At Emet Outreach there is always time for Torah, and sometimes that includes toddlers, as well! On Wednesdays this summer, the Emet Center has been home to the boisterous sounds of “Mommy & Me.” More than a cute program, this learning opportunity has become a haven for women at all stages of life: mothers, wives, newlyweds, and those preparing for the next chapter of family life. Each week, an average of 15-20 women gather to bond, learn, and recharge both emotionally and spiritually. A delightful bonus are the special guests, from newborn to age 11, who bring their cuddles and giggles to the mix.
The morning begins with a delectable breakfast and iced coffee, thanks to Jewel Bagel, giving everyone the chance to relax and connect. Then comes the heart of the program, an uplifting lecture given by a different Emet rabbi each week. Each session offers a thoughtful mix of relationship wisdom, parenting insights, and personal growth – drawing from the weekly parshah, Jewish spirituality, and timeless life lessons. There are meaningful takeaways, whether the topic is enhancing Shabbos in the home, strengthening the marital relationship, or preparing for future parenthood. The class is designed to bring more light, warmth, and purpose into participants’ lives.
While the ladies learn, their children enjoy the attention of caring babysitters Miriam and Yehoshua Yonaiev, who entertain them with an assortment of toys and coloring activities. This ensures that moms can focus entirely on the class without distraction, knowing their children are safe and happy. As Sara Basiratmand Benyamin, Emet Program Director, shares, “Our Mommy & Me gatherings have made this summer both spiritual and educational. The classes help us grow as wives and as moms. The best part is that the on-site babysitting means the moms can truly be present. Without that, many of the ladies wouldn’t have been able to come at all.”
Participant Channah Aronov sums up how meaningful the experience has been for the group: “The Mommy & Me classes provide a safe, comfortable, and uplifting learning environment. The classes and rebbeim are practical, relatable, and personable. I feel empowered coming out of every class, knowing that parenting is a privilege and an opportunity to grow as a woman and fulfill Hashem’s mitzvos in ways that I perceived as nonconventional. Who knew that changing diapers, making dinners, helping the kids complete homework assignments, and giving over my time and love to my children was and is exactly what Hashem wants from me?! All those things and more draw me closer to Hashem. Thank you, Emet, for reminding me and encouraging me to continue fulfilling my role as a mother, because it is very easy to forget and see the day-to-day tasks as mundane and undermine their value and significance. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to continue learning and growing!”
Mommy & Me at Emet is not just a program. It is a community of women growing together, week by week, supporting each other in becoming the best versions of themselves.
