The momME time program through the Young Adult Division of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, was launched in 2016 as a way to bring Tidewater moms together to bond, relax, and engage with the community; completely kid-free. From the start it has been a huge success. So far this year, YAD has hosted three events—all equally successfully— bringing in more than 50 moms during the quarterly program.
momME time had a special guest in November when author Ali Katz led a meditation session and discussed her new book, Hot Mess to Mindful Mom. Sessions like these are helpful in managing all of the roles and responsibilities that moms often take on.
In January, momME time hosted a Tikkun Olam event with the help of the Helen G. Gifford Foundation. The moms made glass mosaic Shabbat candle holders as part of the Gary Rosenthal, Hiddur Mitzvah Project. Each mom made two candle holders; one to keep and one to be donated to a family in California that lost all of their belongings in last year’s wild fires. The holders were both inspiring and beautiful, and gave the moms an opportunity to take some time for themselves, as well as give to those enduring hardship.
Spring was all about celebrating Israel’s 70th birthday. YAD moms got summer-ready by making a Dead Sea Lavender Body Scrub. Each mom combined the various ingredients to create an exfoliating scrub straight from Israel’s Dead Sea.
None of this would be possible without the incredible Tidewater community and generous UJFT donors. momME time has given moms an opportunity to connect, get involved, and give back—all while taking a break from their traditional mommy roles and outside jobs. The program will continue hosting events and hopes to see even more moms get involved this year.
– Stephanie Steerman