12 Months of Compassion: A Jewish Journey Through Fertility & Healing
A Year of Hope, Connection, and Expert Guidance.
At I Was Supposed To Have A Baby, we know that the journey through fertility challenges and loss can feel isolating, overwhelming, and deeply personal. To ensure no one in our community walks this path alone, we are launching a new, comprehensive virtual workshop series for 2026: Twelve Months of Compassion.
This year-long program is designed to provide accessible education and emotional support through monthly webinars. Each 60–90 minute session will feature expert speakers followed by a live Q&A, all rooted in Jewish values.
Our 2026 roadmap is structured around four seasonal themes of growth and healing:
Quarter 1: Foundations & New Beginnings: Focus on emotional readiness, strengthening relationships, and surrogacy.
Quarter 2: Healing & Holiness: Focus on identity, body image, secondary infertility, and LGBTQ+ family building.
Quarter 3: Advocacy & Awareness: Focus on Jewish law (Halacha), belonging, isolation, and the High Holidays.
Quarter 4: Paths & Purpose: Focus on grief and loss, male grief, fostering, adoption, and finding light.
*APRIL* What Changes & What Still Hurts: The Emotional Realities of Primary and Secondary Infertility
Join us on Monday, April 13, at 12:00 PM EDT for our next virtual webinar. Whether you are in the thick of a fertility journey, navigating life after a previous pregnancy, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is for you.
This month, we're joined by three experts who bring both clinical expertise and deep compassion to the complex emotional landscape of infertility. Dvora Entin (LCSW, CST, PMH-C), Dr. Sahar Wertheimer (OBGYN, RE & Infertility Specialist), and Kenzi Locks (LCSW HWC) will explore the emotional experiences of primary and secondary infertility.
This 60–90-minute session is designed to provide a safe space for navigating, expert guidance, and communal support as we explore the medical and emotional foundations of the fertility journey.
Dvora Entin, LCSW, CST, PMH-C, is a clinician specializing in reproductive and perinatal mental health and sex therapy, with advanced training through Postpartum Support International, ASRM, and the MISS Foundation in bereavement care. She serves as a clinical consultant to multiple nonprofit organizations and is a lead trainer for Postpartum Support International, where she recently launched the Perinatal Loss Advanced Training. As an adjunct professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, she developed maternal mental health coursework for MSW students and teaches clinical case intensives. Dvora maintains a group private practice in Philadelphia and presents nationally on reproductive mental health and clinical support for individuals experiencing loss and distress. She hosts the podcast MISCONCEPTIONS available on all major platforms.
Kenzi Locks, LCSW HWC, is the Director of Program and Educational Engagement at Yesh Tikva. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, her Master's in Social Work from Columbia University, and her health and wellness coach certificate from the Integrative Women’s Health Institute. Throughout her career, Kenzi has focused on raising awareness and supporting individuals facing life's most significant challenges, particularly those experiencing infertility and those forming families through non-traditional pathways. She is truly honored to be part of the Yesh Tikva team and to work alongside this beautiful community.
Dr. Sahar Wertheimer is a double board-certified OBGYN / Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist. She is committed to helping patients navigate fertility with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based care. She is passionate about educating women about their reproductive health and empowering them to be proactive about fertility. Dr. Wertheimer also works closely with the Orthodox Jewish community, providing culturally sensitive fertility education and guidance.
We look forward to sharing this space with you.
❤️ Aimee & the IWSTHAB team
*MARCH* Surrogacy Explained: Halachic Nuance, International Perspectives, and Practical Advice
Join us on Tuesday, March 17th for our next event focusing on surrogacy from Jewish, practical, and international perspectives.
Rabbi Gideon Weitzman is the Head of the English Speaking Section of Machon PUAH where he counsels thousands of couples worldwide regarding fertility, genetics, intimacy and other related subjects within the framework of halacha. Rabbi Weitzman received rabbinic ordination from the Israeli Chief Rabbinate and holds an MA in Jewish Education from Yeshiva University. He has published widely in English and Hebrew in medical journals and halachic publications, as well as four books on the thought of Rav Kook. He has taught and lectured worldwide in yeshivot, rabbinic organizations, universities and medical conferences. Rabbi Weitzman is also the Rabbi of the Merkaz Modiin Community. He is married to Rivka and they have six children and many grandchildren.
*FEBRUARY*: Strengthening Relationships Through Fertility Challenges
Infertility and loss can strain relationships, challenging communication and intimacy. In this webinar, we’ll explore strategies to foster connection, empathy, and resilience.
Beginning the Journey Understanding Fertility & Emotional Readiness
Featuring
Alex Peyser, MD is a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist at Northwell Health. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center, where she served as administrative chief resident followed by a fellowship in REI at Northwell Health. Dr. Peyser currently serves as the Associate Program Director of the REI fellowship. She has published and presented at numerous national meetings on topics including genetic carrier screening, third-party reproduction, the genetics of diminished ovarian reserve, and fertility insurance coverage. Dr. Peyser is also a founding board member of the Stardust Fertility Foundation which provides fertility grants to Jewish couples and individuals. Having gone through infertility herself (she has 3 children born via surrogacy), she is deeply committed to supporting patients through their journey to build their families.
Amanda Warsavsky is mom of Scarlett (7), Violet (5), and Olive (8 months) on the Upper East Side. After experiencing 9 pregnancy losses spanning nearly a decade, infertility has played such a big role in shaping Amanda as a person. She is a passionate infertility advocate and loves using her network and platform to support others. Amanda has run a lifestyle Instagram and blog for 10 years focusing on fashion, food, and her experiences with infertility. She always loved entrepreneurship and while she is not busy at home with her (now) three girls, she is usually brewing up new business ideas and has most recently been working on a food company.Rachel Tuchman is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 15 years of experience. She has worked with many diverse populations including incarcerated women at Riker's Island Correctional Facility, kids and adults with developmental delays, kids with behavior issues, overwhelmed parents looking for skills and support, teens struggling with the pressures of adolescence and life in general, adults going through difficult life circumstances (divorce, infidelity, phase of life challenges) and women experiencing infertility.
Rachel Tuchman, LMHC is a HAES (pronounced like Hay-z) (Health At Every Size)- aligned clinician and dedicates much of her time out of the office to educating parents and kids on the importance of body respect and the behaviors that truly honor our health. Currently, she offers services in her Cedarhurst, NY office
PAST EVENTS AVAILABLE ON DEMAND
Compassion is a Community Effort
At I Was Supposed To Have A Baby, we fundamentally believe that no one should walk the path of fertility challenges or loss alone. We also believe that life-changing support, expert guidance, and a sense of belonging should be accessible to everyone in the Jewish community, regardless of their financial situation.
That is why we have made the Twelve Months of Compassion series entirely free to join.
But while this program is free to attend, it is not free to produce. Our work is made possible by supporters like you. If you find these sessions helpful, healing, or hopeful, we invite you to consider making a gift to support the production of this event and other resources like it.
