Dear Reader,

Miscarriages and stillbirths are much more common than most people realize. It is estimated that about 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, but the actual number may be much higher.

Every miscarriage or pregnancy loss is different, and someone who has experienced this traumatic loss often feels a range of emotions and is emotionally and physically drained. In fact, emotional healing usually takes longer than physical recovery. It is normal for someone who had a miscarriage to feel shock and sadness, grief and emptiness, anger or irrational guilt, and even anxiety about future pregnancies.

Although miscarriages and stillbirths are common, the feelings following a pregnancy loss are, unfortunately, often not discussed. The pain from this silence creates a loneliness that augments the suffering.

For this reason, thejewishwoman.org has created a special section on miscarriage and stillbirth. We want those who have experienced this loss to have a home where they can express their feelings and find a perspective in their journey toward healing.

In this section, we share with you the intimate, personal stories of women whose hopes and dreams have been shattered and how they ultimately found faith and consolation. We also share the answers to common questions and the messages to family and friends they want us all to hear.

I invite you to peruse this section and share it with someone who may find solace in reading these perspectives. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts, reflections or feedback.

While none of us can comprehend the ways of G‑d nor the reason why we need to experience suffering, we know that everything G‑d does happens for a Divine purpose (Avot 6:11). In sharing with one another, and in alleviating the loneliness of silence, it is our hope that we can bring some consolation.

May we quickly experience that time when G‑d will wipe away the tears from every face, forever.

Chana Weisberg,
Editor, TJW