Mama-what? Mamanet!

Mamanet has hit Vancouver. Each Monday night women over 30 gather at the JCC to play a modified (catching and throwing) version of volleyball called Mamanet. Women from all walks of Jewish life and all levels of fitness are participating in a game that brings them together for the love of sport, community and fun. This all-inclusive activity has enabled women to interact on the court, exchange ideas on the bench and get to know each other.

Dina Acoca, one of the participants, called Mamanet “a fun and exhilarating game bringing women together from across the Jewish community.” Deborah Youngson, the chair of the program, added that Mamanet was attracting a very diverse group of ladies. “We have women who wear sheytls (head coverings) and we have women who wear shorts. Everyone is included and accepted for who they are, not how they choose to express their Jewish identity.”

The inspiration for Vancouver Mamanet came from Northern Israel, Vancouver’s Partnership 2Gether region when Vancouverites had the chance to see the game and the energy for themselves.

“While I was participating in one project I was encouraged to check out a Mamanet game at Kibbuts Kfar Blum in Etzpah HaGalil,” explained Kyle Berger, who facilitates Mamanet in Vancouver. “As soon as I saw it I knew Mamanet was going to be a hit in Vancouver.”

Casual games started to pick up in May and ran through the summer with new players checking in every week.

Starting in October, teams will be formed and the Mamanet spirit will take over.

“The teams will be formed to make it even more fun,” Berger explained. We’ll have team names, cheers, shirts and many fun nicknames I am sure.”

Lisa Romalis, who has participated in Mamanet Vancouver since day 1 said it has been more than a great workout. “Everyone participating is there to have fun. I’ve made new friends that I’d have otherwise never met.”

For more information on Mamanet, contact Deborah at deborahdeboo@gmail.com or Kyle@jccgv.bc.ca