Finding Higher Ground

We’ve all had the moment(s). You are engrossed in something – working, exercising, conversing at a meal, folding the laundry while watching television – and all of the sudden a lightening bolt of a thought comes about trying to conceive. This is unfair. I can’t do this. This hurts! I’m scared. What if you never […]

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. […]

My Path to Building My Own Jewish Family

Mariela Socolovsky: My Path to Building My Own Jewish Family A Note: I’ll be starting my maternity leave at the end of this week, on November 4th. I’m currently 38 weeks’  pregnant, but started writing this essay a bit before my 20th week of pregnancy. In my 20s, the “do not get pregnant” advice translated […]

Holidays, family gathers and other risky social situations

By Rabbi Idit Solomon Holidays can be wonderful. Meaningful traditions, connecting with family and friends, and symbolic foods. Family gatherings sometimes are the highlight of the year. They can also be trigger-filled stress fests that have you walking on pins and needles and wanting full body (and soul) armor to protect yourself from the shrapnel […]