Building Momentum: A Transformational Weekend in Chicago
From September 7–9, 2025, 120 Jewish women gathered at JCC Chicago’s Bernard Weinger JCC for the Momentum Fellowship Summit, a three-day journey rooted in Jewish values, courage, and community.
Momentum is an organization created to “catalyze a movement of Jewish women who transform communities, strengthen Jewish life, and create ripples of positive change.” While Momentum is perhaps best known for their trips to Israel for Jewish mothers, their portfolio encompasses much more with the Fellowship Summit being another way for Jewish women to find inspiration, build meaningful connections, and develop the skills and confidence to take action in their communities.
Each day offered reflection, connection, and the tools to lead with clarity and impact. The Summit opened with inspiring remarks from Elizabeth Walder of the Walder Foundation, who shared her commitment to advancing leadership and strengthening Jewish life. The Walder Foundation was a major underwriter of the conference.
JCC Chicago was represented by Addie Goodman, President & CEO, who also spoke during the conference, as well as Melissa Chapman, Chief Impact Officer, and Bonnie Vozar, JCC Chicago Board member and supporter of the agency’s Momentum partnership.
The energy was amplified by cohort participation of Chicagoland and Midwest agencies, including: Building Community Thru Conversation, Challah and Soul, Detroit Community, Hadassah National, JCC Chicago, JEWCY – Jewish Women Rising, Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids, JUF, L’chaim Center, Libenu, Minneapolis Jewish Federation, Building Identity, Connecting Communities, Strengthening Communities, NISSA, Shalva, Soul Purpose, Walder Foundation, and Young Amazing Couples.
The Momentum Fellowship Summit wasn’t just an event — it was a launching point. The journey continues through Fellowship NEXT and the Elevate Series, ensuring that the connections, skills, and inspiration from this weekend carry forward into the work these women do every day.
In the words of the Summit’s guiding text: “If not now, when?” The Momentum Fellowship Summit was a resounding reminder that the time for leadership, courage, and community is now.