Last month, Jewish Family Service and The Temple came together for a program titled “Journey to Parenthood…or not.” This program was designed to normalize the different ways that people become parents or decide to not have children. There is not one way to have a family.
Five panelists shared their stories with the group. Listening to the variety of experiences was helpful to understand that no two people’s stories are the same. Curtis Child, one of the panelists reflects on the event: “It was terrific to have my two dads family experience included in the fertility panel which just reinforces what parents and families see in life; that it is love that makes a family, affirming modern families may be modern in their making, but timelessly human at their core.”
Rabbi Shana Mackler moderated the panel and was able to share about how Judaism and Jewish liturgy is ever evolving since Jewish families are always changing. Being able to be inclusive to the different types of families that are connected to the Jewish community is so important.
From a mother who went through IVF to a childfree by choice couple to a father talking about how he and his partner became parents through surrogacy, all the panelists were real and vulnerable sharing their stories. “The event was a success! It created an atmosphere of openness and acceptance of many paths to parenthood. There were couples and singles sharing a meal together openly talking about their personal experiences. The information shared was personal and educational at the same time,” says Toni Jacobson, Clinical Director of Jewish Family Service.
Participant Emily Gandy shares, “I found the ‘Journey to Parenthood... or Not’ program to be very meaningful. I was moved by the speaker’s diverse stories and felt encouraged by their openness. It was a great and important conversation, and it was put together beautifully. Ending with a nice meal, and time to connect with others was the cherry on top.”
This is just the beginning of conversations on these types of topics; please stay connected with JFS and The Temple for future programs. Contact Sheri Rosenberg, sheri@templenashville.org
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