Dear Family and Friends,

There is great uncertainty in the world today. Whether we know someone who fell ill or had our lives turned upside down due to new safety precautions, the ravenous spread of Covid 19 has seemingly affected everyone on the planet. Who could have imagined that when we celebrated the Siyum HaShas with ATIME in February that just a few weeks later the entire world would seemingly come to a halt? Will this be the month when the numbers go down? When the vaccine arrives? When will things begin to go back to normal?

While ripe with differences, the world of uncertainty is a well-known and well-traveled one for those who face fertility issues. Will this be the month that the procedures work? Will we finally stop dreading going to simchas? Will this be the month that we move closer to becoming parents? 

Yet, even while the world has been in disarray, the medical procedures still go on, and couples struggling with infertility need our help and support more than ever to make their dreams come true. This is where ATIME comes in and truly shines. 

This year, even amid the chaos of the global pandemic, the Shas-A-Thon will take place on January 31, 2021! ATIME has pivoted and it will take place in a larger, more spacious venue, where social distancing protocol can be better maintained. We are optimistic that, with God's help, it will be safe enough to take place as planned. Nevertheless, we are committed to our learning and fundraising goal, even if the learning will take place at home with great fanfare, albeit with a more scaled-back Siyum celebration. 

If you're not sure if you know someone struggling with infertility, I assure you that these individuals work in your offices, daven in your shuls, shop in the same stores alongside you. The mask that they wear to protect themselves from germs and droplets also hides their pain and longing to build their family. Everyone wants to do something to help, but are often unsure where to start. Last year, Shas-A-Thon learners raised almost $4 million that went to do just that. Help us continue the revolution and bring hope to couples in pain across the globe. 

Thank you so much,

Willie Balk