like to mark a transition in your period of

children’s lives: a graduation, the completion of a meaningful learning, the end of a sports season, the conclusion of college application season. You could host a small siyum, perhaps having your kids invite their friends to honor and celebrate the milestone. Think of ways to adapt the hadran “goodbye ritual” for your children’s transitions.

TRY IT OUT PRACTICAL TIPS AND RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESIdeas for bringing the Year of Growth values into your family life

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FACILITATOR’S GUIDEIn this session we celebrate your Year of Grow thwith a siyum, an ending ritual, and a hadran, an encore!

The guiding questions in this unit are:

• What ritual might you include in your siyum/hadran celebration? Is there an aspect of the siyum/hadran ritual that you can adapt for your group?

• Where will your celebration take place, and with whom?

• How will you offer the opportunity to look both back and forward?

• What reading might you like to include?

Meaning-ful Vocabulary

hadran הַדְרָן encore

siyum סִיּוּם ending or ending ritual

sefer סֵפֶר book

Facilitating the Session

1. Seek Participant InputIn advance, invite a few sisters to take a small role in leading the session such as:

• Hosting the event

• Having one or more of the women share a way she brought home the learning from your last gathering

Most important, consider inviting each woman to reflect and share something from this year, such as a moment or experience, that impacted how she sees the world; or a thought about new, bold ways of empowering and educating the next generation of the Jewish people in order for them to be a light and a blessing in our world. What questions might you invite the women to reflect on and send answers to in advance of the session?

How might you honor the participants? Perhaps each one can send a photo before the session, which can be part of the session’s décor?

**Involving participants helps them take ownership over their learning and prepares them to take the lead in their family and community!


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2. Choose Your Session Activities (in advance)

How will you make this a meaningful and memorable celebration? For ideas, read The Art of a Great Session in the Introduction (pp. 8–10), and consider what will work well for your group. One of the purposes of this session is to synthesize the learning, to take stock of what participants have absorbed over the year, and to reflect on its meaning for the women personally and as a group. Soul Sparks activities carry a particular power, and we encourage you to include them where possible.

3. Prep Your SpaceBefore the session begins, prepare the space to make it special and celebratory. What will work in your space and within your resources: ribbons, flowers, photos, balloons? What will be fitting celebratory food and drinks? Arrange the space or seating to support connection. Think about what materials you will need, and make sure you have everything prepared.

4. Welcome and Warm-Up How might you honor and awe your group as you usher them into a celebration of learning? How might you help the women connect with each other as they reflect back and look forward?

Reminder! Sisterhood Safe Space Remind everyone that you are in your Sisterhood Safe Space of confidentiality and compassionate listening, free of judgment and unsolicited advice.

5. Intro and InspirationPlan how you will usher in participants to help them transition from the day-to-day to the delights of a different Momentum reality with your group celebration.

6. Soul Sparks Activities There are several activities in the session that could help to deepen the meaning of your celebration, among them:

Celebration of LearningThe Celebration of Learning section (pp. 408–410) describes the hadran ritual of a traditional completion of learning. Consider including something along these lines in your celebration.

A Letter in the ScrollThe short text from Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ A Letter in the Scroll: Understanding Our Jewish Identity and Exploring the Legacy of the World’s Oldest Religion (p. 411) can help ascribe meaning to the journey of learning, as well as frame looking back and looking forward. Consider exploring it as a group or in pairs.

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The Mezuzah: A Reminder of Our Eight Core Jewish Values (pp. 412–414)Place the core values in stations around the room on poster board. Ask participants to walk around and review them silently, and then go to the value that most resonates with them. Encourage the women to share with the others at their station what they’ve taken away from that value, or how they and their families have been influenced. Have the women move on to a value they would like to incorporate more strongly into their daily lives, and ask them to reflect with the others at that station regarding how they can make a plan of action to reach their goals.

7. Reflection and ClosingHow might you end the session on a high? Plan a way for individuals and for the group to reflect on how they will carry the learning into their lives. Review options for further learning, both locally and through Momentum.

Direct the women’s attention to the “Try It Out: Practical Tips and Resources for Families” section (p. 415). These suggestions offer ideas, according to age group, for bringing the learning back home. Encourage sisters to choose at least one thing they will do with their families. Encourage them to arrange a time to connect with their other sisters following the conclusion of this Year of Growth. The sisterhood doesn’t end here!

Extra! Program IdeasTo enhance your session, you may want to consider inviting an artist for a pre-session make-your-own-mezuzah activity, or have one of the women lead it.

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1. Dr. Erica Brown, associate professor at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development, and Director of the Mayberg Center for Jewish Education and Leadership, Washington, DC

2. Chaya Lester, Jewish educator, psychotherapist, and Co-Director of the Shalev Center, Jerusalem

3. Jacqueline Volin, Momentum Participant and Madricha

4. Adrienne Gold Davis, Momentum Trip Leader

5. Lori Palatnik, Momentum Founding Director and Trip Leader

6. Ruchi Koval, Momentum Trip Leader and Community Leader

7. Yaffa Palti, Momentum Community Leader

CONTRIBUTORSIn order of appearance in the book

8. Karina Chemea, Momentum Community Leader

9. Susan Stillman, Momentum Community Leader

10. Mindy Scheier, Momentum Fashion Industry Trip Participant

11. Jacqueline Serebrani-Kenser, interdisciplinary and arts educator

12. Dr. Sima Goel, Momentum Trip Participant

13. Nili Couzens, Momentum Trip Leader

14. Ayela Meroody, Human Resources and Executive Assistant, Alexander Muss High School in Israel

15. Susan Kramer, President, Susan Kramer Consulting

16. Heather Greene, Momentum Participant

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Dr. Ronit Ziv-Kreger has served as Momentum’s Director of Education and Leadership Development since 2016.

After earning her Ph.D from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, Ronit combined her training with her Judaic knowledge to lead professional development seminars for educators and to guide Jewish institutions in navigating the systemic change of adapting innovative pedagogies to their schools. She has been on the staff of Jewish adult learning initiatives including Me’ah, Parenting through a Jewish Lens, Adamah Fellows, and The Mussar Institute.

Ronit lived her formative years in both Israel and the United States, and is fluent in both Hebrew and English. When not studying or teaching, Ronit loves to hike, dance, practice yoga, laugh, dialogue, and play with children. She is married and is the mother of three young adults.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND EDITOR

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It is my great pleasure to express appreciation to the wide circle of Momentum participants, Community Leaders, consultants, colleagues, and board members who contributed to this book.

Year of Growth has benefited tremendously from the wisdom and project management of Aliza Sperling, Jennifer Fechter, and Lior Krinsky. Their support helped shape every chapter of this book. Aliza Sperling and Aliza Bulow elicited ideas from Community Leaders to inform the vision for the book, and Aliza Sperling drafted early versions based on our conversations. Jennifer Fechter and Lior Krinsky conducted research, contributed to the writing, and coordinated revisions. Chaya Lester’s editing of several of the sessions adds sparkle as well as a poetic voice. Lori Palatnik’s inspiring vision and her feedback to many of the sessions, and Adrienne Gold Davis’s remarkable teaching stories were tremendously helpful. Both women’s contributions offer the Momentum vibe beloved by so many participants. Orlee Turitz offered sensitive and helpful comments and edits. Every page of the book has benefited from the expertise and thoughtfulness of Deena Nataf, master copy editor. Thank you to Leah Hartman for final copy editing and to Rav Raz Hartman for input on the Hebrew texts.

The support, leadership, and warm encouragement of the Momentum Board of Directors – Andrea Shlipak Mail, Cindy Zitelman, Manette Mayberg, Michelle Leader, Jeanie Milbauer, Dana Sicherman, Helen Zalik, Ellen B. Kagen Waghelstein, Betty Grinstein, Rachel Chafetz, and Cheryl Leon – were pivotal for creating the conditions for writing and editing Year of Growth. The board’s guidance regarding Momentum’s core Jewish values furnishes its foundation.

Much appreciation to the Israel Ministry of Diaspora Affairs for their partnership and support. Thank you!

Erin Ring skillfully manages the educational interface with the many Momentum Partner Organizations. She oversaw the piloting process for this book, the distribution of session material, and collection of feedback from Community Leaders, board, and staff. Erin also managed the translation to Russian, Spanish, and Hebrew, as well as the publication of the book. Anna Vainer oversaw the cultural adaptation to Russian, Galia Rubinstein to Spanish, and Dana Sender-Mulla and Roni Ezra Friedman to Hebrew.

Many thanks to Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits for his guidance. The Momentum Education and Leadership Committee has served, and continues to serve, as a tremendous think tank for Momentum’s educational work. It is chaired by Manette Mayberg, whose partnership and wisdom are invaluable. The committee’s marvelous members are Dr. Erica Brown, Michael Soberman, Sora Wolasky, Laura Goldman, Amy Lefcoe, Rabbi Benjamin Berger, and Dr. Rona Novick.

The amazing Momentum team contributes heart and soul daily. To name a few among those not already mentioned whose leadership has been especially significant: Ben Pery, Ruth Baars, Amy Cantor, Robyn Hartman, Hillel Hurwitz, Ilene Rosen, Judy Victor, and Allison Kent.

Many Community Leaders from across the Jewish world were generous with their time and ideas. Valuable feedback was provided by Community Leaders who initially piloted Year

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

of Growth: Rachel White, Lynn Hierlihy, Shoshana Putney, Lauren Shaps, and Luna Kadouri; and by Community Leaders who reviewed sessions or participated in focus groups offering helpful feedback, including Sigy Laredo, Batsheva Gelbtuch, Joyce Weinberger, Amanda Jones, Ariane Schneider, Chana Heller, Cheryl Taubenfeld, Natalie Ciner, Louri Sullivan, Orna Siegel, Henny Fisch, Sarah Gittleson, Karen Sher, Giti Fredman, Helene Wyne, Jessica Stockman, and Ruchi Koval, who is also a Momentum Trip Leader. Much appreciation to the many other Community Leaders who have written to us about using Year of Growth.

Rachel Sales conducted and wrote some of the interviews with participants and Community Leaders featured in the book. Lisa Landsman offered helpful feedback and support. Jennifer Kreger and Sabrina Berger offered important insights.

The graphic design is by the Ira Ginzburg Studio. Ira leads an amazing team, including Marina Nelyubina, Anna Hayat, and Lotem Weinrob, all of whom devoted their talents and skills to beautify each page.

I thank Dr. Hanna Ashar for conducting dozens of interviews with Community Leaders and synergizing the findings into a report of Year of Growth use with recommendations that drove the revision leading to the current book. Sara Modi coordinated the many interviews and the many meetings involved in the creation of this book.

The input of many dear teachers, students, rabbis, colleagues, friends, and havrutot have nurtured my learning and heart over the years, and their ideas have found their way into Year of Growth. The writing exercises were influenced by the teaching of Rabbi Aryeh Ben David, especially in his

wonderful book, Becoming a Soulful Educator, and the Ayeka curricular resources. Michal Smart’s input contributed depth and soulfulness. The progress chart at the end of each session is adapted from Rabbi David Jaffe’s teaching of mussar, Jewish character development.

I give my heartfelt thanks to each of the contributors in this book. Year of Growth was shaped by a spirit of collaboration reflected both in the written pieces and in the extensive feedback. May this spirit inspire readers in building unity without uniformity. All errors and shortcomings in the book are mine.

Momentum’s mission of empowering women to change the world through Jewish values that transform ourselves, our families, and our communities has been and will always be the source of inspiration that guided this book.

I dedicate my work on this book to my parents, master teachers Drs. Yael and Jehiel Zif, who’ve taught me so much about education and leadership in so many ways, most of all by modeling and sharing their passion. I thank my wonderful children, Ma’ayan, Maor Eden, and Shir, and my son-in-law Dor, for immeasurable joy and meaning. I thank my husband, partner, and soulmate, Dr. David Ziv-Kreger, whose guidance, care, and encouragement are a true gift from God and mean more than I can ever describe in words. David generously read, discussed, and edited sections of this book.

My ultimate appreciation is to God, the Source of all, and for God’s direction and immense kindness. Lastly, thank you! I pray that this book draws people closer to each other and to our innate, Godly nature, for a better world for all.

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Copyright © 2018, 2019, 2020 by Israeli Ministry of Diaspora AffairsLicensed to Momentum Unlimited Inc. All rights reservedFirst Edition

Written and edited by Dr. Ronit Ziv-Kreger

Please note that this volume includes sacred texts, and should be treated accordingly. Translation of non-biblical texts © Dr. Ronit Ziv-Kreger

The following articles are adapted from previous work by Ronit Ziv-Kreger:p. 20–21, © 2015p. 26–27, © 2015p. 108–109, © 2014 p. 137, © 2015 pp. 180–181, © 2009 pp. 218–219, © 2014 p. 248, © 2008 pp. 280–283, © 2015pp. 354–355, © 2012pp. 386–388, © 2012

Momentum does not have any responsibility for third-party websites referred to in this book. All Internet addresses given in this book were correct at the time of review before going to press. The author and Momentum regret any inconvenience caused if addresses have changed or sites have ceased to exist, but cannot accept responsibility for any such changes.

Excerpts, quotations, and adaptations of works by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks are used with permission of Maggid Books, an imprint of Koren Publishers (Jerusalem) Ltd.

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