High Holiday Journal
Each year, on the first day of Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year), Jews around the world read the Torah portion in Genesis which states: “And God remembered Sarah as He said…and Sarah conceived and gave birth to a son.” (Genesis 21:1-2). Sarah gave birth to Isaac at the age of 90. Until then she had not been able to have children.
Additionally, on that day we also read about Hannah (Samuel 1) who struggled with infertility. The prophet describes how she went up to the Temple and silently prayed to God for a son. God heard her prayers and answered them. Hannah gave the birth to Samuel, one of the greatest prophets of the Jewish people.
A new year begins and women and men struggling with infertility pray that THIS will finally be the year they will be blessed to grow their families. Many of them are frustrated, stressed, despondent and desperate. They truly understand the hardships our foremothers, Sarah and Hannah, underwent.
Hear Our Voices
Each year, just before the new year starts, Yesh Tikva publishes a journal entitled “Hear Our Voices.” In this journal people dealing with infertility share their struggles and ordeals as a way to help support others in similar circumstances.
The pieces are extremely personal, as authors express the pain and isolation they feel. At the same time each author lists their wishes, hopes and aspirations for the new year. Their goal is for their voices to be heard and for this year to be the year.
