As the Jewish world moves from the solemn reflection of Yom Hazikaron to the celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, it is reminded of the journey of the Jewish people, marked by sacrifice, resilience and hope. These days are more than commemorations; they represent a powerful call to remember who Jews are, what they stand for and what they are building for future generations.
Momentum sees this story continue in the lives of Jewish mothers around the world. When the world felt uncertain, they rose with courage, clarity and heart. Across 36 countries and in partnership with more than 450 organizations, Jewish mothers stood up, spoke out and took action to protect their values, their families, and the Jewish future.
According to its 2024 Impact Report, that strength translated into action:
- 1,200-plus individuals joined Momentum Unity Missions to Israel since Oct. 7, 2023;
- 1,000-plus participants from 16 countries experienced our flagship Journey of Growth trips;
- 350-plus women gathered at global leadership summits;
- 650-plus grassroots initiatives were launched through the Momentum Action Network, advancing support for Israel and working to combat antisemitism;
- And through Momentum on the Road events in 28 cities, more than 3,000 mothers and fathers came together to learn, connect and lead.
These aren’t just numbers; they’re the reflection of a movement powered by Jewish mothers. Women who carry the legacy of our past and the promise of our future.
Among them are Debbie Hochberg, Momentum’s current board president, and Connie Lindenauer, Momentum’s president-elect. Both are accomplished professionals and passionate leaders; more than that, they are mothers, living examples of Momentum’s vision in action.
In this special conversation, Debbie and Connie open up about their personal journeys, the values that drive their leadership, and their shared vision for Momentum’s future at this historic moment.
Q: How did you first become involved with Momentum?
Connie Lindenauer: My first brush with Momentum (then called JWRP) was going on an Israel trip in 2010. That was a transformative experience for me because it put me on track to becoming an observant Jew. My husband and I were already studying with a rabbi, and we were in the process of steering our family in that direction.
Debbie Hochberg: My journey with Momentum began long before I even realized it. I grew up deeply connected to my Jewish identity, shaped by two very different sets of grandparents. My paternal grandparents were Holocaust survivors with strong family ties to Israel, while my maternal grandparents were deeply involved in their American Jewish community. These influences instilled in me a profound sense of Jewish continuity, though I didn’t always recognize it as such.
Later, while working in finance in New York, witnessing the attacks on Sept. 11 strengthened my belief in the importance of American and Israeli values. This conviction led me to work in philanthropy, focusing on strengthening Jewish identity and Israel engagement.
Years later, during COVID, I was invited to study Jewish wisdom with Adrienne Gold Davis. Through that learning, I realized that the values I had lived by—family, resilience, community—were deeply rooted in Judaism. This discovery led me to a Momentum Grand trip in 2020, where I found a unique sisterhood of women from diverse backgrounds, all united by a shared mission. The experience was so transformative that I quickly joined the board and, not long after, became its president. Sometimes, opportunities arise when you least expect them, and even if you’re unsure, you know you must step up. I knew Momentum was an organization that would support me, and I was ready to give back to a mission that had given me so much.
Q: How does your identity as a Jewish woman inform your leadership style and the values you bring to your role?
CL: I’ve only served on Jewish nonprofit boards. My Jewish identity informs everything about my leadership. I bring strong Jewish values that my family and I live by every day to these roles. As an observant Jew, I’m constantly reminded of my Jewish identity. My kids went to Jewish day schools—now they’re both out—but from the food we eat to our daily observance to the holidays, Judaism is deeply ingrained in our lives.
Q: Debbie, can you share the Momentum accomplishments you’re most proud of during your tenure?
DH: Navigating through the crazy years that we just went through. Normally, I hate that question, but I’m proud that we launched and developed this leadership development program. In a very short time, it has become foundational to what Momentum actually is.
Q: What does the concept of ‘The Power of the Jewish Mother’ mean to you personally?
CL: I think the Jewish mother has so much influence over her family, community, and the Jewish people as a whole. Jewish mothers have deep spiritual, cultural and historical roots that resonate across generations. The concept of the power of the Jewish mother is undeniable. They are the ones who influence the family.
DH: As a mother, you have tremendous power in how you behave as an individual in your home. You set the example, whether you know it or not. That has meaning in so many aspects—how you dress, how you keep your home, how you act, how you treat your husband, how you treat your children, how you spend your time. Do you choose to read a book or scroll on your phone at night? Do you hug your children when they walk in? You’re the mom, and you set the example. Be brave, be optimistic and move forward; it’s your choice. That’s the power of a mother.
Women, in general, have this incredible ability to get things done, even when they think they can’t do another thing. It’s not just mothers; it’s women. When we decide we want to do something, it gets done. And that’s very powerful.
Q: How have you seen ‘The Power of the Jewish Mother’ create positive change within families, communities or society? How does Momentum amplify this power?
CL: The legacy of the Jewish people is in the hands of Jewish mothers. This can be seen in the home—lighting Shabbat candles, baking challah and saying prayers. Jewish mothers have always been, and still are, the leaders of their homes and communities. We look to them for kindness, compassion and moral clarity.
With programs like Momentum on the Road, we give Jewish women a connection to their values and a sense of community. They take what they’ve learned back to their homes—starting small, like lighting Shabbat candles and having Friday night dinners. These small changes add up and eventually impact the wider community.
DH: We must educate women. If our mission is to focus on Jewish values, connect people to Israel and promote unity without uniformity, then we need to educate women on Jewish values and inspire them to take action. Even if they don’t take the specific steps we suggest, we should provide them with options.
We need to give more specific ways for mothers to take action beyond lighting candles. And I think Momentum is a trusted brand. We earn women’s trust in Israel, but there’s so much more we can do.
Momentum is a global movement focused on the greatest influencer: the Jewish mother. Through transformational journeys to Israel, leadership fellowships, a robust multimedia platform and expansive resources for Jewish learning, Momentum inspires Jewish mothers to live their most meaningful lives and transform themselves, their families and their communities. Since Momentum’s founding in 2008, more than 23,000 individuals from 35 countries have experienced its flagship program, the Momentum Yearlong Journey. In 2023, Momentum was awarded the Jerusalem Unity Prize for its dedication to promoting unity without uniformity in Israel and across the Jewish world.