In March 2005, I got that call. My dear friend called to tell me she was pregnant. I wish my reaction would have been to do a happy dance, to jump up and down with inspired tears streaming down my face. I love her. She is an extraordinary, caring, wonderful human being. Any child of hers I will naturally adore.
The tears that flowed that day were not ones of joy. The pain in her quivering voice shook up my world. She was single and in her early 20s. The man in her life was not good father material. She had dreams, but they didn’t include motherhood just yet. Perhaps most of all, she was ashamed. Ashamed to be a nice Jewish girl, from a nice Jewish family, with no ring on her finger but two lines on the test.
My heart broke with hers. I felt helpless. I felt she had no real choice but to end the pregnancy. We grieved and cried together.
Several years later I found myself in the opposite position: married, trying and struggling to become pregnant–even though I was not yet 30.
One day in 2008 it hit me: if she had wanted to continue her pregnancy, who in the Jewish community would have been able to help her?
Despite the American-Jewish community’s incredible network and resources, there were no resources set aside to help vulnerable pregnant Jewish women through crisis. Suddenly I felt called to do something, to find a way to fill this gap.
Two weeks after that epiphany, I found out I was pregnant for the first time.
My journey into becoming a mother was forever intertwined with founding In Shifra’s Arms (now SHIFRA).
Our work saves Jewish lives by empowering and strengthening Jewish mothers across the United States.
It’s a privilege to work with an incredible team every single day. We’re not just an agency–we treat every client like a treasured family member. With our team on your side, you will never have to feel alone.
Board President
Board Vice President
Board Treasurer
Board Member
Director of Communications
SHIFRA Senior Counselor
SHIFRA Counselor
Care Team Manager
Dad & Couples Coach
Know a pregnant woman in crisis? She can lean on us. We offer financial aid, material help and more. No lectures, no pressure, just kindness.
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