Join us February 26 at 11:00 AM at the Friedman JCC to hear about the book “From Mistakes to Miracles” as Lori Prashker-Thomas Discusses Adoption, Stigma, Shame, & Standing Strong in Her Book
Join us for a light brunch co-sponsored by Friedman JCC and Temple Israel.
Food under dietary supervision of Temple Israel.
Reservations are required Contact Barbara Sugarman at 570-824-4646
No cost for the program. All are welcome!
Writer, speaker, and advocate, Lori Prashker-Thomas, of Kingston, discusses the journey of moving through an abortion clinic to placing a child for adoption and reuniting years later, the stigma placed on Jewish birth mothers, the trauma behind her decisions, and getting her life back in her first-ever published book, From Mistakes to Miracles: A Jewish Birthmother’s Story of Redemption, Hope, & Healing. “She is strong, compelling, and authentic,” said Erica Sager-Pelman, founder of In Shifra’s Arms— the only Jewish organization in the United States dedicated to supporting women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. “She has the courage to break into topics rarely discussed in the Jewish community, using her life’s story to heal and to inspire.”
At age 23, Prashker-Thomas’s life was unraveling. Pregnant and alone, she felt abortion was her only option. When she could not bring herself to go through with the abortion, she set out on a lifetime’s journey as a Jewish birth mother. “I ran from telling my story because of the shame— ashamed of myself and afraid of shaming my family,” explained Prashker-Thomas. “I ran for many years, but now I stand strong. It is time to break the stigma!”
Twenty years later, her passion includes assuring the women she is privileged to meet and speak with that they are not alone, that they should try and make the best decision possible at any given moment, be honest with yourself, and with others, and embrace the future. “I was fortunate enough to attend one of Lori’s author events,” said Catherine DePasquale, author. “Her story is both captivating and inspiring.
Her journey as a birth mother is one of love and sacrifice. She speaks with an honesty that can be jarring at times, but her voice is ultimately one of hope.” From Mistakes to Miracles: A Jewish Birthmother’s Story of Redemption, Hope, & Healing is currently on sale on various bookseller’s websites and has been featured on PA Live! Prashker-Thomas is also the owner of Ceremonies by Lori and ShadowCatcher Photography, LLC, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. For more information, contact Lori Prashker-Thomas at (570) 258-5189 or visit www.loriprashkerthomas.com.
