Fertility Friends is Yesh Tikva’s peer-mentoring program for Jewish individuals navigating infertility. We connect you with a trained fertility mentor who has lived experience with infertility, loss, or fertility treatments. Mentors understand the emotional, medical, and spiritual challenges of trying to build a family. They provide compassionate, confidential infertility support through phone, text, video, email, or in-person check-ins, creating a safe space to share grief, hope, fear, and joy.
Each month, we highlight a mentor who uses their experience to help fertility warriors feel seen, heard, and less alone. This month, we’re featuring Rebecca Ellstein, who has turned her own journey into meaningful support for others navigating infertility.
“After my daughter was born via surrogate, I was looking for ways to give back and feel more fulfilled. I was incredibly lucky to have support during that process—and during my prior fertility challenges for my son—and wanted to be that support for others going through their own fertility challenges.”
Rebecca’s story highlights the importance of peer support for individuals navigating infertility and the power of shared experience.
“Being a mentor has continued to heal me from my own trauma of years of infertility. It’s reminded me how healing it is to talk about what I’ve been through, and how gratifying it is to pay it forward. All it takes is talking to one person who understands what you’re going through to feel less alone.”
Mentoring allows Rebecca to provide emotional support for fertility warriors while deepening her own sense of connection and healing.
“Many people think about the physical repercussions of infertility and treatment, but don’t realize how much more challenging the emotional and psychological aspects can be. Infertility affects every part of your life, especially the waiting—unless you’ve been through it, you don’t realize how much patience and endurance is required for every step of the process.”
This insight reminds the community to approach infertility with empathy, awareness, and sensitivity.
“What helped me on Mother’s Day while waiting for my own child was to focus on my mom that day rather than my own situation. For loved ones, the best support is simply recognizing that the day may be difficult and letting the fertility warrior know you’re thinking of them and available if needed.”
Simple gestures and awareness can make a meaningful difference for fertility warriors navigating family-centered holidays.
Rebecca’s journey as a Fertility Friends peer mentor shows the power of shared experience, empathy, and emotional support. For fertility warriors navigating infertility, connecting with a mentor can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to feel seen, heard, and understood. Her story reminds us that even small acts of awareness, listening, and compassion can make a meaningful difference, whether during treatments, family-centered holidays, or the everyday challenges of trying to build a family.
To become a Fertility Friends peer mentor or be paired with one, learn more here.
The Support Line offers a confidential space for emotional support, information, and referrals related to infertility and family-building challenges. A trained professional will meet with you for short-term support and help connect you to Yesh Tikva programs and trusted external resources.
We look forward to connecting with you.
Please note: This is not a crisis line. If you need immediate help, call 911 or your local emergency number. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate support, call or text 988 (U.S. & Canada) or use their online chat.
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