In this week’s parshas Shemos, we encounter the heroic figures of Shifra and Puah, the Jewish midwives who bravely defied Pharaoh’s evil decrees. Their fearless acts of mesirut nefesh not only safeguarded the future of Am Yisrael in Mitzrayim, but also empowered the mothers of the babies whose lives they saved. Those women set a precedent of strength and courage, an example that EFRAT continues to embody to this day.

At one time, discussions about EFRAT focused primarily on the babies the organization saved; nearly 90,000 since its inception over 40 years ago. But EFRAT’s impact extends far beyond these numbers. With each child’s birth, there is a mother who is reborn, imbued with hope and the joy of motherhood. Additionally, a new family has been added to the Jewish nation, all thanks to the material and emotional support provided by EFRAT.

A Community of Women

Today, amidst the chaos of Israel’s multi-front war and the profound losses endured by our nation, EFRAT’s mission is more crucial than ever. Influential women across North America and Europe have been rallying to support EFRAT, driven by a shared commitment to ensure that every woman who desires to bring life into this world can do so.

Recently, charismatic Torah educator and wife of Rav Nisso Palti, Rebbetzin Yaffa Palti, traveled to Mexico to speak on behalf of EFRAT. Rebbetzin Palti addressed packed audiences in both English and Spanish about the blessing that every new baby brings into the world. She said that when a donor gives a contribution to bring a new baby into the world, “they think they are giving life to that baby, but in fact, that baby is giving them life. They think that they are saving a baby’s life, but really, that baby is saving their life! When you help a mother save her baby, you are bringing bracha into her life, into your own life and to the entire world.”

At another event for EFRAT women, influencer Maya Namdar fired up the crowd with her heartfelt message that EFRAT is the organization that most concretely works toward bringing Mashiach as soon as possible. “Chazal tell us that Mashiach will not come until all the souls will enter a body,” she said. “EFRAT is the organization that can make that happen. Especially during these times, our yearning for Mashiach needs to be complemented by actual work—to make sure every single baby is given a chance at life.”

Sivan Rahav Meir, well-known Israeli journalist, author and speaker, often advocates for EFRAT’s lifesaving work at events throughout the tri-state area. At one such event, she shared a recent conversation she had with Leah Melamed, a midwife from Soroka Hospital in Beersheva. “As a midwife, I derive strength from today’s mothers, who are continuing to raise large families, refusing to be deterred by the crisis in Eretz Yisrael. As I see it, they are displaying the same emunah and strength as the righteous women in Mitzrayim who insisted on growing their families despite the outwardly hopeless situation.”

Rorie Weisberg, creator of Full ’n Free, is a passionate EFRAT supporter. “As a Jewish mother and women’s health advocate, I feel a deep commitment to EFRAT’s mission,” she said. “They offer crucial support to Jewish women during profoundly difficult times, providing the resources needed to both save lives and prevent agonizing decisions. EFRAT’s role in guiding our sisters through their darkest moments into the light underscores our duty as Jewish women to support this essential cause.”

Championing Every Life

EFRAT’s legendary founder, Dr. Eli Schussheim, z”l, was known to exclaim, “You don’t end a life for lack of funds!” With these poignant words, he encapsulated the predicament of many women in Israel today. It’s not that they don’t want their babies; they simply can’t see a way forward. EFRAT holds their hand, providing vital emotional support, as well as substantial material assistance post-birth and afterwards.

Today, more than ever, as Jewish lives in Israel continue to be threatened from all sides, how can we not do our utmost to stop further loss of life?

Through our action and support, we can ensure that every name, every face, every life, is cherished and celebrated, bringing the Geulah sheleimah ever closer.

For more information contact [email protected] and visit www.cribefrat.org