The Power of Difference

“Every human being needs to know and understand that within them is a lit candle. No two people’s candles are alike, nor is there a person who lacks a candle. Every human being needs to know and understand that they need to work to discover how to share their candlelight with others, and to ignite it into a big torch.”

-Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook

Typically, we surround ourselves with people just like us – and that can be awesome.  The encouragement we receive can be incredible. In fact, in the self-help world, there are those who strongly encourage this behavior for anyone striving to succeed.

Surrounded by people who want to grow, learn and succeed is a powerful force. Typically, entrepreneurs hang out with other entrepreneurs; athletes with similar athletes. 

As Jews, we choose to live in Jewish communities and belong to congregations to surround ourselves with people who practice Judaism like us. Our “people” will understand the path we are pursuing and will drive us to better ourselves and achieve our goals.

Momentum seeks to inspire women to transform themselves, transform their families, their communities, and the world. Momentum’s flagship program, the MOMentum Year-Long Journey, empowers women to connect to Jewish values, engage with Israel, take action, and foster unity, without uniformity.

I’ve worked with Momentum now for more than 12 years. We are an organization dedicated to “bringing Jewish to life,” to inspire women and men to change the world through Jewish values that transform ourselves, our families and our communities. We accomplish this through  several programs: Momentum Journeys; Living; and Learning. Momentum Journeys are immersive experiences geared to explore Jewish identity whether on trips to Israel or local retreats. Momentum Living, our digital content arm, is home to on-demand video and podcasts, engaging webinars and thoughtful articles. Finally, Momentum Learning offers intensive educational experiences that are facilitated through one-on-one and small group workshops. 

We do all of this through partnership with more than 250 diverse Jewish organizations in 30 countries. Our partners represent synagogues of every denomination, Jewish Federations, Jewish Community Centers, large Jewish organizations, small Jewish organizations, outreach organizations, cultural organizations and more. 

These organizations often have differing ideas in how to engage Jews – some with a focus on Torah learning, others with a cultural bent such as Jewish cooking or art. They have different ways of observing shabbat and all of these differences can get in the way of them working together. There’s a feeling that one is too accepting or not accepting enough. We strive to find the common denominator where we can all work together and most importantly to see that we share the same goal of Jews engaging with Judaism.

Over this past decade, and our intensive work in partnership, I’ve discovered that there is so much to gain from coming together with those who think differently and there is much to lose from being comfortable with the like-minded. The Jewish people are a kaleidoscope of differences and these differences can be used to collectively shape and strengthen our Jewish future.  

Our Rabbis taught:

“If one sees a crowd of Israelites, they should say, “Blessed is the One who discerns mysteries,” for the mind of each is different from that of the other, and the face of each is different from that of the other.” (Babylonian Talmud, Brachot 58a)

We celebrate these differences – in fact, we bless them. It’s not about who is right or wrong or who might have THE answer. It’s about our shared desire to build the Jewish people and to improve the world we are living in.  

These days, the world seems to be working against the concept of surrounding ourselves with diversity. Social media algorithms are designed to show only content you already agree with and are therefore likely to read. It only shows a person what they are used to hearing with no appreciation or respect for the differently minded.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (of blessed memory), in his 2017 Ted Talk “How We Can Face the Future Without Fear, Together” urges us to surround ourselves with people who will challenge us in the things we do and the way we think. He reminds us that we can disagree strongly and still have respect for each other and learn from each other. He is pushing us to think of the “we” and not just the “I.” 

Momentum brings together organizations and people who might not have naturally worked together, and yet, we put them on the same bus, and on the same stage.  

I have spent thousands of hours speaking with Jewish community professionals and individuals, all with a common purpose who might not even realize this fact.

They travel in different worlds, speak in different languages and implement different kinds of programs. We at Momentum challenge them with the concept of unity without uniformity, focusing on our similarities and making room for our differences. We raise our heads above the comfort of the like-minded.  Recognizing that it’s the people not like us that make us grow.

On our trips to Israel, we group on a bus for eight days a cohort from a Federation, an orthodox outreach organization and a Reform Synagogue from the same area. They get to know each other as mothers who have similar struggles and are trying to build their families and their communities. We encourage them to engage in post trip programming together, each facilitating sessions that highlight their strengths. We see friendships that have developed and communities that have benefited from unity. 

My work in the world of partnership has helped me grow stronger and more passionate, has made me rethink some long-held ideas and it has strengthened some of my previously-held beliefs. 

Momentum’s goal of fostering unity without uniformity is about emphasizing the values that we share, to embrace our global Jewish family with all of our differences. We honor and respect each other because we are all created in the image of God.  

To make a difference in the Jewish world, and for all of humankind, we need the light of every Jew, even if they believe, practice or look different than ourselves.