If These Walls Could Kvell is Mamaleh’s love letter to the modern matriarchs, the culture keepers, and the people who remind us where we came from (and to bring a sweater). Each installment features a person we admire—sharing stories, rituals, objects, and wisdom passed down (or reinvented) with chutzpah, humor, and heart
We're Kvelling Over: Elana Frank
Mom of 3 through IVF and embryo donation, founded the Jewish Fertility Foundation (JFF) to help others navigate infertility. I speak nationally about engaging Jewish leaders on fertility, reproductive rights post-Roe, empowering women, and scaling sustainable nonprofits. With $7M+ raised, 235+ babies born (77 more on the way), and 10 hubs, JFF is now expanding nationwide.
Jewish Flavor?
Most treasured piece of inherited wisdom—or object?
Most treasured piece of inherited wisdom—or object?
Yiddish word you live by (or just like the mouthfeel of)?
What's a sleeper Jewish food you wish more people would get on board with?
Your family’s story in three words?
A mother figure who shaped you?
My Safta Fira was the most badass woman I’ve ever known. She moved from Russia to Israel to give her children a better life, and when that life wasn’t coming easily, she took the last shekel she had and got on a bus to visit Golda Meir (before she was Prime Minister!) and told her, “Send me back to Russia if this is the best Israel can offer.” That moment changed everything—her story became well-known, and the Israeli government ended up buying her an apartment. The women in my family are fierce, fearless, and always at the front. We marry strong men—not to lead us, but because they’re strong enough to walk beside us.
What did you wear to your bat mitzvah?
OY. Let’s start with the hair. I desperately wanted long, straight hair like all my friends—but my mom didn’t know what to do with curls, so I had a mullet. For years. By the time my bat mitzvah rolled around, Sarah McClintock dresses were everything, so of course I wore one—with all the poof and shine that implies.
Your bat mitzvah theme?
Telephones. Yes, you read that right. Rotary phone centerpieces. Corded phone cake. Double oy.
What's something, to you, that's Jewish, even though it isn't.
IBS. Technically not Jewish… but in my family? It's practically hereditary. We’ve got nervous stomachs the way other families have heirloom candlesticks. If someone’s not asking, “Is this going to upset my stomach?”—are we even related?
Lightning Round
Mahj or Canasta?
Mahj.
Whitefish or Tuna?
Whitefish.
Gold or Silver?
Silver.
Katz’s or Langer’s?
Katz’s.
Camp Vibes?
Co-ed.
