By Melissa Hunter
Assistant Editor
The Jewish Fertility Foundation (JFF) recently named Talia Smolkin their JFF-CINCY Manager. With branches located throughout the United States, the JFF provides educational awareness, financial assistance, and emotional support to Jewish families who have medical fertility challenges in the communities they serve, as well as offering programs virtually. Smolkin received a Masters in Social Work, and her background makes her a perfect fit for her new position. “My education showed me vastly different and beautiful parts of the country. I studied psychology while wandering through the redwood trees in Santa Cruz, CA, and received my Masters in New York, leaving as much time as possible for musicals.”
She has dedicated much of her career to serving others in the Jewish community. Through her work, she has supported individuals, partnered with amazing organizations, and created programs for adult education, volunteers, and families (JFF website). She served as Director of Jewish Family Services and Coordinator of Informal Jewish Education with a focus on PJ Library while living in Lexington, KY.
After moving to Cincinnati in 2019 with her husband, Adath Israel Congregation Senior Rabbi Moshe Smolkin, and their two children, the JFF caught her eye.
“I learned more about JFF from Rachel Loftspring, Chair of the Board of Directors of JFF and local attorney,” Smolkin explains. “Rachel introduced me to Elana Frank, Founder and CEO of JFF.” Smolkin met the JFF team and was immediately impressed by their thoughtfulness, passion, and professionalism. “I was inspired by JFF’s holistic way of supporting individuals on their fertility journey, and by JFF’s commitment to raising awareness. I volunteered at JFF for a few months and knew I needed to get more involved when the opportunity arose.”
In her role as manager, Smolkin will continue to serve her community in a meaningful way.
“It has always been important to me to be part of a community that is intentional in how people care for one another. Much of my life took place in Los Angeles, CA, surrounded by a loving family and dedicated Jewish community. This remarkable community of thoughtful, intelligent individuals was the first to show me what it looks like for people to care for each other through all aspects of life.”
Smolkin has witnessed incredible resiliency within those around her, including those who have experienced infertility firsthand. “I am honored to serve this amazing community as I begin my work as the JFF-Cincy Manager.”
