About Us

Mission

The Jewish Birth Network aims to connect soon-to-be and new parents with resources, skills, and community to make good choices for their families in the realms of health care, parenting, and Jewish practice. 
We aim to serve a broad range of  families of diverse educational background, denominational affiliation, sexual orientation, and gender identity, including families where one or both parents are Jewish and single parents.  
JBN hopes to engender vibrant, empowered, and supportive Jewish and birthing communities in the Boston area and around the world. 


Shira Z Shazeer - Founder, Director

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Rabbi Shira Shazeer received ordination from Hebrew College in June 2010.  She is also studying towards certification as a childbirth educator through Childbirth International.  Before rabbinical school, she studied Talmud and Jewish Law in the Scholars Circle at Drisha Institute for Jewish Education in New York.  She has guided families in planning and facilitated numerous Jewish life-cycle rituals, and has a passion for creating ceremonies thtat reflect the individuals involved.  She sees pregnancy and birth as safe, holy, and powerful moments which, when experienced with presence and intention transform individuals and couples, launching them into the joys, challenges and responsibilities of parenthood. Shira lives in Natick, MA with her husband, Ken Richmond, and two sons, Zalmen Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers, and Velvel, Lilypie Second Birthday tickers. 


Advisory Board

Our advisory board includes leaders in the Jewish, health-care, and business communities.  See a complete listi here.


CJP / Presentense

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The Jewish Birth Network was launched with the support of the CJP/PresenTense Boston Social Entrepreneurship fellowship.