What I learned was truly eye-opening. Through coffee dates and conversations, I gained a deeper understanding of the Jewish community’s unique experiences and challenges.  

I was surprised by how similar our human experiences are, despite the differences in our backgrounds. I came to realize how easy it is to stay in our cultural bubbles without ever reaching out to those who may be living just around the corner. 

I hoped others in the group learned that I’m someone who values connecting beyond surface-level interactions and who is genuinely curious about the experiences and cultures of others. I wanted them to see that I approach these conversations with empathy and a willingness to listen, so I can better understand perspectives different from my own. 

Yes, I’ve continued the conversation since then. The relationships formed during the fellowship have stayed with me, and I’d love to keep exploring these discussions.  

Moving forward, I’d like to continue having open, honest conversations and create spaces where people from all backgrounds feel comfortable sharing their stories. As for the next steps, I’d be eager to take part in any initiatives that allow us to continue this journey together—whether that’s through follow-up programs or group discussions that challenge us to grow further. 

A particular highlight for me was the conversation on confronting your mountain top.  

That day, I had a personal breakthrough: I realized that I may not have been actively considering other cultures because I’ve been so focused on my own. It wasn’t intentional; it was simply because my culture is my bubble, and it feels like home. That realization reshaped how I approach conversations with people who may hold biases or stereotypes.  

Having the chance to break bread with people from the Jewish community helped me see them as they are—individuals just like all of us, striving to live the best lives they can. That moment made me appreciate the power of these conversations in breaking down barriers and fostering empathy across cultures. 

When I opened an email about the Rekindle Fellowship, I was excited to learn of this program and eager to apply. I saw Rekindle as an opportunity to grow a deeper understanding of the Black community, look at challenges and opportunities in our collective Black-Jewish communities’ past, and have conversations and experiences that would help me connect and improve lives in Baltimore. I was especially interested in new relationships with peers looking for similar experiences and impact. 

Yet, how could I distill my experiences with equity conversations and with the Black and Jewish communities into application responses? Could I put into words my desire to learn more along with and from members of the Black and Jewish communities, and experience and collaborate to change our understandings and better our communities?  

I was determined to be a part of this cohort, so I tried to put aside any perfectionism and applied. 

Rekindle furthered my understanding of (and demonstrated how much more I have and want to learn about and collaborate with) Baltimore’s Black community. I hoped for this to be my experience. 

However, I was not expecting the readings, discussions and experiences to lead me to think more deeply about my identity as a Jew and my role in Jewish spaces. Describing my personal experience, answering questions, listening to my peers be vulnerable and participating in a synagogue service allowed me to consider what I value most about Judaism. 

The Jewish community, Black community and Jewish-Black relations are complex and diverse and face both challenges and opportunities. Rekindle did not answer all my questions since learning and growing as a Jew and collaborating with the Black community is not something to solve and ever be complete. 

Yet, the Fellowship helped me grow and is helping me continue to form and ask new questions (personally and of the Jewish and Black communities). 

Now comes the challenge of applying my Rekindle experience to my passion for expanding opportunities for Baltimore youth through K-12 education, youth programming, college access and career readiness. I am excited to have my Rekindle cohort members, facilitators and guest speakers as partners as I continue to grow my understanding of how I can further the Jewish and Black communities and help them collaborate, support each other and address challenges faced by the entire Baltimore community.  

The Rekindle Fellowship has created a bridge for our communities to learn, grow and collaborate together in innovative ways to improve lives in Baltimore now and in the future.