by Rochelle Naiman with Julie Rabinowitz
A mature woman finds herself an
empty nester with extra time to fill. This dynamic woman wants to give, to
laugh over a game of peek-a-boo with a delicious, dimpled 18-month-old or share
time with a tween. She has so much support, energy, and love to give – but her
own kids visit for Yom Tov and a bit more here and there, leaving her out-of
-the-loop of active bubbying.
A busy mommy
of several finds herself exhausted from staying at home with her kids. The
young mom used to feel so in control and accomplished, way back when she had
one adorable baby. Her college diploma tucked in a drawer somewhere, she lives
in a whirl of laundry, dishes, giggles, and cries. Sometimes, she finishes the
day only to realize she has not eaten a solid meal. Are there other moms
like me, she wonders?
Enter Mom2Mom, a simple but powerful new
organization developed by Mrs. Rena Baron, Mrs. Susan Lapin, and Mrs. Rebecca
Masinter, creator of torasimecha.com a year ago. Listen and spread the word
about this almost natural addition to our community, one that echoes the world
of pre-Holocaust Europe back to the times of ancient Israel – a world where
mothers are supported and communities gain from giving.
Weekly Mommy and Me
Pop into
Congregation Shomrei Emunah on Thursdays between 10:00 and 11:00 and experience
joy. Here, over 30 moms attend this free program, run by rotating volunteers,
that does not require reservations. Finally, stay-at-home moms or moms who can
free their schedules for an hour are meeting for the first time since Covid cut
them off from one another! The program begins and ends with free play for the
children while the moms chat, with a Torah-themed activity in the middle. The
energy is palpable and powerful. Thank you, Congregation Shomrei Emunah, for
providing free use of your space.
Soupermom
Making soup?
Pack one portion for any hardworking mom you know. No new baby required! Add
this poem to the package and drop it off. (Stickers and containers coming soon.)
It’s that simple. Show you know. Show you understand. Show you care. Sure, this
mom could make it or buy it, but the messages of care and community taste so
much better.
You give
and give and give,
And then
you give some more,
To the
infant, baby, or toddler whom you absolutely adore. (Most of the time.)
No
paycheck tells you, “Well done,”
No
organization honors you.
Sometimes
you feel invisible
In this
important work you do.
We salute
you and the role you embrace.
Enjoy this
token of thanks and recognition!
Letting
you know you are appreciated
Is the
Mom2Mom mission.
But, as Robert Browning wrote,
“The best is yet to come”:
Borrow a Bubby
In this
exciting initiative, Dr. Julie Rabinowitz carefully makes shidduchim between moms and bubbies, i.e., older women. After
filling out a preference form, bubbies and families are matched on the basis of
parenting style, shared vision of the relationship, times of day to visit, and
even the kind of food prepared in one’s kitchen (yashan, vegan, etc.) so that bubby’s food is acceptable – if she
wants to bring some, that is. Many moms are waiting, and more are sure to
come.
The late
Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski once wrote that motherhood is the only job where one
works very hard for a very long time without breaks or pay, only to finally give
up one’s job.
These moms
are working so hard, dedicated to building the next generation of Torah Jews.
And these “retired” older women have so much love and wisdom to give. Mom2mom
has wisely recognized the natural link between them in this simple but timeless
initiative. Come join us as, together, we support each other with love and
respect for the wisdom of mothering.
For more information: For Borrow a Bubby, email borrowabubby@gmail.com.
For Mom2Mom, Mommy and Me, and Soupermom, contact rebecca@torasimecha.com.
