Miracle Workers Of PUAH: Building Baatei Neeman b’Yisrael

On November 16, our community was powerfully impacted by PUAH Fertility at a unique conference called “PUAH Women’s Health and Halacha Conference.” Attendees came from the Five Towns, Far Rockaway and beyond to the Young Israel of Woodmere to participate in this informative event sponsored by Northwell Fertility and Natera, and graciously hosted by Rabbi Shay Schachter.

The subject, “Navigating Women’s Health and Halacha: Experts and Insights” was precisely that, a morning of insight and discussion with leading experts in their respective fields of fertility and women’s health as well as insights by eminent halachic experts, with delicious breakfast and lunch catered by Central Perk.

In 1978, Louise Brown was the first baby born through in-vitro fertilization (IVF), an extraordinary scientific breakthrough. Thirty-five years ago, observant couples began seeking rabbinic guidance for fertility treatment as they entered this new territory. The science was revolutionary and unfamiliar, and many Torah-observant Jews were unsure as to what halachic issues might arise.

Rav Mordechai Eliyahu, however, saw the potential differently. As Chief Rabbi of Israel and a brilliant Torah luminary, he insisted that if Hashem granted us the wisdom to develop these new technologies, then we carry the responsibility to determine how they can be used within the realm of halachah. Recognizing that these scientific breakthroughs would require thoughtful guidance for the Torah-observant community, Rav Eliyahu entrusted his talmid muvhak, Rabbi Menachem Burstein, with researching and establishing a halachicframework to support Klal Yisrael as they navigated this new frontier.

Recognizing that Jewish men and women needed a wide network of resources to understand their fertility options within the parameters of halachah, Rav Eliyahu emphasized that paramount among these services must be laboratory supervision to eliminate the risk of errors and genetic mix-ups. Unique in concept, his vision also included one-on-one counseling with compassionate, knowledgeable professionals who could address the medical, halachic, and emotional aspects of each case. At Rav Eliyahu’s behest, Rabbi Menachem Burstein founded PUAH in 1980 to bridge the gap between fertility treatment and halachah. From its humble beginnings in his living room, PUAH has opened the door for thousands of Jewish couples to benefit from IVF and other reproductive technologies. Thanks to Hashem, PUAH has grown into an international organization that has provided guidance and support to over 100,000 families. Today, PUAH’s place at the intersection of medical technology and halachah is more vital than ever.

“Establishing yichus is extremely important in halachah,” said Rabbi Elan Segelman, rabbinic director of PUAH in America and a renowned talmid chacham and fertility expert. “Fertilization takes place behind the closed doors of laboratories. Fearing the possibility of human error, many rabbis maintain that halachah requires the presence of an outside supervisor to create the knowledge by observing the samples and storage in order to prevent the risk of error or genetic mix-up.”

PUAH was the innovator of hashgachah (supervision) in fertility laboratories, and today they continue to set the standards and protocols for laboratories around the world. PUAH personnel are in constant contact with lab directors to ensure the highest levels of supervision. Only authorized individuals are allowed access to the lab of which PUAH supervisors are among the select few. “Currently, there are 150 supervisors trained by PUAH who are devoted to growing Klal Yisrael,” Rabbi Segelman noted.

He added, “Our supervisors are discreet and dedicated women who are expertly trained in the intricacies of halachah as it pertains to fertility treatment. Moreover, they sign confidentiality statements to ensure privacy for the families. Many of them have formed beautiful friendships with the families they’ve helped. One of our observers recently attended a wedding and shared the nachas and simcha as a young couple marched down the aisle, which was made possible by PUAH.

Since its inception, PUAH has accomplished remarkable feats. Rabbi Elan Segelman noted: “Our impact is worldwide. We receive over 300 calls a day in five countries, and have helped close to 17,000 individuals conceive. We help couples with primary and secondary infertility, as well as singles and those who need fertility preservation.”

PUAH is a one-stop shop that provides a wide range of fertility services, from medical guidance to halachic guidance, financial assistance and emotional support. PUAH is a treasure trove of resources on this sensitive topic and is the premier destination for all fertility-related matters.

Unique in concept, PUAH has transformed the landscape of fertility treatment for Torah-observant couples. “Our PUAH Cares team is composed of therapists, social workers, kallah teachers, people who understand the couple’s emotional journey, and can provide them a hand to hold and a shoulder to cry on,” added Rabbi Segelman. “This service is critical to the couple’s ultimate success.”

Infertility is painful and isolating as couples suffer in silence. One of the most isolating parts of infertility is that it often goes unseen. While friends and family may joyfully announce pregnancies or welcome new babies, those dealing with infertility feel stuck and in the shadows.

Struggling to conceive can lead to emotional distress. Feelings of frustration, failure, sadness, and uncertainty are common in both men and women throughout the journey. Social interactions may become difficult when surrounded by child-centered events. Processing these emotions in a supportive environment can ease the mental burden.

For couples facing this situation, PUAH’s mental health specialists provide personalized advice and emotional support throughout the entire fertility process, ensuring that their clients are never alone. They understand that emotional support is vital throughout this challenging journey.

An integral part of PUAH’s exemplary mission is Fertility Education and Awareness. Elucidating and enlightening, PUAH is a treasure trove of resources. Whether through webinars, social media postings, events, or conferences. PUAH’s impact is global and empowering.

Highlights of the recent program in Woodmere were “Pushing the Boundaries of Halacha: Exploring the Latest Frontiers of Fertility,” presented by Rabbi Elan Segelman, and Navigating Shidduchim with Genetic Medical Conditions,” by Rabbi Mordechai Willig. Also featured were Dr. Tomer Singer, Systems Chief of Reproductive Endocrinology Infertility at Northwell Fertility.

For Rabbi Segelman, sharing the nachas as he sees the fruits of his labor is the most rewarding aspect of his job as Rabbinic Director of PUAH. He expressed his heartfelt thanks to the many people who came over to introduce their children at the conference, “So we can celebrate together,” Segelman said.

PUAH is about opening doors. They don’t want anyone to ever suffer in silence or to feel that they are alone. There are so many available opportunities for couples today to build a family under the umbrella of halachah. PUAH is here for you. You are not alone. For further information, please visit PuahFertility.org or email [email protected]. n

Rochelle Maruch Miller is a contributing editor for the Five Towns Jewish Times. She is a journalist, creative media strategist, lecturer, educator, and writes for magazines, newspapers, websites, and private clients. She welcomes your comments at [email protected]. Read more of Rochelle Maruch Miller’s articles at 5TJT.com.