Sukkot, Abundance and Senseless Pursuits
The Harvest Festival of Sukkot is in the beginning of October this year. Not as widely observed as Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur, Sukkot has a lot of symbolism that can resonate with the experience of infertility. The unstable outdoor booths (Sukkot) that people live in represent the fragility of the material world. The biblical […]
The Pregnancy Test
Fertility and infertility are generally not discussed. Most individuals know few details about how the reproductive system works. The whole topic can sometimes feel taboo. One issue that is not taboo but is not talked about is the pregnancy test. Trying to get pregnant is one topic, dealing with the results is another, but what […]
That Time Again #HHD2023
There are many themes within the Jewish High Holidays. The beginning of the year, God’s rule, and teshuva/repentance. What often gets over looked is the pervading theme of fertility and infertility. Whether you are a seasoned attendee of High Holiday services or celebrate with a holiday dinner with friends or family, the significance of the […]
The Infertile Label
Not many people are comfortable with the thought: I am infertile. That can feel harsh and limiting. You are much more than any one part of your life. And to be defined by something you cannot do? Ouch! While infertility is significant, your ability to have a child is not your entire identity. You are […]
Group Power
Over six combined years, I experienced infertility. Mostly I muddle through by myself. So much of it was not good. Some would label the experience a success because I had children and I understand that way of thinking. But there were other failures along the way that cast a long shadow. A couple of years […]
#LivingWithInfertility
If you are reading this, you survived Mother’s Day. And sure enough, now comes Father’s Day. Of course you were going to survive and you will continue to survive, but the reality of infertility is that it may feel like so much effort just to survive. There is no book “Thriving During Infertility” or “How […]
Managing Mother’s Day
This week is a special guest column by Madeline Licker Feingold, PhD Originally posted on the RSC Fertility Blog “On Mother’s Day I’m going to stay in bed with the sheets pulled over my head.” Every day is difficult for women who experience infertility, but Mother’s Day may be the most challenging of them all. […]
Counting Yourself
Counting days when you are young is often exciting. You count down to your birthday or the end of school. If you are experiencing infertility, you have likely counted days too and it was probably not so enjoyable. Days until ovulation, days after ovulation, days until a test, days waiting for results. Then there are […]
Being Redeemed from Infertility
On first glance Passover has nothing to do with (in)fertility. It’s about slavery in Egypt, God’s redemption, and the passage through the desert to join in covenant with God. On the other hand, (in)fertility is all over this holiday! How can anyone miss it? In addition to imposing hard labor, which is then made harder, […]
New #Hanukkah Resource Available
A Hanukkah Miracle Hanukkah is associated with miracles, standing up in the face of opposition, and succeeding against the odds. The Maccabees, a small band of rebels, fought against the mighty Greek- Assyrian army and prevailed in the end. They returned to the Temple and lit the one day’s worth of oil, which then lasted […]