by Kara Wexler Hanukkah is a beloved Jewish holiday celebrated for a miraculous triumph of the righteous underdog, modern traditions of family gatherings, and the delicious food among other things. The holiday commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over their Greek rulers in the 2nd century B.C.E., as well as the rededication of the Second

by Ilana of Birthright Israel   1. Group selfie at the airport                               2. Group selfie on the bus                               3. With your new camel bestie  

by Shari Ungerleider When I gave birth to my first child, Evan, in August of 1994, my husband and I were elated. After nine long months of anticipation we were finally blessed with a beautiful baby. We joyfully watched Evan grow and develop normally for the next six months; he was such a happy baby, always

You would never know the struggles that Michelle K endured to have her beautiful, blonde, 6-year old twin girls by her side. She looks calm, happy, and seemingly has it all together. On the contrary, the road to motherhood was anything but easy for Michelle. Michelle was plagued by fertility issues, and after 5 rounds

by Rabbi Jennifer Kaluzny “You’re perfect for each other! You really should get married!” You might think that our best friends said this to us, or maybe even our parents. They did too, but this time, it was our fertility doctor. He wasn’t complimenting my husband Ryan and I on our symbiotic relationship or the

by Becca Shimshak   “There’s a land that I see where the children are free and I say it ain’t far to this land from where we are.” – Marlo Thomas For me, having children felt so far away when I was diagnosed with endometriosis and an ovarian cyst. I turned to in vitro fertilization (IVF)

by Rachel S. Our journey with Gaucher disease started when my husband, Ryan, and I decided that we wanted to start a family soon. It was August 2011 and I was due for my annual visit with my OBGYN. Knowing that within the next year we would want to start trying to have children, I asked my OBGYN

by Sierra Weiss   Like many other young couples, Gail Heyman and her husband, Lyons met in college, got married after they graduated, and waited a few years before starting their family. Although having children is always a big step that will forever change a couple’s life, their experience was even more life changing. They

by Meredith Cohen When Karen Grinzaid introduced JScreen in an announcement at High Holiday services at Congregation Or Hadash in 2013, my mom was interested immediately and was the first person to contact her for more information. Within a couple of days, my brother and I registered online and our screening kits were later mailed

by Kara Wexler Chances are, if you have an active Facebook profile and a few Jewish friends, you’ve probably seen the Buzzfeed article “What Famous Nice Jewish Boy Is Your Soulmate?” Though Paul Rudd will always have my heart, I’ve gotta admit that there’s far more to finding that perfect someone than your favorite bagel