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Cohen, Uri
"Childless or Childfree?," Cohen, Uri. Nishmat.
Synopsis: R. Cohen discusses ways in which singles and couples without children should focus on the unique freedom and opportunities they have to develop the skills and talents that will form their legacy, and to devote their energies to fulfillment of their spiritual lives and enhancement of their communities. This category, "Fertility Issues", in the JOFA Online Library has many fine articles and materials, making it difficult to select a recommended title. It is the fresh and uplifting approach of this article that won its JOFA recommendation. Most articles in this category focus on assisted reproduction of various methodologies and technologies in light of halakha. Some of the materials focus on coping with the emotional pain of infertility. There is so much pressure in the Orthodox Jewish community to reproduce, that many women (and men) who are not able to do so feel that they have no choice but to undergo painful and difficult procedures in pursuit of this goal. R. Cohen's approach is a guilt-free, pressure-free uplifting discussion that might just help some people get on with their lives in a manner that is most suitably productive - and not necessarily reproductive.
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ADDITIONAL READING
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Bleich, David J
"Survey of Recent Halakhic Periodical Literature: Pregnancy Reduction," Bleich, David J. Tradition, 29:3, 1995, 55-63.
Synopsis: In this article, Bleich analyzes the question of fetal reduction: may the mother choose to reduce the number to fetuses in order to save the others?
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Bleich, David J
"Survey of Recent Halakhic Periodical Literature: Surrogate Motherhood," Bleich, David J. Tradition, 32:2, 1998, 146-167.
Synopsis: This article addresses the growing halakhic quandry regarding surrogate motherhood and whether it is sanctioned within Judaism. Through an in depth examination of the obligation to procreate, the various methods are examined under a halakhic light.
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Clark, Eli D. & Silverman, Ze'ev
"Surrogate Motherhood in the Case of High-Risk Prgnancy," Clark, Eli D. & Silverman, Ze'ev. JHCS, 38, 1999, 5:38.
Synopsis: This article examines a range of halakhic issues around surrogate motherhood. The authors examine issues including maternal identity, incest, mamzerut, contract law and the obligation to procreate.
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Cohen, Alfred
"Artificial Insemination," Cohen, Alfred. JHCS, 13, 1987, 43-60.
Synopsis: Rabbi Cohen discusses the halakhic position on artificial insemination. He discusses the issue vis a vis the status of the child, the mother and the father.
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Jakobovits, Yoel
"Assisted Reproduction through the Prism of Jewish Law," Jakobovits, Yoel. Jewish Action, 65:3, 2005.
Synopsis: This article outlines the halakha surrounding different methods of assisted reproduction.
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Lasker, Judith N. and Parmet, Harriet L.
"Rabbinic and Feminist Responses to Reproductive Technology," Lasker, Judith N. and Parmet, Harriet L.. Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion, 6:1, 1990, 117-130.
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Mehlman, Yitzchak
"Multi-Fetal Pregnancy Reduction," Mehlman, Yitzchak. JHCS, 27, 1994, 35-68.
Synopsis: In this article, Mehlman provides a schema through which one can examine the ethical and halakhic issues that arise out of in vitro fertilization.
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Rosner, Fred
"Artificial Insemination in Jewish Law," Rosner, Fred. Judaism, 19, 1970, 452-464.
Synopsis: This article discusses artificial insemination from the Jewish perspective. It traces the origins of the halakhic issues of insemination, the status of the child, as well as the fulfillment of the commandment to procreate.
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Rosner, Fred
"Test tube babies, Host Mothers and Genetic Engineering in Judaism," Rosner, Fred. Tradition, 19:2, 1981, 141-148.
Synopsis: Rosner addresses the halachik opinions on modern medical advances such as test tube babies, host mothers and genetic engineering
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Ross, Dvora
"Artificial Insemination for Single Women," Ross, Dvora. Jewish Legal Writings by Women, Ed. Halpern and Safrai, Jerusalem: Urim (Hebrew Article), 1998.
Synopsis: In this responsum supporting artificial insemination for single women, the author also points out the halakhic difficulties and suggests how these should be dealt with by the religious establishment.
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Shapiro, David S.
"Be Fruitful and Multiply," Shapiro, David S.. Tradition, 13 (4), 1973, 42-67.
Synopsis: Through a variety of perpectives, Rabbi Shapiro discusses the obligation to procreate.
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Wiseman-Stein, Sara
"Kol Akara: The Voice of the Barren Woman," Wiseman-Stein, Sara. Women in Judaism: Contemporary Writings, 2000.
Synopsis: Wiseman-Stein uses the example of the Biblical matriarchs to explore how a period of being barren can be a time to gather internal resources and develop a very special voice in prayer.
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Wolf, Rebecca
"The Childless Couple," Wolf, Rebecca. Jewish Action, 65:3, 2005.
Synopsis: Rebecca Wolf describes the intense emotional pain suffered by infertile couples in the Orthodox community. She also gives suggestions for ways in which rabbis and others in the community can become more sensitive to such couples.
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Wolowelsky, Joel B. & Grazi, Richard V
"Rabbinic Counseling for Infertile Couples," Wolowelsky, Joel B. & Grazi, Richard V. Le'ela, 41, 1996, 44-47.
Synopsis: This article discusses some of the major issues addressed by rabbis in their pastoral counselling regarding various possibilities for infertile couples.
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Zimmerman, Deena
"Overcoming Infertility by Richard V. Grazi, M.D.," Zimmerman, Deena. Tradition, 40:2, Summer 2007, 101-105.
Synopsis: Dr. Zimmerman reviews Dr. Grazi’s book on infertility. Dr. Grazi’s book is intended for traditional Jewish couples and in it he explains the medical technologies and related halakhic issues. The review is positive with some reservations, particularly about the treatment of halakhic issues. (Please note that this review is the second in the file linked to.)
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Zohar, Noam J.
"Artificial Insemination and Surrogate Motherhook: A Halakhic Perspective," Zohar, Noam J.. S'vara, 2:1, 1991, 13-19.
Synopsis: Zohar analyzes the halakhic obligation to procreate. Based on its philosophical implications, he analyzes the place in halakha for artificial insemination and surrogate motherhood.
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"Chanasprayer.org".
Synopsis: In a community that places great focus on family life, the pain associated with difficulty in conception and childbearing are often profound and unique. This website provides private online discussion groups as well as reading resources on infertitlity and pregnancy loss.
chanasprayer.org/index.htm
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Barack Fishman, Dr. Sylvia, Dr. Michelle Friedman, Idana Goldberg, Moderator, and Rabbi Shmuel Goldin
"A Fine Balance: Feminism and Family," Barack Fishman, Dr. Sylvia, Dr. Michelle Friedman, Idana Goldberg, Moderator, and Rabbi Shmuel Goldin. JOFA 6th International Conference. 2007.
Synopsis: As Orthodox feminists, we aspire to full equality and partnership in our family lives. How can we ensure that our communities reflect that vision? What are the challenges families, and women in particular, face in meeting those ideals? How does family life affect our religious life and, conversely, how do issues of family size and economic realities impact Orthodox family life? How does a community effectively address infertility within its ranks? This forum will address the delicate balancing act faced by families, as well as offer models for communal and family support that can help families of all types thrive in our communities.
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Barris, Sara and Wahrman, Miryam Z. (Ellen Stone presiding)
"Infertility and Adoption," Barris, Sara and Wahrman, Miryam Z. (Ellen Stone presiding). JOFA 2nd International Conference. 1998.
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Ir-shai, Ronit
"Toward Building a Gender-Critical Approach to the Philosophy of Halakha," Ir-shai, Ronit. JOFA 6th International Conference. 2007.
Synopsis: An analysis of both permissive halakhic decisions regarding the technology of fertility and stringent halakhic positions on abortion and birth control demonstrate the extent to which value judgments influence halakhic decision making. This session will examine how both sets of rulings are grounded in a perception of women as vessels of fertility and perpetuate this restricted notion of a women's identity. By exposing alternative interpretations embedded in these halakhic decisions and using insight from feminist theory, the session will explore the possibility that egalitarian values can be incorporated into halakhic deliberation.
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Lenk, Marcie and Wendy Zierler
"In Search of Our Foremothers: Rereading the Stories of Barren Women in the Bible," Lenk, Marcie and Wendy Zierler. JOFA 3rd International Conference. 2000.
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Bleich, J. David
Contemporary Halachic Problems Vol IV. Bleich, J. David. Ktav, 1995.
Synopsis: Tthis volume includes sections on such issues as rabbinic confidentiality, the use of surveillance systems, fax and telephone machines on Shabbos, observance of mitzvos in polar regions, and much more. The author, a distinguished scholar, outlines the issues, brings the opinions of various halachic decisors, and explains the basis of disagreements between them.
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Cardin, Nina Beth
Tears of Sorrow, Seeds of Hope: A Jewish Spiritual Companion for Infertility and Pregnancylos. Cardin, Nina Beth. Jewish Lights, 1999.
Synopsis: This book enables those frustrated and pained in their attempts at parenthood to mourn the loss of a pregnancy or infertility through the prayers, rituals, and meditations of the Jewish tradition.
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Fischbein, Jessie
Infertility in the Bible: How the Matriarchs Changed Their Fate - How You Can Too. Fischbein, Jessie. Devora Publishing, 2005.
Synopsis: Jessie Fischbein looks at the struggle of important Biblical women to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of infertility, and their success in finally having children. Using their experiences as a starting point, Fischbein discusses her own battle with infertility and how others may benefit from her experience.
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Gold, Michael
And Hannah Wept: Infertility, Adoption and the Jewish Couple. Gold, Michael. JPS, 1988.
Synopsis: The definitive work on Judaism's approach to infertility, pregnancy loss, and adoption. An indispensable resource for couples facing infertility, providing technical information as well as emotional support.
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Grazi, Richard V., MD
Be Fruitful and Multiply: Fertility Therapy and the Jewish Tradition. Grazi, Richard V., MD. Genesis, 1994.
Synopsis: Dr. Grazi has compiled this book for infertile couples who are halachically observant, their physicians, for whom a chapter on basic laws of family purity are given, and for the rabbinic professional. The book contains basic information on reproductive physiology.
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Millen, Rochelle
Women, Birth, and Death in Jewish Law and Practice. Millen, Rochelle. Brandeis University Press, 2004.
Synopsis: Millen explores how Jewish tradition perceives rituals surrounding birth and death, particularly as they pertain to women's development. Following an introduction in which she discusses her methodology and lays out key themes, Millen turns in Part I to birth contraception and birth control, fertility, and celebrating the birth of a daughter (the ritual of Simhat bat).
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New sources are continually being added to JOFA.org. Check back often!
If you have a submission you would like us to consider, send it to
website@jofa.org.
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