Yesh Tikva

A Jewish Fertility Community

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About Yesh Tikva

Our Mission. Our People. Our Purpose.

Get to know more about our staff, board, mission and impact. 

Our Mission

Facing infertility can be an isolating and overwhelming journey, filled with stress, uncertainty, and emotional challenges. No one should have to navigate it alone.

Yesh Tikva—Hebrew for “There is Hope”—was founded to break the silence and build a compassionate, informed, and supportive Jewish community for those experiencing infertility.

Our mission is twofold:

1. To provide free, professional psychosocial support, reproductive health education, and practical resources to individuals and couples facing infertility.
2. To raise awareness and foster sensitivity around infertility and reproductive health within the Jewish community.

In creating a space of hope, connection, and understanding, we extend our hands and open our hearts. You are not alone. Reach out—because no one should walk this path alone.

Contact us today

Who We Serve

People Struggling to Build Their Families

We empower those navigating infertility and family building with the emotional and practical tools they need. We offer peer supportive spaces, 1:1 mentorship, guides and resources, educational workshops, personal story-sharing platforms, and community events. Our resources also extend to individuals facing secondary infertility, single women, and those pursuing other pathways to parenthood such as donor conception, surrogacy, and adoption. We also are here to support those considering remaining childless due to infertility or circumstance.

At the same time, Yesh Tikva works to destigmatize infertility and reproductive health discussions. Infertility has been a taboo topic for too long—it’s time to give Infertility a voice. Through education and advocacy, we strive to increase awareness and equip the broader community with the knowledge and sensitivity to support those who may be suffering in silence.

If you are a member of the Jewish community dealing with infertility, Yesh Tikva is holding space for you. We are here for all Jews, across every branch and background – no matter your level of observance, ritual practice, or belief. We are simply here to meet you wherever you are. Whether you identify as Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, secular, or still searching for your place in Judaism, we are here for you. With peer supportive spaces, 1:1 peer mentorship, resources to guide you through your infertility journey and more.

The Jewish Community

Yesh Tikva works to educate, raise awareness and sensitivity about infertility in the broader Jewish community. As more people understand the many issues surrounding infertility, they can better support those experiencing infertility.

1 in 6 couples in America is diagnosed with infertility each year. You may not notice them but they are your family members, friends, community members, neighbors and work colleagues. Yesh Tikva’s mission is to help them feel less isolated and more emotionally included.

Yesh Tikva uses educational guides, peer mentors, training for Rabbis and community leaders.

By providing direct support to those facing infertility and raising awareness to those in their personal and communal circles, Yesh Tikva creates a Jewish community of support.

Meet Our Staff

Gila Muskin Block

Executive Director

Gblock@yeshtikva.org

Jackie Louk

Director of Development

jlouk@yeshtikva.org

Kenzi Locks, LCSW, HWC

Director of Educational Development

Klocks@yeshtikva.org

Deborah (Dubby) Rosner, LAC, PMH-C

Program and Support Associate

drosner@yeshtikva.org

Rabbi Michael Bleicher, LCSW

Director of Male Fertility Support

mmbleicher@gmail.com

Meira Alon, LCPC, LAC, LADC

Supportive Space Facilitator

Contact Us

Talia Hindin, PsyD

Fertility Friends Coordinator

thindin@yeshtikva.org

Henny Coates

Social Work Intern

hcoates@yeshtikva.org

Meet Our Board Members

Elie Haller Salomon
Co-Founder of Yesh Tikva

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Cindy Drazin
Board Chair

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Rabbi David Block

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Ayala Gross

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Michelle W. Malkin

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Beth Ann Locke

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Jacob Schwartz

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Rachel Fryman

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Shana Fishman

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FAQ

Yesh Tikva

Yesh Tikva, Hebrew for “There is Hope,” was established to end the silence and create a Jewish Community of support. Yesh Tikva has two primary goals: To provide free, professional psychosocial services and resources to those struggling with infertility; and to raise awareness and sensitivity about infertility throughout the Jewish community. 

Yesh Tikva serves people in the Jewish community struggling with infertility: couples, single women, those dealing with primary or secondary infertility and third party reproduction (surrogacy).

Gila Muskin Block, Elie Haller Salomon, Randi Goldfarb, Miriam Pineles and Dalia Shulman started Yesh Tikva to ensure that no one should face a fertility diagnosis alone.

Yesh Tikva offers free support groups run by professionals, as well as guidance, resources and tools to help them understand and deal with the various stages of treatment. Learn more

Yesh Tikva publishes resources, trains community leaders and raises awareness through local and national events. Learn more

Yesh Tikva offers supportive spaces, advice and educational guides for family and friends to support those they love through their fertility diagnosis. Learn More

Supporting Yourself

Yesh Tikva’s support groups, run by trained professionals, are free for all participants. 

Most supportive spaces meet monthly. Please check supportive spaces to see the schedule.
All supportive spaces are virtual and meet on zoom.
No, they do not.
We have a supportive space that is for men or couples.

Supporting Others

We’d love to help you support others, for more information please check out our supporting others resource.

Yesh Tikva’s “Fertility Friends” program pairs those struggling with infertility with people who have already been through this struggle. All peer mentors are vetted and trained and oversight is ongoing. Learn more

Interested in becoming a peer mentor for someone struggling with infertility? Wonderful! Please contact us.

Infertility

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 couples is diagnosed with infertility each year. Learn more

Yesh Tikva has created an Insider’s Guide which gives an overview of the issues surrounding infertility. Learn more

Our Impact

Click to view and download report

2024 Report

2023 report

Gila Muskin Block

Gila is the Executive Director and Co-Founder Yesh Tikva. Three years into her personal fertility journey she founded Yesh Tikva with the help of four incredible and dedicated women. She received her BA in psychology from Yeshiva University Stern College for Women and an MA in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Columbia University. Prior to assuming the position of Executive Director of Yesh Tikva, she worked for 8 years as a behavior therapist and parent educator working with children on the Autism Spectrum.

Jackie Louk

Jackie is a native to Southern California has worked for non­profits for over 20 years. This journey began with her time overseas, which includes living and traveling in Israel and the Mediterranean region, as well as much of the United States. Her professional training and life experiences led her to pursue a career in the nonprofit arena where she was able to combine her love of nature, children, Israel and education. She began her career when she moved back to LA at the Anti­Defamation League in their Educational Department ­ focusing on anti­bias programing for preschool to High School children and educators, as well as Holocaust education, before becoming the Valley Director. For over six years Jackie held the position of Western Regional Director of Friends of Yemin Orde, raising over 1 million dollars annually. Most recently, she has continued this work through consulting, presenting, lecturing to businesses, schools and not­for­profits as well as volunteering at her children’s school’s Development Team. Combining her fundraising expertise with her personal experience, Jackie is keenly aware that it just takes one person to make a difference and tries to each day. “I don’t speak because I have the power to speak; I speak because I don’t have the power to remain silent” – Rabbi A.Y. Kook

Kenzi Locks, LCSW, HWC

Kenzi is the Director of Educational Engagement at Yesh Tikva. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University, and her health and wellness coach certificate from the Integrative Women’s Health Institute. Throughout her career, Kenzi has focused on raising awareness and supporting individuals facing life’s most significant challenges, particularly those experiencing infertility and those forming families through non-traditional pathways. She is truly honored to be part of the Yesh Tikva team and to work alongside this beautiful community.

Deborah (Dubby) Rosner, LAC, PMH-C

Dubby Rosner is part of the Yesh Tikva mental health team. She specializes in maternal mental health and wellness. She provides counseling to clients who are struggling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, perinatal loss, infertility, and to those who may have experienced a traumatic birth. Additionally, she has training from Postpartum Support International, WSGB, Dr. Joan Cacciatore, and ARSM. Dubby moderates support groups for Postpartum Support International and is a PSI support coordinator for New Jersey. Dubby also works in a group private practice that provides telehealth services throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Rabbi Michael Bleicher, LCSW

Rabbi Michael Bleicher is the rabbi of the Elmora Hills Minyan in Union, NJ and an adjunct professor at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary where he helps the rabbanim of tomorrow learn more about themselves today. Rabbi Bleicher is also a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Teaneck, NJ and the deputy director of behavioral health at Ezras Choilim Health Center in Kiryas Joel. He is passionate about supporting patients who are coping with anxiety, chronic illness, depression, grief, infertility and reproductive loss, and trauma. He has been a proud supporter of Yesh Tikva since its inception and is honored to participate in Infertility Awareness

Meira Alon, LCPC, LAC, LADC

Meira is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Addiction Counselor who specializes in maternal mental health, infertility, perinatal mood disorders (including but not limited to depression, anxiety and OCD), trauma, birth trauma, childhood trauma and how this has affected your journey today. Meira is passionate about helping women and their families understand what it is that they are feeling, where it comes from and what is developmentally appropriate. She offers a safe place with no judgment to talk about your biggest scariest thoughts and fears. Meira earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminology at Ariel University in Israel, and her master’s degree at Argosy University in Minnesota. Meira draws from evidence-based practice, as well as being trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Meira currently has a private practice in Montana.

Henny Coates

Henny is the social work intern and support associate at Yesh Tikva. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Education from Charter Oak State College, and is currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work at Wurzweiler School of Social work. She is passionate about creating a space within the Jewish community for women who are experiencing infertility, and challenging the stigmas that surround this journey.

Elie Haller Salomon

Elie is the Fertility Advocate and Community Outreach Director and Co- Founder of Yesh Tikva. After informally counseling others through their fertility journeys, she became a founding member of the organization in 2015. Elie has become a major advocate in the infertility community by stepping forward and sharing her story so that others can understand what many cannot vocalize. A natural educator, Elie is also the Program Director at the Nefesh Yehudi Academy: After-School Judaic Studies Program in East Brunswick, NJ. She is a former Television Producer with credits on CBS, MTV, and NBC shows. Throughout her career she has interviewed celebrities, physicians and everyday people in order to research and produce informative content for the viewing public. In her own journey through infertility, she has utilized those same skills to gain vast knowledge in order to become the best advocate for her own care.

Cindy Drazin

Cindy Drazin is a Fieldwork Instructor at Loyola Marymount University’s School of Education. She has spent the last 30 years in Special Education as a self-contained classroom teacher in New York City, an Inclusion Facilitator for the LAUSD, an Educational Therapist, and an Instructional Coach/Professional Development presenter for Catapult Learning. Cindy has a B.S. in Special/Education and Elementary Education from Boston University and an M.S. in Education from Queens College. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and dog while her 3 children pursue their dreams in Boston.

Rabbi David Block

Rabbi David Block is the Head of School of Shalhevet High School in Los Angeles, CA, where he previously served as the Associate Head of School and Judaic Studies Principal.  He formerly worked as the Content and Curriculum Developer at Aleph Beta, taught at Rambam Mesivta in New York,  was the recurring Scholar-in-Residence at the Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach, and was formerly the Director of and singer in the Maccabeats. David received rabbinic ordination at Yeshiva University (RIETS), where he also completed an M.A. in Jewish History, an M.S. in Education, and is currently working on his doctorate. He was a Wexner Graduate Fellow/Davidson Scholar. He and his wife, Gila, live in LA with their three children.

Ayala Gross

Ayala Gross is an entrepreneur, author, and advocate for the Jewish infertility community. Her passion for helping others stems from her personal journey with infertility, which has given her a deep empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and couples. Ayala is dedicated to raising awareness, providing resources, and fostering a sense of community and support for those struggling with infertility within the Jewish community. She is committed to advocating for policy changes that make fertility treatments more accessible and affordable, and promoting education and research in the field. Through her work, Ayala strives to make a meaningful and lasting impact on behalf of the Jewish infertility community.

Michelle W. Malkin

Michelle W. Malkin, a native of Los Angeles, CA, where she earned her dual master’s degrees in Jewish Nonprofit Management and Public Administration. Since 2019, she’s held the position of Inaugural Executive Director at Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, NJ. Additionally, she serves as the President of the Garden State Network of Synagogue Executives (GANSE), contributes as a member of the steering committee for Re-Charging Reform Judaism, and is an alumna of Leading Edge’s Leading Executives program. Michelle is also the creator and host of “It’s Who You Know! The Podcast.”

Residing in West Orange, NJ, with my husband Barak, the creator of the podcast “Torah Smash!,” and our two sons, I am passionate about various pursuits. These include gardening and yoga, tea and warm weather, reading, hosting Shabbat dinners, and embarking on new adventures with friends!

Beth Ann Locke

I believe I have the best career in the world – working with donors on their dreams for a better world.

I’m a fan of philanthropy and have raised more than $75 million in healthcare, education, social services, arts and international sectors in the U.S. and Canada. I’ve worked in large, complex organizations and smaller nonprofits. I started in fundraising as the most junior person in a three-person office – and I worked my way up to Chief Development Officer. I’ve worked in healthcare for 10 years of my 30-year career: Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA; Providence Hospital in Washington, DC; Peninsula Hospital in Rockaway, NY; and BC Women’s Health Foundation in Vancouver, BC. I’ve also worked in higher ed: College Success Foundation, Aga Khan University, and Simon Fraser University; as well as human services (United Way of King County) and the arts (Vancouver Art Gallery).

I enjoy being a champion of donors and building sustainable fundraising through connection-based fundraising. In 2020 I formed my business, The Fundraiser Coach, to support nonprofits and individual fundraisers to as they move to build successful donor relationships and fruitful revenue streams from donors of all giving levels.

I grew up in Seattle, Washington and have been a fundraiser my entire career. In addition to my daughter, Lorraine, and son-in-law, Bruno, my family includes my partner, Frank. I currently live in Vancouver, love to travel, throw dinner parties, and practice daily gratitude.

Jacob Schwartz

Jacob has spent his career helping companies think through and hone their strategic visions to connect the dots between where they are and where they need to be. Starting off working with startups in the tech space, he’s since worked with organizations ranging from early stage startups all the way to Fortune 100 companies in a variety of industries. Most recently, Jacob spun off and led a consulting company, growing it from scratch to over $70M in annual revenue just 6 months later. A leader in developing and implementing efficient delivery methodologies, change management, agile coaching, and organizational psychology, Jacob focuses on partnering with leaders to actualize their visions.

Rachel Fryman

Rachel Fryman is an Assistant Professor at Wurzweiler School for Social Work, Yeshiva University and therapist in private practice. Rachel obtained a PhD from Smith College School of Social Work and is a Nishmat trained Kallah teacher. She is currently a co-PI on a mixed method study evaluating the abortion experience of over 200 Jewish women and consults for the Eden Center on trauma informed teaching practice. Rachel has experience in community mental health, special education school administration, higher education, and medical social work. Rachel lives with her family in West Hempstead (NY), where she has been involved in volunteer work, including as a past board member and most recently as chair of the Sisterhood education committee at the Young Israel of West Hempstead.

Shana Fishman

Shana has dedicated nearly two decades to serving the Jewish community of Los Angeles through professional roles and volunteer leadership. Her impactful journey began at B’nai David-Judea, where she held various leadership positions, including Board President. During her tenure, Shana spearheaded initiatives that expanded inclusivity, welcomed LGBTQ members, and enhanced safety and comfort for differently-abled members. She was also instrumental in the historic hire of the synagogue’s first female clergyperson and currently chairs the search committee for the next female clergyperson.

Professionally, Shana served as Director of Development and Operations at Gindi Maimonides Academy, where she led significant projects and fundraising campaigns and implemented comprehensive operational and security protocols. She now works as Senior Grant Writer at the USC Shoah Foundation, contributing to global efforts to preserve survivor testimonies and combat antisemitism.

Shana recently earned a Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship and Change from Pepperdine University, deepening her understanding of addressing complex social challenges. She also serves on the Board of Directors at Shalhevet High School and consults for Gindi Maimonides Academy on major projects.

Shana’s commitment to the mission of Yesh Tikvah is deeply personal. Having navigated her own journey with infertility, Shana is honored to join Yesh Tikva’s board, where she hopes to help foster a supportive and compassionate community for those facing similar challenges.

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