Get to Know Rachel Greenwald
After moving to Baltimore, Rachel Greenwald was looking for the same close-knit connections she grew up with in Hagerstown’s Jewish community. Through The Associated, she’s built meaningful relationships and found new ways to give back. Get to know Rachel as she shares more about her background, her Young Leadership Council (YLC) experience and the dog she brought home from Thailand.
Tell us about yourself! Where did you grow up and attend college? What do you do for work now?
I grew up in Hagerstown (Western Maryland). I attended the University of Maryland, where I met my husband, Mitchell Goldstein. My husband is originally from Pikesville, and we ended up in Baltimore after I started law school at UMD. We live in Canton, and I am currently a public defender in Baltimore City representing juveniles.
How did you first get involved with The Associated?
I was very involved in my Jewish community in Hagerstown. It was much smaller, but very tight knit. I wanted to find something similar when we put down roots in Baltimore. My aunt is involved with the Jewish Federation in Pittsburgh, and she connected me to some people she knew from The Associated.
You’re part of the latest Young Leadership Council (YLC) class. Why did you decide to apply?
I was matched with a mentor, Sarah David, through one of The Associated’s programs. She spoke extremely highly of her YLC experience and said it played a large role in her ability to be helpful on boards she was passionate about. It seemed like a great next step for me.
What has been your favorite YLC session so far?
My favorite YLC session was the allocations session. It allowed us to learn about a lot of the programs in The Associated network, while also giving us a preview of how difficult decision making can be when there are so many deserving programs that rely on The Associated’s funding. It also taught us how to work together in groups to come to consensus.
What advice would you give someone thinking about getting more involved with The Associated?
It can be intimidating to put yourself out there, but the payoff is worth it. I have already met so many great people through YLC, and it will be nice to have those connections as we all grow together in the future.
What’s your favorite part about Jewish Baltimore?
I love how accessible Jewish Baltimore feels. Growing up in a much smaller and rural Jewish community, I did not have access to much Jewish programming and community outside of our synagogue. In Baltimore, there are so many different avenues to receive the type of Jewish experience and connection you are seeking.
What’s your go-to coffee order?
An iced banana bread latte
What book are you currently reading?
I just started Yesteryear!
What’s something most people might not know about you?
I took a gap year in Thailand after graduating from college to teach English and travel from September 2016 until June 2017. I fell in love with a street dog named Winnie. I brought her home with me and she has been my best friend ever since.
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The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.
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