I am writing this as a community member, mother of 4 miraculous children born via various Assisted Reproductive Technologies, and co-founder of Yesh Tikva, an organization that provides free support and services to Jewish families facing infertility.
Last year, in communities across the US, women and girls gathered for a challah bake under the auspices of Yesh Tikva to join together to show support and pray for the 1 in 6 people facing infertility. Our wonderful Edison/Highland Park/East Brunswick community showed up with over 90 women and girls, being the largest of Yesh Tikva’s Challah Bakes that year. During the event, they learned about the Mitzvah of hafrashat challah from Sara Scott, how to braid from Mira Septimus, and had the opportunity to meet new friends from all over the community.
At the end of the event, they all asked me to ensure this was something that would happen annually, and the only thing they would change is that I supply NAME TAGS to make it easier for them to meet each other. In addition to those who came to offer support, many in attendance were women I have confidentially spoken with, whether they are women hoping to have children of their own, hopeful-grandparents asking how best to support their children, or mothers of high school girls with newly diagnosed issues that may affect their infertility. The 1 in 6 are here, in our community, and because of this beautiful evening of community building, they felt seen and valued.
At this time, when Bnei Yisrael is gathering together in Achdut, we are planning the event again for Monday night, September 9th at Ohr Torah. Let us unite once again and show support for those dreaming of growing their Jewish families.
