Sheltering at home might mean our in-person Hadassah gatherings are on hold. Yet that only makes it more important that we rally together to fight for things we care about and have a positive, healing influence on the world. Tomorrow, in conjunction with National Infertility Awareness Week, we are launching an important new Hadassah initiative: reConceiving Infertility.
As Hadassah National President Rhoda Smolow writes, "Together, we can raise awareness and fight stigmas around infertility. We can drive policy change and empower those who face this challenge. We can support the people we love and expand how we define family."
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Hadassah identified infertility as an issue on which we could make a meaningful impact in the US. Sadly, COVID-19 has only exacerbated the difficulties associated with infertility, including the financial, emotional and physical toll. Here are several ways you can get involved — and feel good knowing that, even at home, you're doing something meaningful.
reConceiving Infertility and you:
- Read about it: Find out what's ahead and why it matters in our press release: Hadassah Launches reConceiving Infertility and Introduces Amy Klein as Initiative Ambassador.
- Watch: On our website, we're launching the initiative's first short video, "How to Help People Struggling with Infertility During COVID-19," narrated by author/journalist Amy Klein.
- Advocate: Urge Congress to support policies that expand access to and reduce the financial burden of infertility screenings and treatments.
- In case you missed it: Watch Hadassah Magazine Discussion Group interview with Amy Klein and Executive Editor Lisa Hostein.
More ways to connect at home to other programs:
- Stay informed: Listen to a New Bonus Podcast Episode on COVID-19. With the outbreak continuing to wreak havoc, Hadassah On Call checks back in with Dr. Ran Nir-Paz, infectious disease expert at Hadassah Hospital, about new treatments and protocols.
- Be the difference: Anti-Semitism hasn't been slowed by COVID-19. Yesterday, to mark Yom HaShoah, Hadassah's leaders urged the Senate to pass the Never Again Education Act. Join us by sending your own letter or call your senators today.
- Celebrate Israel: Join us for a Hadassah Yom Ha'Atzmaut Concert with Naomi Less, Jewish educator and singer, with a special introduction from President Rhoda Smolow. Wednesday, April 29, at 1:00 pm EDT. Please register in advance. And check out these other ways you can celebrate Israeli Independence Day at home.
- Combat stress: Watch "Resilience and Relaxation with Rebecca," our popular online series featuring Rabbi Rebecca W. Sirbu, Hadassah's Director of Membership Engagement. Tuesdays at 4:00 pm EDT. And Thursdays at 1:30 pm EDT. Note, you must register for Tuesday and Thursday sessions separately. Watch last week’s session here.
- Engage your mind: Register for "Together & Apart: The Future of Jewish Peoplehood," a free online course from Hadassah and the Hartman Institute, led by Rabbi Lauren Berkman, on Tuesdays 12:00-1:30 pm EDT, April 21-June 23. (When registering, where it asks for "Synagogue/Organization," list your Hadassah geographic area.)
- Watch films you’ll love: You can view "Beit Haam," a series of Israeli films with connections to Hadassah. Learn how to access and enjoy them here.
- Watch and learn: Webinar: Eating Disorders in Jewish Communities. Monday, May 4, 8:00 pm ET. Presented by the Nurses & Allied Health Professionals Council and featuring Janice Baker, a registered dietitian/nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist.
- Stay strong: In case you missed it, check out Hadassah Hospital Trauma Expert: Building Emotional Resilience through the COVID-19 Crisis.
NOTE: Many online events will ask for your Hadassah ID number to register.
NEW! Hadassah@Home online programming and recordings are all posted on our website. Go there to find new and previous content anytime.
Check out last's week's edition of Hadassah@Home for more resources to keep you engaged and connected. Keep up on COVID-19 updates from Israel and in our communities at our webpage.
Read More: Coronavirus Updates from Israel and in Our Communities.
