We wrap up our 2025 season of Mensches in Cars Getting Coffee with a nice bowl of coffee cholent! In our final episode of the season, Yanky Schorr sits down with active member of The Associated’s Young Adult Division (YAD) and Fred Walpert Award Winner – Jesse Elkin.

Jesse is one of two recipients of the 2025 Fred Walpert Young Leadership Award, sharing the honor with Lauren Braunstein. Catching up at a local favorite, the Knish Shop, Yanky and Jesse chat about everything, from Jesse’s Mt. Rushmore of mensches, Shabbat dinners and what it means to be Jewish.

The Fred Walpert Young Leadership Award is presented to two growing young leaders based on their involvement and effective leadership within The Associated community. Fred Walpert was a role model and mentor, inspiring colleagues and friends to take an active role in The Associated.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Jesse has always been involved with The Associated, first through his parents and now as the co-chair of YAD’s Young Leadership Council (YLC).

“It’s very humbling. The Associated has been an important part of my life since I was a child… And to be recognized is very meaningful to me.”

Jesse’s personal involvement with The Associated began in 2018 when he moved back to Baltimore. Looking to do something for the Jewish community, Jesse started participating in a program called Conversations Happening Around Town. A couple years later, Jesse became a host in the program, where he met his future wife, Jess.

Jesse recently chaired the Young Adult Division’s Ben-Gurion Society – a recognition level for young adults who make a gift of $1,000 or more. Today Jesse co-chairs YLC, a two-year program for Jewish leaders ages 29-39 that is designed to help them make a major difference in their communities.

“For me, it’s very important to help other young professionals in the community, like myself, get more connected to Jewish Baltimore.”

And for Jesse, that is the most fulfilling part of his involvement with YAD.

“Working with young professionals and matching them with what they want to do, helping them realize their passions and how they can get involved — At this part in my Associated journey that’s important to me right now.”

Learn more about our other Leadership Awards and the young men and women who commit their time and support to the growth of Jewish Baltimore.