Erica Pelman, at The Blogs

Apr 22, 2024, 4:21 PM

Before parting: An open letter to the tear-holders

Special for Salt Water, SHIFRA Major Donor Gift. (courtesy)

Even in our darkest moments of despair, we Jewish people know that the tears, no matter how many we shed, are not the end of our story

Jan 17, 2020, 11:53 PM

How would Shifra help? A Jewish Response to Unplanned Pregnancy

This beautiful baby was born In Shifra's Arms in 2019. Her mother received concrete material and financial aid from ISA, including maternity clothes and a grant for diapers.

When the book of Exodus begins, the Hebrew midwives Shifra and Puah quickly find themselves in crisis. Pharaoh, threatened by the prolific Israelite birthrate, orders the midwives to murder Israelite boys on the birthing stool. Their choice is dramatic. If...

Apr 19, 2016, 2:23 AM

Invite Shifra to Your Seder This Year

Traditionally, Jews invite the spirit of the prophet Elijah to the Passover seder, designating for him a cup of wine. In modern times, some Jewish communities have innovated and dedicated a cup to Miriam, Moses’ sister and prophetess in...

Sep 20, 2015, 7:32 PM

My Yearning and the Pregnancy Paradox

I’ve only barely tasted the pain that is possible. The longing. The sadness. Looking at the test wanting, wanting, wanting a second line. Wanting a demonstration that I am not all alone -- that someone very, very small is...

Oct 22, 2014, 11:35 PM

In Shifra’s Arms: Pregnant and worried women need to be able to count on our community

Breaking communal silences and correcting communal blind spots must be done, even when it’s hard. When I began talking about how our community needs to reach out to American Jewish women who are pregnant and lack critical social support...

About Me

Erica Pelman is the Founder & Executive Director of In Shifra's Arms (ISA). Prior to creating ISA, she worked at the US Department of Labor for seven years on workforce development programs. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and lives in Rockville, MD with her husband and their four children.