213. 12 months of compassion: The Intersection of Halacha, Jewish Law, and Fertility with Dena Block and Rabbi Elan Segelman
In this episode, Dr. Baron explores the relationship between Halacha (Jewish Law) and fertility. She sits down with Dena Block, Co-Director of Nishmat's Miriam Glaubach Center and and Rabbi Elan Segelman of Rabbinic Director of PUAH, to discuss the nuanced intersection of Jewish law, fertility challenges, and emotional well-being.
Dena Block addresses what is commonly referred to as "halachic infertility," explaining why she prefers the term "ovulation before mikvah". She outlines the practical, halachic, and medical considerations couples face when cycle timing impacts their ability to conceive, while emphasizing the deep emotional burden and frustration this creates for religious families.
In a re-released segement we join Rabbi Elon Siegelman, who unpacks the complex Halachic considerations surrounding third-party reproduction. Rabbi Segelman walks through the history of rabbinic rulings on IVF, donor eggs, surrogacy, and donor sperm, offering a compassionate breakdown of how different individuals approach these deeply personal choices.
If you are navigating the intersection of Jewish law and family building, this episode is for you.
This episode is part of our 12 Months of Compassion programming. This year-long program is designed to provide accessible education and emotional support through webinars and podcasts Each session features expert speakers followed by a live Q&A, all rooted in Jewish values
About Dena Block:
Dena Block is the Co-Director of Nishmat's Miriam Glaubach Center, where she oversees the education, professional development, and support of Yoatzot Halacha. As a Yoetzet Halacha herself, she provides halachic guidance to women on a broad range of issues relating to women's health and Jewish law. She is also a certified Nishmat Yoetzet Halacha Fertility Counselor, with advanced expertise in supporting individuals and couples navigating infertility and fertility treatments within the framework of halacha. Before joining the Miriam Glaubach Center full-time in 2021, she served as a Yoetzet Halacha in communities throughout the tri-state area and taught Gemara and Halacha at Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls. She also brings experience in fundraising, nonprofit leadership, marketing, and communications. Dena lives in Raanana with her husband and 5 children and can be reached at Dena@afnishmat.org.
Nishmat Yoatzot InstagramFertility counselors contact form or WhatsApp +972-2-6404330 (Israel and American contact) Fertility@nishmat.net
About Rabbi Elan Segelman:
Rabbi Segelman is the rabbinic director for PUAH in America.
After studying in Israel for two years at Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh, Rabbi Segelman attained a B.A. in Psychology from Touro College's Lander College for Men, as well as an M.A. from Touro College's Graduate School of Jewish Studies. Shortly after completing his Semicha, he was appointed as a Shoel U'Maishiv and Rebbe in the Lander College Judaic Studies Program. In 2016, Rabbi Segelman became the Rabbinic Educator at New York Medical College & Touro College of Dental Medicine in Valhalla, NY. Rabbi Segelman currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where he serves as the Rabbi of the Young Israel of Hancock Park.
Eegelman@puahfertility.org PUAH
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