These are challenging times. Take pride that Hadassah continues our vital work healing the world, as we launch a new initiative called Your Family-Building Story. Leveraging the tremendous power of storytelling, it's designed to break down taboos and help people better understand and support loved ones on their pathway toward parenthood.

Partnering with the Jewish Women’s Archive and Uprooted: A Jewish Communal Response to Fertility Journeys, our organizations are collaborating to help more individuals feel empowered to navigate infertility and other family-building challenges — be it their own or a loved one's.

"Our goal is to shed light on infertility, long a taboo subject in the Jewish community," says Hadassah National President Rhoda Smolow. The aim is to decrease isolation and feelings of shame while offering greater sensitivity and support. Accomplishing that is something we can all feel good about.

For more positive ways to feel connected and engaged, look at this week's incredibly rich program offerings.

RBG and Hadassah, a special online event: Join us for Hadassah Celebrates RBG, One of Our Own, timed with the conclusion of the 30-day traditional Jewish mourning period of shloshim, to honor Justice Ginsburg's cherished connection to Hadassah. Hear reflections from Nathan Lewin, renowned lawyer who argued Supreme Court cases before her; Nadine Epstein, editor-in-chief and CEO of Moment Magazine; Rabbanit Dr. Adena Berkowitz, founder of the Hadassah Attorneys and Judges Council. Register to watch via Zoom or watch the event live on Hadassah's Facebook page. Thursday, October 29, 8:00 pm ET.

• A compelling conversation: What We Will Become: A Discussion on Transgender Youth features Lisa Hostein, Executive Editor of Hadassah Magazine, in conversation with Mimi Lemay, author of What We Will Become: A Mother, A Son and A Journey of Transformation and transgender rights activist, and Dr. Norman Spack, a noted pediatric endocrinologist who pioneered medical treatment of transgender teens. Presented by Hadassah's Professional Councils. Monday, November 16, 8:00 pm ET.
• Talking Jewish genealogy: The Hadassah Magazine Discussion Group presents How Genealogy Became the Great Jewish Pastime. Join Executive Editor Lisa Hostein for a live online discussion about the latest in genealogy technology, family roots research and potentially unsettling DNA discoveries. Speakers include: Dani Shapiro, author of Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love; Jennifer Mendelsohn, a leading genealogist/journalist who assisted with Shapiro's research; and Libby Copeland, author of The Lost Family: How DNA Testing Is Upending Who We Are. Wednesday, November 18, 8:00 pm ET.

Ongoing weekly series:

Conversational Hebrew: Mondays; Beginner's Level, at 3:00 pm EDT, and Intermediate Level, at 4:00 pm EDT.

Resilience & Relaxation with Rebecca: Tuesdays at 4:00 pm EDT.

For past programs see our last Hadassah@home email or our Member Engagement page.

Follow our COVID-19 coverage.

NOTE: Many online events will ask for your Hadassah ID number to register.