Congregation Beth Israel is committed to the core Jewish value of building mishpacha, with recognition of those families who are struggling with infertility. Our mission is to help members achieve their dream of creating a mishpacha through fertility assistance grants.
What is the Mishpacha Project?
Congregation Beth Israel’s Mishpacha Project is committed to the core Jewish value of building mishpacha (family). We recognize those who are struggling with infertility and the high cost of many procedures by offering fertility assistance grants to enable members to achieve their dream of building a family through advanced fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization.
Do I need to be a member of Congregation Beth Israel (CBI)?
Yes. Immediate family members such as children, grandchildren and siblings of CBI members in good standing will also be considered for grants.
How will the grants be distributed?
While we would love to offer grants to every applicant, not all applicants will be eligible to receive grants. The amount of grants awarded to each applicant will be based on the number of applicants (in any given cycle) and levels of need. The funds from the grant will be paid directly to the pharmacy or fertility clinic that is a member of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).
What costs are covered by the grant?
The grant can be used to cover any expenses associated with assisted reproduction such as egg retrieval, IUI, IVF, PGT-A (genetic testing), FDA testing, ICSI, monitoring, lab work and medications. Preference is given to those who do not have medical insurance coverage for the various fertility treatments or medicines.
Does the grant cover fertility medication?
Payment for the fertility medication may be included in the grant if the applicant’s insurance provider does not cover this cost. Payment is made directly to the pharmacy.
How quickly must the grant be used?
Once approved for the grant, arrangements for use must be made within 12 months or the grant will be withdrawn. Once CBI receives invoices/bills from you up to the amount allocated we will make payment within 2-3 weeks.
Is there an age limit?
Female applicants must be between 21 and 45 years of age. Male applicants must be between 21 and 50 years of age.
Will you consider single applicants and/or members of the LGBT community?
Of course, so long as you are a member in good standing of Congregation Beth Israel (CBI).
Who chooses the grant recipient?
The grant recipients will be chosen by the Mishpacha Project Committee, which is comprised of the following volunteer members:
- Rabbi Stephen Kahn is the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel. Rabbi Kahn’s passion for Jewish education, youth work and his dedication for creating an inner generational congregation has guided him throughout his years in the rabbinate.
- Debbie Yunker Kail is the director of the Hillel Jewish Student Center at Arizona State University. She and her husband, Ben, have two young children that were conceived via assisted reproductive technology treatments.
- Jesse Hade, MD, FACOG is a Board certified reproductive endocrinologist and OBGYN at Boston IVF – The Arizona Center. Dr. Hade is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
- Cassie Weisz-Marin is a pastry chef. When she’s not busy whipping up tasty treats, she’s enjoying her time with her husband, stepdaughter and infant twins who were conceived via a gestational carrier.
- Lauren Hendeles is a long-time member of Congregation Beth Israel. She and her husband, Zev, conceived two boys via assisted reproductive technology treatments.
Can I re-apply if my application wasn’t selected?
Yes, applicants may re-apply during subsequent grant cycles. However, since medical circumstances can change frequently, applicants must submit a new application for each round of consideration. Please note, many clinics sell packages for three IUI cycles. For that reason, the Mishpacha Project may grant funds for up to 3 cycles.