The Big Freeze
Is egg freezing a good thing? A recent article in the Forward by Amy Klein explores the personal stories of a growing number of Jewish women considering egg freezing. Egg freezing is empowering for some, a relief for others and scary for others. For cancer patients it ought to be a given option. For the […]
A New Resource for The Jewish Community
Many find mikveh to be a place of healing and rejuvenation. Being part of the practice of for married women to immerse in a mikvah after menstruation before have relations with her husband, mikveh is intimately tied to fertility. However, for those experiencing fertility challenges, it can be a painful reminder that conception has not […]
What genetic testing can tell you (or not) about your embryo.
In this very clearly written article, Dr. David Adamson from ARC fertility explains the different genetic tests performed on embryos during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Many people think that this testing is a guarantee or insurance. It is neither. However, it can be instrumental in improving chances of IVF success and protecting children from deadly […]
Infertility and the Unknown
When couples struggle with fertility challenges, things can feel more unhinged. We are told by our faith to “go forth and multiply” or that sex on the Sabbath is a mitzvah. The frustration and self-doubt that creeps in when couples try to honor these teachings, and are unable to create new life can be deep. Inherently, there is a sense of shame that many couples experience when they are unable to fulfill their dreams of parenthood, and often times, this struggle is kept silent.
#NIAW2017 Infertility Does Not Discriminate
The statistic for infertility of 1 in 8 does not really care about race, religion, gender,
#MothersDay Message
On the last night of Passover, the participants at the retreat I attended shared reflections on Passover themes. What were our journeys? What made us feel liberated? One woman, while describing the diversity of participants in our newly formed community, referred to me as a nursing mother. Me? Ironically, moments earlier I had leaned over […]
Infertile and Pregnant
Hasidah’s founder and CEO, Rabbi Idit Solomon, has an article published in Kveller. Many people assume that once someone is pregnant the pain of infertility is gone. This well received post explores how the effects of infertility continue even after pregnancy is achieved For more information on the topic and additional support resources, see this […]
#Reprotravel and the World of Infertility
Pack your bags! Is it the beach, the mountains, the slopes, the amusement park, or the ranch? Maybe the spa? How about the clinic… More and more people are traveling to seek medical treatment and infertility is no exception at all. Someone recently asked us about infertility in the US and around the world and […]
Building Infertility Support with @AmericanJewishU @HUCJIR and AJR.
Rabbi Idit Solomon presented at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, American Jewish University and the Academy for Jewish Religion in Los Angeles this week. Part of Hasidah’s mission is to build a robust network within the Jewish community to provide support for people throughout their fertility journey. Clergy and communal professional leaders […]
#10Days and #MenandInfertility
A couple very important articles have come up during the High Holidays featuring a topic in need of attention: Men and Infertility. So much attention is brought to women who experience infertility. In Jewish tradition, we hear about Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah etc. We do not hear so much about the fertility challenges of Abraham, […]