A Joint Project of Two Families

We have launched the In Our Hearts project as response to our own traumatic losses. We were brought together by the sudden and untimely deaths of our sons, Elisha z”l, age 4, and Ilan z”l age 25, which occurred just 16 days apart. 

In the short few years following our tragedy we discovered that there is no one resource in the Jewish community that specifically addresses this unique and traumatic area of child loss and bereavement. We strongly believe that Judaism teaches that after experiencing personal tragedy we need help others who have experienced similar pain. We bring our experience and professional training in the fields of social work, Jewish education, and pastoral care to this important endeavor.

Reva and Dr Aaron Tokayer launched the Neta Ilan Foundation in memory of their son, Ilan Yechezkel z’l and Rabbi Aaron and Karen Goldscheider launched the Lishi’s Love Foundation in memory of their son Elisha Chanina z’l. Together we created the In Our Hearts project.

The ‘In Our Hearts’ project has been created to be a resource for families who have lost a child and to sensitize and educate the greater Jewish community and beyond in this painful area of loss and bereavement.

Judaism views this kind of loss as uniquely painful and traumatic. Parents who experience such a loss join the fellowship of the Shakhul, the Torah’s term reserved for this special category of bereaved parents. 

We are dedicated to creating a virtual home for families that have experienced child loss. We serve as a sensitive, supportive, and caring place to turn in addressing this delicate and traumatic experience.

Unfortunately we cannot change the reality, we cannot take away the pain, but we hope to strengthen you and be by your side as you live with the heartbreak and keep your child’s memory forever present.