The following is the introduction to the unit on the value of Learning and Growth.
Jewish sources teach that when a group of people gathers together to learn Torah, the Shechinah, God’s Divine Presence, dwells among them. When we study together there’s something profoundly intimate that gets 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. Such transformations within a committed group
constitute something sacred. A journey has been had. 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.
The Year of Growth book enriches the Momentum year-long journey. Most Partner Organizations build on Year of Growth resources to deepen group learning. Mothers use the book to share learning with friends and family and to bring the learning back to their children.
Year of Growth is given in Israel to all Momentum trip participants in English, Russian, Spanish, or Hebrew as of 2020.