Tonight: Bonei Olam Chabad Inaugural Event

Bonei Olam Chabad is hosting its inaugural event this Monday evening in Crown Heights, inviting women to “Show Up” in friendship and support for the estimated one in six couples in the community who are affected by infertility.

Since its founding in 1999, Bonei Olam’s mission has been to provide whatever means or resources necessary to help childless Jewish couples achieve the dream of parenthood. Their myriad programs cover every step of the process including financial assistance, work up, medication, high-risk pregnancy, pre-implantation, genetic diagnosis, pre- and post-cancer fertility, education, awareness, and adoption assistance, according to the organization’s website. Although Bonei Olam, which is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, has distributed over $100 million, and is responsible for over 5,000 babies being born, the organization has only had a limited local presence in Crown Heights until early last year.

“Bonei Olam provides an invaluable service to couples in our community who face the complex and painful journey of infertility,” says Mrs. Etel Hurwitz, the Bonei Olam Chabad community liaison. Until the founding of the Bonei Olam Chabad branch, Chabad couples affected by infertility were underutilizing Bonei Olam’s vital services due to a lack of awareness of the services offered. The greater Chabad community, in turn, has never before had the opportunity to publicly support the many Chabad couples who are struggling.

That changes this Monday when the Chabad community finally has the chance to “Show Up” for our friends, neighbors and relatives.

“No couple should ever feel that they are going through this unimaginable challenge alone,” says Mrs. Esther Kleinman, the Bonei Olam Chabad counselor. “Our goal is to put Bonei Olam on the Chabad map for couples who need it here in Crown Heights or in Shlichus communities around the world.” The Bonei Olam Chabad team offers completely personalized attention to each couple and is also able to help couples navigate the many sensitive Halachic nuances regarding fertility treatments that are unique to Chabad Hashkafa.

The women-only inspirational evening will act as a powerful display of love, support and solidarity from the Chabad community for those in our midst who may be fighting a silent battle.

The program, emceed by Mrs. Chanie Hershkop, will include a live musical performance by singing sensation Brocha Jaffe and a moving story shared by a Chabad woman of her and her husband’s journey through infertility.

The keynote address will feature Bonei Olam’s founder Rabbi Shlomo Bochner who will speak about his personal experience of being unable to have children for over 20 years, and how he created this organization in multiple countries across five continents in order to help others struggling with the same heartbreaking problem.

This event is focused on the community showing up in solidarity for couples, so there is no cost to attend the evening. However, the event will also aim to raise enough funds to cover the costs for a successful fertility treatment for at least one couple.

A raffle will be held with incredible prizes, including a roundtrip ticket to Israel, $1800 to Zlata’s Sheitels (co-sponsored by Zlata’s and Anonymous), $1000 to Tzfasman Jewelers (co-sponsored by Tzfasman & Anonymous), a year of wash & sets by Brooklyn Hairloft, a $500 gift certificate to Jupe and a photography session by Dina Duchan.

Our community has already begun showing up in many ways. Event coordination is being sponsored by Sara Event Productions, event printing has been sponsored by The Printhouse, florals are sponsored by Chani Greenbaum Events, sushi will be sponsored by Sushi Spot, and event photography will be sponsored by Rebecca Howard Photography.

A lavish dessert spread will be sponsored by 3-2-1 Dessert, Rifki’s Petite Treats, Mr. Greens, Frumie’s Bake Shop, The Boozery, Batter & Cream, Keekups by Liba, Sweets by Etel, Rozes_R_Red and Icing on the Cake.

Bonei Olam’s “Show Up for Your Community” event will take place on Monday, January 6th at the Jewish Children’s Museum. Doors open at 8:00 pm, program begins promptly at 8:30pm.