For some women, the most painful aspect of motherhood is not becoming a mother. When personal, familial, and social expectations of maternity are unfulfilled, the psychological fallout is often immense. Infertility and pregnancy loss are at odds with the biological, emotional, and spiritual drives that motivate a Jewish woman to birth and nurture her children. Those painful experiences are seldom discussed openly, but they are an aspect of maternity nonetheless.

The month between Purim and Pesach abounds with excitement and anticipation as families prepare for Seder night. By rosh chodesh Nisan, mothers in our community are readying their homes at an impressive speed for a meaningful and joyous chag. And this year’s calendar means many will be turning the corner full-throttle into Shabbos Hagadol. It’s that auspicious time when spring thaw and erev-Pesach buzz are in the air, but it can be difficult to savor the moment with family while checklists grow and time dwindles. Instead of bringing in Yom Tov for a smooth landing, it is easy to find ourselves out of gas and struggling.