Our resources to support those facing infertility and their loved ones through Tishrei.
As we step into the Jewish New Year of 5786, many of us carry both hope for what’s ahead and heartache for what hasn’t yet come to be. At Yesh Tikva, we hold space for it all, the longing, the healing, and the possibility of new beginnings.
Whether you’re navigating fertility challenges or supporting someone who is, we’ve gathered a few resources to support you at this time of year.
You don’t have to walk this road alone. We’re here.
with Kenzi Locks, LCSW, HWC
Let’s come together at every stage or phase of infertility or family building. We’ll hold space for each other, no matter how we feel about welcoming the new year and all it has to bring.
8 PM EST/ 5 PM PST
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
On Rosh Hashanah, we read of Sarah and Hannah, two women who knew the anguish of infertility and the hope of prayers answered. Each year, as the new year begins, countless Jewish individuals and couples carry those same prayers in their hearts, yearning that this will be the year their families grow.
To honor the many voices of infertility, Yesh Tikva has published journals, readers and toolkit guides for those navigating this journey, to share our hopes and dreams, hold space, and as a reminder that no one needs to face this journey alone.
Facing a new year when yearning for a family, while surrounded by growing families, can feel very lonely.
What is Kol Hanearim?
Kol Hanearim, one of the highlights of the Simchat Torah services, is a beautiful celebration of the younger generation in our community. All young children stand together under a Talit while the Torah portion is read out loud, followed by singing and dancing.
How may Kol Hanearim feel triggering for community members who are struggling to grow their families?
While Kol Hanearim is a beautiful moment for many of us, it can also feel exceedingly exclusionary to those facing fertility struggles. For these individuals, they pray every year to be blessed to have a child of their own, and every year Kol Hanaerim is a stark reminder of what they still don’t have, yet yearn so deeply for.
How can we find the balance between celebration and compassion?
Kol Hanaerim is a wonderful celebration of all the young children in the community. It can also be a beautiful opportunity to create space for communal members facing infertility, by reciting the Fertility Prayer prior to or after the ritual of Kol Hanearim. It is a sensitive way to make this tradition more inclusive of those yearning for a child.
Together, we can sensitively and compassionately embrace our friends and family members facing fertility struggles, letting them know they are not alone.
Join us in encouraging your congregation to recite the Fertility Prayer during the Simchat Torah services around Kol Hanearim (and at other times throughout the High Holiday season). The prayer can also be recited individually any time over the holiday.
Together, we can promote awareness and sensitivity of infertility throughout the Jewish community.
As preparations are underway for the New Year of 5786, we invite you to create space for the women and men in your congregation who are struggling with infertility and their families. This resource offers tools and approaches to hold space for those in struggle during the High Holiday services and how as a community we can show compassion and sensitivity during this auspicious time of year.
Thank you for your partnership in supporting the fertility community in the New Year.
We are committed to financial accountability and transparency. Yesh Tikva has received gold level status at Candid.
Make sure to check your spam folder as well
Make sure to check your spam folder as well
Make sure to check your spam folder as well