Yesh Tikva

A Jewish Fertility Community

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About Yesh Tikva

Mission, People and more

Get to know our organization

Who We Serve

People Struggling with Infertility

Yesh Tikva offers support groups for Jewish people struggling with infertility. That includes:

Couples
Groups for just women
Groups for just men
People dealing with primary infertility
People dealing with secondary infertility

If you are a member of the Jewish community dealing with infertility, Yesh Tikva is holding space for you. Besides support groups, we offer peer mentors, resources to guide you through your infertility journey and more. Please reach out to us. You are not alone!

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.

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.

We empower those navigating infertility with the emotional and practical tools they need, offering support groups, educational workshops, personal story-sharing platforms, and community events. Our resources also extend to individuals facing secondary infertility, single women, and those pursuing third-party reproduction (such as surrogacy).

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.

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

Meet Our Staff

Gila Muskin Block

Executive Director

Gblock@yeshtikva.org

Rachel Meisel

Director of Operations

rmeisel@yeshtikva.org

Jackie Louk

Director of Development

jlouk@yeshtikva.org

Kenzi Locks, LCSW, HWC

Director of Educational Engagement

Klocks@yeshtikva.org

Talia Hindin, PhD

Director of Fertility Friends

thindin@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

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Sari Weis, MSW

Support Associate

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Carolyn Tsaidi

Administrative Assistant

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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 2 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. Learn more

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). Learn more

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 support groups, 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. Learn more

Supporting Others

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

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.

Rachel Meisel

Rachel serves as the Program Assistant for Yesh Tikva. With empathy and professionalism she engages with the Yesh Tikva participants and works closely with the Mental Health Team to ensure the success of Yesh Tikva’s programming. Originally from London, Rachel earned a bachelor’s degree from Michlala College in Jerusalem. After moving to the States, Rachel volunteered for Yesh Tikva for a year, before taking on the role as Program Assistant.

Jackie Louk

Kenzi Locks, LCSW, HWC

Talia Hindin, PhD

Talia is a licensed clinical psychologist. She received her doctorate from Yeshiva University’s Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. Upon completing her training, Talia has worked in a variety of settings including clinical, day treatment and schools. She is currently the School Psychologist at a Yeshiva Day School in New Jersey. In addition, Talia maintains a private practice, teaches kallah classes and is honored to serve as the coordinator of Yesh Tikva’s Fertility Friends Program.

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

Sari Weis, MSW

Sari is from Monsey, NY and has recently began working as a social worker at Yesh Tikva. Sari received her BA in biology from Stern College for Women and MSW from Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Sari was a social work intern at Yesh Tikva before beginning to work as part of the Fertility Friends program. Sari enjoys connecting to others, and provides sensitive, compassionate, and person-centered care.

Carolyn Tsaidi

Carolyn Tsaidi is an Administrative Assistant at Yesh Tikva. I have a degree in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. With many years of experience, I am passionate about working for non-profit organizations that give back to the community and support those in need. Born and raised in Los Angeles, I enjoy spending time with my family and have a love for painting and drawing.

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

What pulled you to join Yesh Tikva’s Board of Directors?

Becoming a mother one day, was a “given” in my mind. I was blessed to have three beautiful daughters without difficulty. My daughters are young adults now and their future is bright, however, it is also unknown. Yesh Tikva provides unwavering support, resources, privacy, and most importantly, compassion. I am honored to serve as the Board Chair for this exquisite organization that provides so much for all in need in the Jewish Community.

Rabbi David Block

What pulled you to join Yesh Tikva’s Board of Directors?

One of the most challenging aspects of Yesh Tikva’s holy and crucially important mission is tackling a paradox: Extending a hand and giving a voice to those who may silently suffer requires finding them first. As someone who has experienced infertility firsthand, I always wished someone was looking for me. I joined Yesh Tikva’s board so I can be an ambassador and ensure that Yesh Tikva is known and available to everyone who needs it.

Ayala Gross

What pulled you to join Yesh Tikva’s Board of Directors?

I joined YT’s Board of Directors because of my personal experience with infertility. Having gone through the challenges and emotional rollercoaster of infertility for nine years, I understand the pain, frustration, and isolation that individuals and couples facing infertility often endure. This personal journey has given me a deep empathy and a strong desire to support others going through similar struggles.

Michelle W. Malkin

What pulled you to join Yesh Tikva’s Board of Directors?

Through my personal fertility journey, I’ve come to understand the inherent loneliness that often accompanies the experience. As I embark on the path of becoming a surrogate, I find profound inspiration in the impactful work of Yesh Tikva. I am genuinely enthusiastic about utilizing my skills to contribute to the organization’s outreach efforts and assist in expanding its programs to a broader audience.

The dedicated professionals comprising the Yesh Tikva staff are truly commendable, and as a seasoned Jewish nonprofit professional, it brings me great pleasure to lend my support to their important work. New Jersey has proven to be a welcoming environment for Yesh Tikva’s initiatives, and I take pride in the prospect of advancing their mission by leveraging my connections and skills to facilitate the growth of Yesh Tikva’s presence in this community.

Beth Ann Locke

What pulled you to join Yesh Tikva’s Board of Directors?

I’ve been part of the Yesh Tikva community June, 2020. I’m most moved by the mission of Yesh Tikva not because I have experienced infertility issues, but because being a mother has been the greatest joy of my life. As an adoptee, I recognize that there are many paths to parenthood.
You also might wonder why a Protestant cares so much about a cause that is focused on Jewish men and women. My only answer is that some of my dear friends share the faith or cultural upbringing. I see that the desire for a better world cuts across all faiths, and even for those who are agnostic.

Jacob Schwartz

What pulled you to join Yesh Tikva’s Board of Directors?

I’m passionate about creating supportive and empathetic spaces within Jewish Communities. Infertility is something that affects a significant portion of our communities, yet the amount of time we spend discussing and supporting people on their family building journeys doesn’t match how widespread the experience is. I believe that it’s even more important to create that support and empathy because of how family-centric our communities are. I’m passionate about the work Yesh Tikva does to foster those communities and empower those at different points in their family building journeys, so I am honored and thrilled to be part of that mission.

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.