As we approach the end of the year it is helpful to reflect on steps that can be taken to reduce taxes that otherwise would be due. When asset values are down, many advisors are reluctant to bring up charitable giving with their clients. They […]
Beth H. Goldsmith, former chair of the board, went out into the community to meet with experts from our AgeWell Baltimore partners.
My 11 years at Camp Louise was lifechanging. I was hooked from the start. Camp was a welcome escape from stresses at home and a place where I felt like I could be myself in a world where many teenagers struggle to navigate life. Camp […]
Amee Cookler, the Macks Center for Jewish Connection’s new Camp Connector talks about her favorite camp memories, Jewish connections and more!
In our latest Pull Up A Chair, we meet Mark Newton, who recently retired after working at the Weinberg Park Heights JCC print shop for 23 years. A job, he says, that changed his life.
He has parlayed his business expertise into an opportunity to serve as a mentor for 4Front’s Social Innovation Fellowship, a hands-on entrepreneurship program that inspires and empowers Jewish teens to be changemakers in their community. And the best part? He gets to work alongside his […]
This began the harrowing journey that led to the Levis’ escape to America in 1941. My father has no conscious memories of his life in Europe or the journey that led to their escape. He was 4 ½. His family changed their surname, and they […]
Through JCS’s Financial Wellness program, the organization is providing coaching for community members, including those who do not qualify for financial assistance. That means helping them create a spending and savings plan and then working with them as they implement it. “Everyone approaches money differently,” […]
You grew up in Buffalo, New York My family history is somewhat unique. On my mother’s paternal side, I am a fifth generation American whose family originally settled in Boston. My father’s grandfather was the first Jewish senator in the State of Ohio. My father’s […]
How did you get involved with The Associated? After college I moved to Baltimore to start my career and I came across The Associated’s Young leadership program. The Young leadership program was just starting when I participated in it, so it was cool to be […]
In a recent ceremony held outside Amigour Towers, a senior living facility in Ashkelon, community members gathered to witness the unveiling of three mosaic sculptures that were commissioned by The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. Working in partnership with Art With A Heart, The Harry […]
Moishe House Odessa residents share their experiences living and working in Odessa, Ukraine throughout the Russian invasion in this personal interview.
It is critical for prospective Jewish students to consider how active the Jewish organizations are on campus in order to ensure that there will be people with similar backgrounds and values at that college. Jewish life on campus can also be found through extracurricular clubs […]
Rosenbaum spoke about her remarkable journey from childhood fan to front office executive, while also reflecting on growing up Jewish in Maryland. Eve will be the speaker at The Associated’s Jewish Professional Women’s Kick-off Event on November 15. How would you summarize your role with […]
When Barbara was 15, she traveled to Baltimore. It was there, at a Park School dance, that she would ultimately meet her future husband, Samuel Himmelrich. Despite the long distance, the two remained in touch. When she moved to Baltimore to pursue a degree at Goucher […]
There was one other Jewish Officer Candidate in the class. When the class graduated, there were only 120 men remaining. Ironically, our graduation date of June 3, 1968 was one year to the day after my graduation in College Park. When I enlisted, I requested […]
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for educating the public about domestic violence and giving victims of domestic violence an opportunity to be heard. And in Baltimore’s Jewish community, CHANA is where victims of domestic violence can find help and hope. Regrettably, […]
A potential work around for your clients with IRAs/401(k)s/retirement plans who want to provide an income stream for their heirs, and who are charitably inclined, is to establish a Testamentary Charitable Remainder Trust (Testamentary CRT) and to name that trust as their IRA beneficiary. A […]
What makes a good leader? Micah Damareck: I believe there are so many different ways to define a good leader, and we all bring different qualities to the various teams we serve. In my opinion, a few common traits include resolve, curiosity, vision (and the […]
Join us for our next episode of Mensches in Cars Getting Coffee with one of 2022’s Fred Walpert Award Winners — Chavi Abramson!
Every year, Amy Pollokoff makes hundreds of cookies, including the fan-favorite Russian Tea Cookie — A Rosh Hashanah tradition that was started by her grandmother sixty years ago.
In September, friends and family joined Associated professionals for an evening celebrating six leaders who have made an incredible impact of Baltimore’s Jewish community.
Recipe provided by Eve Wachhaus: Deputy Director at Pearlstone Ingredients 1 lb. fresh brussels sprouts, washed 2-3 Tbsp. coconut oil 2-3 Tbsp. balsamic glaze 5 oz. roasted chestnuts 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 2 sprigs fresh thyme Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Trim bottom of […]
Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Survival Kit – Shimon ApisdorfAn easy-to-use guide for the High Holiday services. Take it to synagogue with you to help understand the prayers before saying them. Appreciate the hidden meaning behind the sounds of the Shofar and gain insights into Yom Kippur as an […]
This Tuesday, the Baltimore Jewish Council, an agency of The Associated, and other members of the Baltimore Jewish community will join in a sneak peak of the Ken Burns documentary, The U.S. and The Holocaust, a new three-part documentary that looks at America’s response to the Holocaust in the 1940s.
Apples, Apples, All Year Round: a Celebration of Jewish Holidays by Barbara Bietz and June Sobel “A tour through Jewish holidays, with apples as the lens”– Provided by publisher. Rachel’s Roses by Ferida Wolff and Margeaux Lucas “In the Lower East Side of Manhattan during the early […]
Why do you think it’s important to get involved in the Jewish community in which you live and work? I think it’s important to get involved in the Jewish community because the community that I grew up in gave so much to me. I went […]
It’s back-to-school time and as parents, we want to make sure our children get off to a positive start. We’ve asked Jessica Fink, executive director, Jewish Library of Baltimore to give families book suggestions to help make the transition to new year a little less stressful […]
Recently, Beth H. Goldsmith, former Chair of the Board, went out into the community to meet with experts from The Associated system, who are making sure your kid’s back to school is the best ever. Join Beth as she sits down with Rabbi Aaron Levitt, […]
A Baltimore City resident, Jodie Zisow-McClean was The Macks Center for Jewish Connection’s (formerly the Macks Center for Jewish Education) first LGBTQ Community Connector. Jodie and several other Community Connectors started their two year journey in September 2019, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic severely limited […]
In June of 2022, I received an exciting text from one of The Associated staff explaining that there was a staffing position open for a program called Diller Teen Fellows. Itching for any chance to get back to Israel, I eagerly replied, interviewed, and accepted […]
Thinking back to my childhood in Boston, I have happy memories of Rosh Hashanah. Yes, shul was longer than usual. But we got to hear the Shofar being blown, and found it hilarious when the Shofar sound didn’t come out right. We’d try to hold […]
How can parents help to ease the transition back to school for kids who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic? We are only starting to understand the mental health impact that COVID-19 has had on our children, and schools are devoting more resources to […]
Jonathan moved to Baltimore, along with his wife Dr. Jennie Faber, an OB-GYN, in 1993 when she began her residency at Sinai Hospital. They raised their two children here and have remained active in Jewish Baltimore ever since. Here are 10 things to learn about […]
In our latest Pull Up A Chair Podcast, we sit down with Ben Snyder, Baltimore County High School teacher who spent two summers teaching English in Israel – an experience that he will remember for the rest of his life.
Lucky for the Baltimore Jewish community you changed career paths. I originally went to college to become an accountant. My grandfather was an accountant, my father was a math teacher and an engineer. Yet I realized, once I took a few math courses, they just […]
The emotional labor required to initiate a repair request is unfair and, with the racial demographics so skewed, seemingly impossible. Being a leader in one’s community can be even harder, because when those hurts happen, there is often little recourse. Our desire for repair can […]
In this episode of Pull Up A Chair, Linda Miller and her daughter, Karen Singer, share stories of the power of giving back, paying it forward and life on a sheep farm!
The 21st Maccabiah Games take place in Israel on July 12-26, 2022 with the opening ceremony being held at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on July 14. We got the chance to interview a few Baltimore natives who will be competing for team USA in Israel […]
2.) What does it mean to you personally to be representing Team USA during the 21st Maccabiah games? It is a new experience for me because, throughout my journey in sports, I’ve always been one of, if not, the only Jewish members of my teams, so […]
Ukraine native Polina Blinder shares her thoughts about life in Odessa since the beginning of the Russian invasion. As Educational Program Coordinator of Migdal JCC, Polina coordinates programming for school children and teenagers and has recently shifted her focus to better meet the needs of […]
It’s that bittersweet time of year when we have to say goodbye to our wonderful 2021-2022 Baltimore Shinshinim.
The Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation (JWGF) of Baltimore, a program of The Associated, was established more than 19 years ago by a forward-thinking group of women who believed in the transformative power of collective philanthropy. Each year, JWGF convenes a group of women who […]
Once she joined, Siegel saw how dedicated the women in JWGF were. “It’s their calling, their passion. It’s been a great experience.” Giving circles such as JWGF allow women to pool their resources to support organizations they believe in. They also teach women to be […]
In this episode of Pull Up A Chair, we look at a story of finding love at the JCC! Sam and Deborah Barsky share their love story. Spoiler alert — Deborah’s mom played a small role.
Liore talks how she engaged her daughter in Jewish life during the pandemic thanks to the Community Connector program through The Associated’s Macks Center for Jewish Education.
Time together I spend a fair amount of time with my grandkids since they and my two children live here in Pikesville, within walking distance to me and my wife, Annie. With the advantage of proximity, Annie and I have worked, individually and together, to foster close relationships with […]
The lazy days of summer are upon us. As our life slows down, and we spend time at the beach, by the pool or near the lake, there is nothing like a great book to help us escape. We asked local Baltimoreans what they recommended […]
Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) are a great option for you and your charitably minded clients in both stable and unstable economic climates. And with rates set to rise as of July 1, 2022, a CGA is a great combination of a charitable gift and an […]
The Maccabiah Games, often referred to as the “Jewish Olympics”, takes place every four years in Israel. We caught up with Katzenberg in between practices and school to learn more about how she earned her place on the team and what it means to connect […]
Some people may find it difficult to understand the relationship you shared with your pet. It is a special and unique bond that many may minimize, even if unintentionally. You’re told things like, “it’s just a cat” or “you’ll get another dog.” But it’s not […]
When things opened up, she found herself spending more time with her three daughters and three grandchildren (two were born during the pandemic). She volunteered extensively, often incorporating her passion for learning, books and libraries. She became President of the Baltimore County Board of Library […]
On the latest episode of In Perspective, Beth H. Goldsmith, Associated’s Chair of the Board, sat down with a panel of experts to discuss current and future projects that will strengthen the neighborhoods of Central Park Heights, Pimlico and Jonestown. As part of the episode, […]
The Macks Center for Jewish Connections will support Jewish journeys for Baltimoreans through Jewish living, learning and service. It will combine the work of Jewish Volunteer Connection with the family engagement agenda of the Macks Center for Jewish Education to establish a new organization dedicated […]
As found in Shalom Baltimore Magazine. Now, for Kahn, travel was off the table. Socializing became difficult. Yet with all those hours freed up, this gregarious and active woman had to find ways to fill her days. Her daughter, Lisa Kahn Budlow, encouraged her to […]
Dr. Harriette Wimms will serve as The Associated’s new Jews of Color Engagement Fellow, a pilot funded by the Jews of Color Initiative and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.
I understand your parents in some ways were trailblazers in the 1960s. Yes. When I was a child, my mother was asked to become president of the Baltimore Music Club, an organization that brought music into public schools and gave scholarships to young, up and […]
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health is both significant and unknown. That’s why Jewish Community Services (JCS) bolstered their already wide range of services, including counseling and therapy. Three brave community members reflect on how they came to tackle their mental health […]
Fortunately, three decades of work in Ukraine have created immeasurable relationships that are helping our Odessa friends during these tumultuous times. And the fact that our overseas partners have long-standing on-the-ground networks in Ukraine is making a major difference. We spoke with Nina about our […]
The Head of Absorption, Deputy Mayor Sophie Beilin, and the staff of the Absorption Department are making every effort to assist and facilitate the immigrants – accompanying them to various government institutions, finalizing their status, providing information and making city services accessible, according to one […]
We had the chance to sit down with Mike for an unscripted, casual conversation as part of The Associated’s series, Mensches in Cars Getting Coffee. We were also fortunate to have the chance to chat with Jen over Zoom. The Fred Walpert Young Leadership Award […]
First job post-graduate school? “I graduated in 1984 and started my career at The Associated where I retired from in 2016. For half of my time at The Associated I worked in community planning and allocations and the other half was spent in a newly […]
I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t know my grandma was a Holocaust survivor. This is a stark contrast from my mom, a second-generation survivor, who had never even heard the word “Holocaust” until age thirteen when she discovered the topic […]
I have had the pleasure of attending many Sephardic and Ashkenazi seders in my life. Living many of my teenage years in Memphis, TN meant almost all those Passovers were Ashkenazi. We were one of the very few Sephardic families in town, and the only […]
Nestled up in the rolling hills of Reisterstown, just outside of Owings Mills, sits the Pearlstone Center and Outdoor Education Campus. This 180-acre campus is the hub for The Associated and Pearlstone’s mission to make The Associated system, and Jewish Baltimore, more sustainable. “And now, […]
According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, elementary school can be “an ideal place to begin discussing the value of diversity and the danger of bias and prejudice. These critical themes can be addressed through local and national historical events and can be reinforced […]
In a similar fashion, the English word human is cognate with the English humus (or soil). Both are derived from the proto-Indo-European root that signifies “earth” or “ground,” which suggests that in English, as in Hebrew, that which most deeply defines the human is our […]
Unfortunately, youngsters in Baltimore’s Jewish community are not immune from our country’s youth mental health crisis. Thankfully, youth professionals working in The Associated’s agencies are taking steps to meet the needs of our young people. Recently, JCC Program Officer Emily Stern and Senior Director […]
Q: What is special/unique about IWP? Mindy: It is a group of dynamic, inspiring, empowering like-minded moms who experience a unique spiritual yet personal, journey together. The outcome of this experience and the impact this collective group then has on the broader community is immeasurable. […]
If there is one thing I learned in my years of working with families on their financial plans, it is that no two families are alike, and no two plans can ever really be alike. I always approached my role as the “quarterback” or “CFO” […]
In 1975, I too was a refugee, seeking asylum from the oppressive, antisemitic, dictatorship of the former Soviet Union regime – the difference, I was not fleeing a country under attack. Nevertheless, the anguish of leaving behind loved ones, with no money to your name, […]
3. Growing up, Lisa was told knew she wanted to be a doctor. “In my family, you were allowed to choose between being a doctor and a lawyer. And, I didn’t like talking in front of people or arguing, so doctor sort of fit my […]
Good Deeds Day is an international celebration that unites people around the world with doing good for others and the planet, while offering local volunteer opportunities for all ages and abilities to go out in the Baltimore community as well as at-home. Ilene Schwartz, Chair, […]
“I am incredibly proud that The Associated and our Jewish community have mobilized in supporting those who need the kindness and resolve of a caring people,” said Associated President Marc B. Terrill in a Shabbat message earlier this month. “Our tradition teaches us to be […]
We spoke with Claire Fultz, Director of Mental Health at Jewish Community Services about the impact of the pandemic on the young adult population, how we are responding and what more needs to be done. What has contributed to the surge in mental health issues […]
Earlier this month, Beth H. Goldsmith, The Associated’s Chair of the Board, sat down with industry leaders and Associated agency execs to talk about mental health and how it is quickly becoming the next health crisis. As we look back on the last two years […]
When I began dating Jeff, my mom encouraged me to learn about his holidays, customs and traditions. I know now that a Catholic mother coaxing her daughter to immerse herself in all things Jewish isn’t so unusual, but I had absolutely no idea then. Her […]
The opportunities are everywhere, and so are Associated Women. In whatever way you are inspired to support your community – from hands-on volunteering and committee work to leadership positions – join us. If you have a few extra minutes, we want to hear from you! […]
I have been on a listening tour since I began as Executive Director in November 2020 – meeting individually with our Board members, my colleagues at The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the Maryland Department of Commerce, Israeli companies with a presence in Maryland, established […]
We know the pandemic has been difficult for teens. What are you seeing? Teens have experienced a lot of isolation during COVID-19, and it’s caused more anxiety than we’ve seen in the past. After being virtual and participating in limited activities for a little over […]
What We Do Every year, our agencies focus on making sure individuals with disabilities and their families are successful. With the pandemic, we made sure that our community did not lose access to valuable services and resources. Here is what we have accomplished: Since going […]
We talked to this retired CPA and Baltimore Hebrew congregant about what he’s been able to accomplish and where do we go from here. Tell me about Rachel My daughter Rachel was born deaf. Yet she never let that stop her from accomplishing so much. Despite […]
Growing up in Baltimore In Baltimore the apple does not fall far from the tree. I had a real “Ozzie & Harriet” wonderful warm and loving childhood. Graduated from the then Beth Jacob Congregation Hebrew School and even had my Bar Mitzvah at that shul […]
What’s on your menu this Passover? We asked our friends from the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership‘s Kesher program to send us their favorite recipes. From a delicious toasted matzah farfel recipe that’s been in Robin Neumann’s family for generations to Brian and Teri Litofsky’s Chocolate Nut Fudge […]
Natasha Baum began her Jewish Baltimore journey as a student and active participant with Towson University Hillel. Now one of the hosts for Shabbat with IMPACT, learn a little bit more about Natasha and her Shabbat creativity! What is the significance of Shabbat to you? […]
In this episode of Pull Up A Chair, we sit down with Michael Klein of The Ralph and Shirley Klein Foundation and how his family is committed to closing the gap on Holocaust education
Back in December, Beth H. Goldsmith, Chair of the Board of The Associated, sat down with a panel of experts to discuss a topic that affects us all — aging. In this episode of The Associated’s In Perspective, we explored the current trends and best […]
Alli Muser talks about her role as CJE’s new Camp Connector and the Jewish camping experience.
From a new fertility support initiative to a program to help older adults in our community – here are five ways we are working to support the community in 2022. To that end, we introduced AgeWell Baltimore. This Centennial initiative, supported by Irene and Robert […]
Why Family First? Eileen Norris, a SHEMESH reading specialist shared this story: When I was interviewing for my job at SHEMESH, I was told I’d have to come in and meet with Dr. Weisbord. I didn’t think much of it until I told my sister. […]
Baltimore native Karen Oppenheimer spent the first half of her professional career providing mental health services to children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings. As a licensed clinical social worker with a second graduate degree in education, Karen later pursued her interests and […]
At a time in the year when it is cold, dark and snowy, we celebrate the birthday of the trees, Tu B’shevat. While this holiday does not get as much fanfare as other winter holidays Hanukkah or Purim there are lots of lessons to be learned.
As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day, we asked several local leaders to write about the meaning of his legacy to the Jewish community and how we can honor him this year. He said: “This story symbolizes something basic about the universe. It symbolizes something much deeper […]
One area that I’ve wanted to shore up is volunteering as a family. Sure, we show up at Mitzvah Day, bake casseroles and pack lunches for Bunches of Lunches, and I really appreciate those relatively easy “plug & play” type opportunities. (Also the educational moments […]
As research has shown, ageism happens across all industries, but it is especially prevalent in the technology field and women tend to experience it at higher rates than men. Why the bias? As a mature worker, you may be seen as a liability and an […]
Welcome back to Pull Up A Chair, our monthly podcast where we explore different themes and what it means to build and be a part of a strong Jewish community. In this episode of Pull Up A Chair, we look at what connects us to community. For Baltimore […]
Whose idea was it to host the shlichim? Howie: I’m semi-retired. We have dogs and a beautiful piece of property with two empty bedrooms. Years ago, somebody sent me an email that said the Owings Mills JCC was looking for a medic for the summer. […]
Journey to Jerusalem Coming to Israel was the dream that we were born with. And this was the dream that people die with in Ethiopia. So, when my parents heard a rumor that there was a way to go in the early eighties, they didn’t […]
Answer the quintessential Baltimore question – where did you go to school? I attended Beth Tfiloh for middle school, McDonogh for high school, travelled to New England to attend Brandeis University for undergrad and returned to Baltimore to attend UB School of Law. I currently […]
Welcome back to Pull Up A Chair, our monthly podcast where we explore different themes and what it means to build and be a part of a strong Jewish community. We continue into our second season by talking with Ira Malis and Abigail Malischostak, father and […]
David Baron was born in Baltimore, Maryland but in 1983, his family moved to Israel after his father accepted a job opportunity in Israel at the American Embassy. For the next several years, David and his family made the city of Ra’anana, Israel their home. […]
Is there a recent program that received a grant through JWGF that you were most excited/inspired by? We are just diving in for this year, but I am excited to explore and fund work with girls in the area of mental health. The pandemic has […]
For this Baltimore native (OK … not technically … his family moved here when he was two), Neil has been changing lives since the late 70’s as president of his B’nai B’rith Chapter, Chesapeake AZA, in his school and then president of his fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi, at the University of Delaware […]
It was a year filled with challenges, but also a year filled with hope. Although it began with COVID-19 cases surging, January brought an unprecedented vaccine roll-out that solidified our belief that tomorrow would be brighter. Even though the pandemic continued to take center stage […]
You almost had an entirely different career. I attended the University of Vermont where I majored in forestry. Unfortunately, or looking back, maybe fortunately, I graduated when the stock market crashed in 2009. My career counselor basically told me that I wasn’t going to get a job. I decided to […]
Welcome back to Pull Up A Chair, our monthly podcast where we explore different themes and what it means to build and be a part of a strong Jewish community. This month, we are officially entering our second season! Thank you to everyone who has […]
What are your best tips or suggestions for charitable planning for the younger generation? My best tip for charitable planning (for the younger generation) is start early. Starting as early as possible allows growth and to set a routine. Also, start small and build upon it as […]
As the year draws to a close, many people reflect on the year that has passed and plan for the year to come. From an estate planner’s perspective, that may mean finally getting your clients to sign their estate planning documents that have been sitting […]
On September 13, the House Ways & Means Committee introduced a set of tax proposals as part of the House Democrats’ “budget reconciliation” package containing significant federal tax changes designed to raise revenue. On October 28, a revised “Build Back Better Act” bill was introduced […]
With Thanksgiving and Chanukah around the corner, this is the perfect time of year to show our appreciation for what we have and help others who need a little support. The Associated and its network of agencies are continuing to make lives brighter, with the help of the […]
Perhaps the new career path was a good thing…Lynne met her husband, Howard, at a CPA review class. “I introduced myself to him in class and offered to start a study group. Later that night, while I was out to dinner with my parents, I […]
We spoke with Ira, who is the current chairman of the investment management committee at The Associated and his daughter, Abigail Malischostak, partnerships manager at Jewish Volunteer Connection. Can you briefly tell us what is a Donor Advised Fund? Ira: Donor advised funds offer a […]
That identity would stay with her when she went to the University of Maryland, College Park, married and returned to Baltimore to raise her son. Her commitment to a strong Jewish community never wavered and she could always be found volunteering for many organizations throughout […]
Over the past nearly two years, we have all had time to think about what is truly important, and the upcoming holidays are the perfect time to consider talking to your children and grandchildren about your own charitable giving. Tell them why you give. And […]
Supporting The Associated is a family affair for Ronnie. She co-chaired a Lion of Judah event with her daughters, Leslie Schaller and Randi Settleman, and has introduced her five grandchildren to the concept of tikkun olam (repair the world) and tzedakah (righteousness). She was proud […]
Some theories include that a patient must have experienced poor parenting, domestic abuse, or stress in the home. While often this is the case, I know of numerous situations where those who suffer from mental illness experienced none of the above. My own children attended a […]
As the weather turns cooler and the nights grow longer, there is nothing better than curling up with a good book. We asked local community members and several of our professionals what books they are recommending right now. From fiction to memoirs to a book that marries Jewish […]
Rachel was born and bred in Baltimore. Al was born in Vienna, Austria. They met on a blind date over 55 years ago in Baltimore, MD. Advice for a long marriage? “A sense of humor certainly helps,” says Rachel. Al agrees that humor can be […]
Moving to a new area can certainly be exciting yet daunting, especially when your friends and family are miles away. And sometimes, as you transition to a new life stage, it can be challenging connecting to people with similar interests. That’s why The Associated, often referred to […]
No strangers to the local Jewish community, Melissa and Lee Brill have a busy life filled with work, volunteerism and a new baby on the way! Read how these Couples Committee members stay so involved and what advice they can offer. What suggestions do you […]
Raising awareness about domestic abuse is paramount, not just during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but all year long. Learn more about those in our community CHANA, an Associated agency, has helped in its 25 years of service.
For example, Laurie Rosen, who heads a VolunTeam for moms with kids under 10, has over 600 members. She is anxious to set up packing parties for her group outside her house. Who will receive the bags? JVC is identifying partners from their extensive network who may have needs. Jewish Community Services, CHANA and Shalom […]
CHANA arranged safe housing in another city prior to her trial for a final protective order, as well as transportation and housing in Baltimore for the trial. “They said I could reach out any time. They also arranged for me to have trauma counseling. I’m […]
That first leadership experience led to more opportunities, including chair of the JCC (she and her husband, Mike, have been the only couple to have both held that position in Baltimore … although 15 years apart), chair of the Associated Women’s Campaign and various Associated […]
Welcome back to Pull Up A Chair, our monthly podcast where we explore different themes and what it means to build and be a part of a strong Jewish community. In this episode, we meet Batsheva. Batsheva grew up with a learning disability, but thanks […]
Rachel Samakow and Hirsh Ament went to an Associated IMPACT event looking to get more involved in the Jewish Community and ended up finding their happily ever after. How did you meet? What brought the two of you together/what connected you to each other? Rachel: […]
Is there anything you’ve done differently during the pandemic, that you plan to continue I feel like our whole family is more in touch than usual. We were always doing a lot of family texts, but now since we’re spread out, we’re on Zoom and […]
Support our special emergency fund to provide emergency supplies and assistance to those in Louisiana who are suffering and in desperate need. We are working with our national partners who are intimately involved in the recovery efforts to help the displaced residents with basic needs and services. […]
In many ways, COVID-19 changed us, and some of the effects may last for years. Other concerns like climate change will dominate our conversations as our society looks for solutions. Here are five trends that will define 2021 and beyond. Older Adults will Outnumber Children […]
What suggestions do you have for someone wanting to become a leader within the Jewish community? The opportunities to learn from so many leaders in the Baltimore Jewish community through volunteer groups and synagogues has been one of the highlights that I have experienced. I […]
I was given a truly meaningful learning experience of Judaism and what being Jewish means. With my blossoming connection to Israel and Judaism, I developed a deep pride for being Jewish. My trip to Israel went beneath the surface and with my newfound sense of […]
As the weather starts to change and we look for new ways to keep us busy, take a look at a few ways to get out and stay connected to your community. Connect to Family and Friends No matter near or far, one thing this past year has taught us is that […]
This knowledge is why I would like to enhance the existing relationship between the planning team and the development professionals, so that we are working hand-in-hand to effectively raise funds to address the current community challenges. I also believe that there is a large cadre of devoted lay leaders, who currently work on the planning side, that could be amazing advocates in light of their vast experience. You […]
Kenny’s family has been in Baltimore since the 1890s. “My Zaidy was the president of Anshe Niesen on Exeter Street, my mom grew up in Park Circle and my dad in Pimlico.” After graduating from the Talmudical Academy, Kenny studied for two years in Israel. He […]
What is the BJC’s role during the High Holidays? This year, we met with local law enforcement to discuss best ways to ensure safety during the High Holidays. This includes bringing in foot patrols and helping with traffic, among other measures. I’m also always on […]
How would dinners be with just my husband? Would we really be able to travel more or would that be limited due to his demanding job? What would my day-to-day life look like? I had started volunteering when my children, Lindsey and Daniel, were young, […]
Chicken for Rosh Hashanah Courtesy of Loryn Lesser, Lion of Judah Endowment, Co-Chair Preheat oven to 350°FServes six adults as written Ingredients:Enough chicken pieces to serve six peopleSalt and pepper to tasteOlive oilHoney2 cups cider12 medium-sized carrots sliced or 6C baby carrots1 ½ whole acorn […]
Though the learning curve was a bit steep at the beginning, we eventually found The Associated through Jen and Jake Lieberman. After a several hour Zoom call with them, we knew that this organization would help us not only in cultivating new friendships in a […]
Welcome back to Pull Up A Chair, our monthly podcast where we explore different themes and what it means to build and be a part of a strong Jewish community. In this episode, we meet Paul Lurie, chief operating officer for the Jewish Community Centers […]
In a recent video, Baltimore’s local Rabbanim, in a unified message, encouraged Baltimoreans to get the COVID-19 vaccine. With COVID-19 cases spiking in recent weeks, due in part to the surging Delta variant, Baltimore’s Rabbis stress the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine – a […]
When Aviva was discharged 10 days later, I began planning my trip to meet the baby girl named for my late father. I settled on mid-July when my son would be on break from his yeshiva and his wife would still be on maternity leave. My […]
She Traded in Law for Family Amy went to Yale University and the University of Michigan Law School and always assumed she’d be a judge or partner in a law firm. “When my husband, Pete, and I first moved to Baltimore, I took the Maryland Bar. I had an infant at the time and was living […]
When Rena Stern Kates moved here from Los Angeles for her husband Max’s urology residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, she really only expected to stay for six years. But to their surprise, the couple quickly realized how much they liked Baltimore. Today, as working parents […]
Welcome back to Pull Up A Chair, our monthly podcast where we explore different themes and what it means to build and be a part of a strong Jewish community. In this episode of Pull Up A Chair, we talk with Baltimore born and bred, […]
Harriette and Stephen Wienner, both born and bred Baltimoreans, originally met in high school working at local hangout Mike’s Pizza in Pikesville. Their paths crossed again after college, and together, they have raised three adult children in the heart of Jewish Baltimore. A lot may […]
Since January 2020, COVID-19 has been spreading around the world and has impacted all 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories. Currently, the U.S. is under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order halting evictions in counties with substantial or high rates of transmission (as defined by the CDC) […]
For those of us who live in Charm City know that despite Baltimore’s real challenges, there is so much to celebrate here. A city of neighborhoods — each with its own unique history and distinct character — Baltimore is full of promise! And, The Associated: […]
The following programs and initiatives represent the breadth and depth of Associated Women. These updates reflect the achievements of the past fiscal year, July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Chapter Two Chair: Karen SingerProfessional Partner: Michelle OstroffParticipants: Lisa Abrams; Liora Brunn; Jill Eidelman; Pam […]
Experts predict that quantum computing will change the world. Quantum computers can alter the way we do business, transform the way we treat illnesses, improve data security and tackle complex problems – in a more practical timeframe. Many are looking to lead the race of […]
Ten college students are participating in Onward Israel, an 11-week hybrid internship program subsidized by The Associated and uniquely crafted this summer for our Baltimore cohort. These students all hail from Baltimore but attend universities around the country. Read about several of the participants and […]
I hope and pray our community will be safe and deeply connected and invested in the State of Israel. I hope we will find new ways to connect with each other, online and in person, while also deepening our understanding of the differences between us. […]
In today’s lightning-fast world of smartphone photography and social media, news and entertainment, who is saving what for future generations? When was the last time you archived your smartphone photos for posterity? “The average computer or smartphone user often finds that she has neither the […]
I’ve been thinking a lot about the relationship of philanthropy and estate planning lately. It is not a new topic for me as I’ve felt for years that estate planning should not be solely about taxes and maximal transfers, but should also focus on the […]
The rise in antisemitism over the past several months, and particularly in recent weeks, is alarming. More than 2,100 acts of assault, vandalism and harassment have been recorded in the US alone. This is the highest level of antisemitic incidents since tracking began in 1979. […]
“Sometimes the sheer number of people dead or who escaped from events like the Holocaust can be difficult to process, but when you put a face to the event, it becomes a lot more personal and touching,” she says. “The program gave me personal knowledge […]
Welcome back to Pull Up A Chair, our monthly podcast where we explore different themes and what it means to build and be a part of a strong Jewish community. In this episode, we meet Bean, Steve and Lauren — three generations of the Sibel […]
Welcome back to Pull Up A Chair, our monthly podcast where we explore different themes and what it means to build and be a part of a strong Jewish community. For this episode, Sharing Nine Decades of Life in Jewish Baltimore, we connect with Rae […]
I remember when my daughter Maya was about four years old, we were lying in the grass in our yard at Green Tree, looking up at the sky and watching the clouds overhead. I asked her what images she saw in the clouds passing over […]
Cease-Fire to End 11-Day Tensions With more than 12 hours into the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, we are pleased to see relative calm restored to the region. However, the relentless rocket attacks from terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip have caused loss of life, […]
On the flip side, while many have enjoyed working from home – becoming more proficient in their work and gaining new skills – there are many others who have experienced dissatisfaction and unhappiness. The forced remote work has led to isolation, a surge of mental health issues, and an overwhelming number of responsibilities all occurring in the same space at the same […]
A few years ago, in-between traveling for business and working 80+ hours a week, Robin Belsky got stuck in an airport. She grabbed and read a small 183 paged book while killing time called, What I Know Now—Letters To My Younger Self by Ellyn Spragins. […]
Under normal circumstances, your senior year in high school is one of the best years of your life. You are almost at the finish line, celebrating all of your accomplishments, relishing in being the ‘leaders’ of the school and looking forward to the future. But […]
A new program that promotes healthy aging … a new vision for the Jewish Museum of Maryland … an exciting national announcement. Here are five things to know about The Associated this spring and summer. Introducing a New Initiative for Older Adults AgeWell Baltimore Specialists connect older adults and their caregivers to over 40 coordinated services and programs that include: counseling […]
We sat down with this dynamic new director to get to know him better and learn about how he sees the JMM moving forward. You previously served as the executive director of the Jewish History Musuem and Holocaust History Center in Tucson, AZ. What are you most proud of? […]
Today, on Mother’s Day, we at The Associated wanted to thank all the mothers and mother-figures in Jewish Baltimore for all that you do. Where would we be without you? We reached out to some members of our community to see what they had to […]
Past Young Leadership Council (YLC) participants discuss how their involvement has shaped their entry into becoming a Jewish leader.
The day schools closed for the coronavirus pandemic was supposed to be Tamara Rubin’s last day as a senior at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. The next few months before graduation would bring a much-anticipated internship, a school trip to Poland and Israel and then […]
It’s first thing on a Monday morning and the kitchen at Pearlstone is already buzzing. The Executive Chef Rebecca Pauvert, along with her culinary team, are hard at work preparing 150 quarts of tasty, nutritious soup. The soup will be picked up by Baltimore Gift […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded we all make sacrifices. We’ve worn masks, social distanced, postponed simchas and in too many cases, endured unthinkable tragedy. Despite these hardships, some have looked beyond their personal challenges to help others who are struggling. We’re proud to say that […]
Meet Izzy Bennett, Changemaker and Associated IMPACT Group Member, as she discusses the pandemic, life after college and more.
The piece de resistance. On April 6 our granddaughter and first grandchild, Dalia Shir Hornstein, was born to Jon and Erika. I haven’t stopped smiling since she arrived. It is also so gratifying to see my son as a father. He has been so attentive […]
Have you ever participated in a similar program before? We were so excited to watch Oz Pearlman wow us with his tricks, especially through Zoom! How did you become involved with The Associated? We have been involved in The Associated on various committees for years. […]
“That decision,” says Ben Gershowitz, vice president of facilities at The Associated, “is part of our corporate mission and values, which is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jewish culture. It drives our commitment to be good stewards of the environment.” From solar farms to […]
Rachael Tillery, a senior financial analyst with Brown Advisory, was first introduced to Jewish Volunteer Connection (JVC) last year when she wanted to do something about food insecurity.
The Committee made this selection based on David’s extensive experience and professional achievements. He has been the Regional Director of the Baltimore/Washington Region for the Americans for Ben Gurion University since 2012 and recently added the Director of Intelligence and Analytics to his extensive portfolio. […]
Welcome back to Pull Up A Chair, our monthly podcast where we explore different themes and what it means to build and be a part of a strong Jewish community. For this episode, Lessons of the Shoah, we commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah, through […]
“I remember as a child lining up at Cross Country Elementary with my Jewish classmates to take the bus to Beth El Religious School … or walking to the Park Heights JCC after school to learn how to sew. All my friends were Jewish, and […]
BDS, which is an acronym for “boycott divestment and sanctions” is a Palestinian-led movement, first launched in 2005. It has caused significant tensions at a number of colleges and universities over the years. What effect does it have on our Jewish student population and what […]
They have also launched the COVID-19 Loan Fund for Communities in Crisis and The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore stepped up to extend support to desperately needed Jewish communities in Italy and Spain. “The coronavirus crisis is causing severe financial distress in Jewish communities across […]
Meeting Lou I grew up 30 minutes from NYC in a small town called Maplewood, NJ. I met my husband, Lou, at the University of Delaware. We were each in the unique position of being the only Jewish member of our respective fraternity/sorority. On our […]
There are many meaningful facets to the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership and my family has been the beneficiary on many levels. Our son, Ethan, is an alumnus of HaZamir. I remain grateful to Erika Schon who encouraged us to have Ethan consider trying out for the International […]
Maryland and Israel may be separated by many miles, but the connection is much closer when it comes to innovative ideas and developing programs that benefit all. Thanks to the efforts of the Maryland/Israel Development Center, an agency of The Associated, LifeBridge Health is making […]
Think you know Paul Weinberg? Well, we asked him some questions about work, family and life during the pandemic and you’ll be surprised by what you discover. Paul is also performing, along with friends Dave Markowitz and Matt Chase, at our upcoming Summer Music Fest. […]
Although Linda, mother of four and grandmother of six, did not grow up here, involvement in the Jewish community was a priority from the moment she made Baltimore her home. As a development professional in the Jewish community for more than 25 years, Linda’s latest […]
This past February on The Upside, the weekly show made in partnership with The Associated and Jmore Magazine which brings on guests to discuss matters important to the Baltimore Jewish community, hosts Beth Goldsmith, chair of the board at The Associated and Scott Rifkin, publisher […]
For this episode of Pull Up A Chair, we celebrate the power of reading and the magic that happens from delving into a book; a book that expands your mind and your world.
The pandemic has wreaked havoc on college this year. What is the most pressing concern you are seeing among students? Josh: Connection. Our students want to be connected to one another, and to our campus. We have been 100% remote for a year, with a limited return to campus coming at the […]
Rabbi Chai Posner, Beth Tfiloh Congregation The Mishna teaches us that when we sit at the seder we must truly feel that we were slaves, and now we are free. After the year we have just experienced, we can all appreciate this even more deeply than usual. […]
Why Did You Decide to Become a Community Connector? I decided to be a Connector because community building is crucial for building movements towards social justice. Being a part of this network has pushed me to think of creative ways to stay connected with my […]
It began on March 5 when the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Maryland. On March 16, schools closed, as did public spaces. On March 23, all nonessential businesses shut their doors. When schools closed and students went remote, teachers and students struggled with the new […]
I am a native Baltimorean, but I didn’t grow up in Pikesville or Randallstown, or the areas that most of you think of when my peers say they grew up in Baltimore. I am not really good at the high school Jewish geography game, because I was one of three Jews in my high school graduating class; I guarantee you that you did not know me in high school.
Check out our Spotify Playlist for IMPACT’s Stretch to Give event on March 14. Get pumped to workout and add your favorite workout song (non-explicit)!
I was a Covid bride. I realize how trivial my struggles with a wedding were compared to the devastating and heartbreaking challenges others were facing from the impact of a global pandemic. I know that having to deal with a wedding during a pandemic is the best problem I could have had while others faced much heavier challenges.
As we hunkered down to protect ourselves from the growing surge in COVID-19, cases were reminded that many community members were also struggling economically. And this winter, they found themselves in a deeper hole. With your help The Associated and its agencies was able to respond to the community’s most pressing needs.
While some 68% of clients surveyed indicated that tax benefits are at least sometimes a motivation to give, 58% of clients in the study expressed a desire to have philanthropic conversations with their advisors early in their relationship. But most advisors wait to raise the […]
The Associated currently manages more than 400 donor advised funds (DAFs), also known as philanthropic funds. Charitably-inclined individuals and families commonly establish DAFs because of the many lifetime benefits that they provide, such as the ability to take an immediate tax deduction on the assets […]
To celebrate the launch of their new program, The Ignite Career Center, of Jewish Community Services of Baltimore, is hosting several events throughout the first week of March. These events are free and open to all. Ignite Career Center Launch Week Facebook Live with IgniteMonday, […]
Bonnie and Pacy Oletsky have maintained a donor advised fund at The Associated for 40 years, during which time the world and the Jewish community have endured war, financial crises, and now an international pandemic. Through all these times of need, their donor advised fund […]
Article by Barry Kessler with Anita Kassof. Originally published in Generations 2004: Recreation, Sports & Leisure by the Jewish Museum of Maryland. Part I: Everyone for Tennis? Glancing back at the hundreds of spectators surrounding the clay tennis courts in Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park that blazing Sunday […]
Traditionally, enrollment committees evaluate student applicants, considering their grades, test scores, extracurricular activities and personal statement or essay, evaluating their readiness for higher education and their “fit” for the college or university community. But the pandemic froze so many of those activities and created unprecedented […]
Julie has lived her life as a transplant. A true “nomad” as she likes to refer to herself, Julie was born in Camden, NJ But at the age of 2 ½, she moved to Vienna VA because of her father’s job at the Department of Defense. Since then, she’s […]
We asked some local camp directors to give us an idea of what’s in store for campers this summer. What can children (and by proxy their families) gain from attending camp this summer? Marty – This summer – more than any other time – our […]
2020 has been a year of change. One of the results of 2020 that has reverberated across the country is the need and desire for inclusivity to be encouraged, diversity to be embraced and for voices to be heard. That is where Amplifying Voices steps […]
Growing up in the Owings Mills area, Erika Rief Hornstein left Baltimore after high school but returned for graduate school where she earned an MBA/MA in Design Leadership at Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business and the Maryland Institute College of Art. Today, she is […]
How am I teaching my children? Heidi Topaz and Melissa Goldmeier, Community Connectors for the Macks Center for Jewish Education (CJE), were asked about their Jewish identity, and how they are passing on these values to their children. Melissa Goldmeier, Downtown Community Connector. What does it mean to you to be proud of your Jewish identity? […]
“You’d be amazed what kind of barriers you can overcome, without sacrificing any part of you, by just having a conversation.” “It’s just about having those conversations.” The first cohort was funded by The Nathan and Lillian Weinberg Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of The […]
Jason, CEO of a commercial real estate investment firm and current co-chair of The Associated’s Israel and Overseas Managing Council, sat down with us and shared his thoughts, personal experiences and a few fun facts. Here are 7 things you may not have known about […]
The Associated system both combats economic instability and promotes financial wellness in several key areas: providing emergency cash assistance, caring for older adults and people with disabilities, providing affordable housing and career services, addressing mental health and wellness and addressing food insecurity. The Associated system […]
Adding to their concerns was the fear that their children would not be able to learn without the hands-on, individualized and multisensory approaches they needed. At SHEMESH and the Macks Center for Jewish Education (CJE), both agencies of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, dedicated […]
On January 26, at 5:00 in the evening, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore with LifeBridge Health, convened a COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall. The virtual event, attended by hundreds of Baltimore community members, included a panel of medical leaders. Marc B. Terrill, president of The […]
I think we can all agree, parenting during the pandemic has brought on new challenges we never thought we would face when we decided to become parents. Not once, when my husband and I decided to start a family did I think about being stuck at home for 10+ months with a 12 and 10 year old while trying to manage virtual learning and working from home full-time.
What was your first job? My first job was as a staff attorney at a regional brokerage firm in New Jersey (I’m originally from New Jersey). I worked on regulatory matters, trade desk issues, as well as arbitration and litigation. But eager to be in “the” financial center, I got […]
In this episode of Pull Up A Chair, we talk with Reuben Danyali and Carsyn Levitt, two local teens who recently participated in one of 4Front’s signature programs. Through STAC, Students Taking Action for Change, Reuben and Carsyn developed an understanding of the political process, […]
A little more than three weeks ago, we lost a treasured friend, prolific speaker, and community advocate. Rebbetzin Dr. Aviva Weisbord A’H was all that and more to her staff at SHEMESH, a program of the Associated. Here are some thoughts and insights that they shared as they recalled their beloved Executive Director, Aviva. The […]
By Brittni Barcase This story was featured in “My Life During A Pandemic” No one can prepare you for the loneliness that accompanies motherhood. It can be extremely isolating. One minute you are a single person in the world and the next minute you are […]
At this point, we have heard the phrase “these are unprecedented times.” And while we may tire of hearing those words, it doesn’t change the reality that these are indeed, unprecedented times. Now that we are fully into the new year, we decided to reach […]
By Lauren Gill, CJE Community Connector Just before Christmas, my daughter, Madeleine, came to me to ask me what can only be described as a barrage of questions on all things Santa. “How does Santa get to all the houses in one night?” “How […]
“We loathe to define it. So we have a conceptual framework – at the end of the day, it’s important for people to be able to racially self-identify. It needs to be fluid and,” she adds “it depends on context.” Kaufman points out that Jews […]
It was early September. The semester had barely started when Sophie Gansky, a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, found herself quarantining with her roommates in their off-campus apartment. Gansky had been exposed to COVID-19. Now, stuck in an apartment for two weeks, […]
In response to the Hamas rocket attacks on Israel (May 10-20, 2021/Guardian of the Walls), The Associated set up an Israel Emergency Fund. The community response was overwhelming and as a result, The Associated was able to allocate direct funds to the following: Emergency funds provided some relief in the […]
My interest in genealogy dates back to 1954, the year of my bar mitzah. Rabbi Rosenblatt had given all of us graduating students a “roots” assignment: interview your parents and grandparents about who your ancestors were and where they came from. I still have some […]
Earlier job I worked at Good Shepherd Center, which was a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed teenage girls. It was a tough job because the girls were difficult, but I loved it. I have never had a better job. I taught English to […]
Ever since the pandemic interrupted our daily lives, several of us have sought refuge (and subsequent weight gain) in our kitchens. What better way to pass time, be with family and teach a little math and science along the way to the ultimate tasty treat? […]
As a Jewish educator it is my job and pure joy to make holidays fun and educational for my students. As a mom, I am delighted to see the joy in my son’s face when he is engaged in holiday celebrations. My son Asher, who […]
This is largely thanks to my being invited to serve on The Associated’s Baltimore Partnerships Committee, which has stirred me to participate in, attend, and give feedback on several community projects. This nudge has encouraged me to join the Baltimore Jews of Color Community coalition, […]
In this episode of Pull Up A Chair, we talk with long time camper and counselor Shelby Dorich and her mother, Susan Sirkis, as they share memories of their summers spent working and attending Camp Milldale. Anyone who remembers the allure of summer camps of […]
What is the last book you read? The Testaments by Margaret Atwood. What is currently in your Netflix (or other streaming) queue? Kim’s Convenience and the last season of Schitt’s Creek. Can you share some of your favorite family Chanukah traditions? I have two favorite […]
What was it like searching for and then starting a new job during COVID-19? Looking for a new job was stressful. Would I be able to get an in-person interview? How would I be able to shadow the position? What if I cannot sell myself over […]
Who would have thought that 10 months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we would still be in the throes of it? Although this time has been difficult for everyone, it has been particularly so for older adults. While parts of the community has opened up since the early days in March, many older […]
Life during the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for all of us. But for those who were struggling before the crisis, the effects have been dire, says Ashley Pressman, executive director of Jewish Volunteer Connection, an agency of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore. While […]
So, how did this horrible misunderstanding come about? Well, I’m guessing it’s partly due to Chanukah’s close proximity to Christmas, and the evils of assimilation. Currently, Chanukah and Christmas, not to mention Kwanzaa, Three Kings Day, and Korean New Year now have so much in common with each other that you […]
With the winter season fast approaching, and extra time spent at home, indoors. What is a kid to do? Spend time reading together as a family this Chanukah. Check out some of the favorite PJ Library books for Chanukah. For a more extensive list of PJ Library recommendations please see their book […]
1. Most of the Jewish Ethiopian community in Israel made Aliyah in two waves of immigration assisted by the Israeli government: Operation Moses (1984), and Operation Solomon (1991) 2. Today, Israel is home to the largest Jewish Ethiopian community in the world, with 7,000 living […]
The Jewish Federations of North America’s leadership development program, National Young Leadership Cabinet, educates the next generation of global Jewish leaders and philanthropists from across the United States. The Baltimore Jewish community has always been an incredibly engaged one, and so, it comes as no surprise, […]
3. If you could meet one person (dead or alive) who would it be and why? Kamala Harris to thank her for shattering the glass ceiling for all women. 4. Which show(s) have you binge watched during the pandemic? Schitt’s Creek and Shameless 5. […]
Building a Jewish community has always been a priority for Michael Green. So, when Michael became very sick with coronavirus early in the pandemic, it was no surprise that an entire community of friends, family and colleagues stood ready to help in his recovery. A […]
March 15, 2020 was the day of my daughters baby sprinkle. We were planning to celebrate with friends and family and everything was set and ready to go. Unfortunately, March 13th came first, and we made the tough decision to cancel the party. My world […]
With no immediate end in sight to the global pandemic, teens are finding their lives upended in more ways than one. During a time in life when they crave independence and peer connection, they are often forced to social distance and engage from home. So, […]
For this episode of Pull Up A Chair we take a close look at a very delicate topic…domestic violence in our community. We hear the personal story of survival from *Rachel, a well-known member of our community and learn from CHANA Executive Director Lauren Shaivitz […]
This spring, as COVID-19 transformed our world, The Associated partnered with The Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University to examine the impact of the pandemic on the Jewish community. Baltimore was one of 10 communities that participated in the study, which drew […]
It was April 2020 and the height of the global pandemic. Cases of COVID-19 were soaring across the state. Fraught with stress, knowing that information about the virus was changing constantly, Sophie Cohen, who was due with her third child, knew that this time would […]
The struggle is real. The pandemic has taken a significant toll on the mental health of many in Baltimore’s Jewish community. Fortunately, in these difficult times, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore’s agencies and programs are equipped to serve the needs of the community safely […]
Tax Legislation Update On September 13, the House Ways & Means Committee introduced a set of tax proposals as part of the House Democrats’ “budget reconciliation” package containing significant federal tax changes designed to raise revenue. On October 28, a revised “Build Back Better Act” […]
As longtime donors to The Associated, Becky and Josh learned about how donor advised funds (DAF) work, and recently decided a DAF made the most sense for their family to simplify their charitable giving. They enjoy the ease of giving through a DAF, stating that, […]
2020 has been a tumultuous year to say the least. As you and your advisors sit down to discuss year-end tax and charitable planning, there are several additional factors this year that can influence key decisions. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact virtually all aspects […]
As a young boy, growing up in Rockaway Beach, NY, in some ways Robert Keehn lived every young child’s dream. The son of a toy wholesaler, Robert looked forward to when his parents would vacation in Florida, for they would leave a garage full of toys – a new one for each day they were away. Every year on his birthday, his […]
As the pandemic continues, a growing number of people in our community are becoming newly vulnerable. Due to continued economic uncertainty, our community is facing increased need for job training and placement, mental health support and emergency financial assistance. There is a rise in the […]
Some legacies are written on buildings, others are remembered through awards – yours can be handed down from generation to generation. Making an after-lifetime commitment expresses the values instilled in you by your parents and grandparents. A legacy gift ensures that the traditions and Jewish […]
Recently The Associated and the Baltimore Jewish Times partnered together for the My 2020 Journey Writing Contest. This contest honors The Associated’s 100th birthday, capturing the historical perspective of 2020 and the importance of community during this unprecedented time. Get to know our youngest first place winners. Evan […]
Eileen Creeger, mother of two grown sons and grandmother to four adorable grandchildren, jokingly says that after working part-time for many years in various administrative jobs she had a mid-life crisis. Through career counseling she discovered that she loved working with words. What made […]
It looks like a long winter is ahead, and you’ve pretty much exhausted Netflix. Not sure what do in your spare time? Why not hunker down with a good book as the weather gets colder. We reached out to the Baltimore Jewish community for ideas on what they are reading right now as […]
It’s amazing to realize that generations from now Hebrew school students will be learning about life (and B’nai Mitzvahs) during the time of Covid. Right now, my daughter Lyla’s closet should be filled with dresses waiting to be worn to her friends’ B’nai Mitzvahs. We should be finalizing aliyahs, going to […]
The pandemic has brought many challenges that have adversely affected the health of numerous Americans. Yes, there is the apparent physical health challenges COVID-19 has presented for us, but the underlying component that has possibly suffered the most is our mental health. COVID-19 has forced us into a […]
You returned to Baltimore last year after some time in New York. How and why did you make the decision to come back here? My fiancé and I loved being in Manhattan, but ultimately, we knew that we were ready to be back home and […]
Choosing a school for your child is often fraught with agonizing decisions and a sea of choices that are hard to navigate. In the pandemic, the layers of that choice are all the more complex. Each family has multiple options and creative solutions abound. Below […]
Recently The Associated and the Baltimore Jewish Times partnered together in honor of The Associated’s 100th birthday to capture the historical perspective of 2020 and the importance of our community during this time period with the My 2020 Journey Writing Contest. In our Budding Authors category […]
“He was a part of my life and that was it.” This Episode was Recorded Before The COVID-19 Pandemic When Jared Raitzyk was seven years old, his mother reached out to the Jewish Big Brother Big Sister program overseen by Jewish Community Services. Now, more […]
2. Where Everyone Knows Your Name: Savannah, she says, was a small but tight-knit Jewish community. On Sundays, it often felt like everyone Jewish in town was at the JCC. In many ways, her hometown was similar to Balimore. Although Baltimore is a bigger city — and the Jewish community is larger — it still has that […]
McKenna Bates can hardly believe how lucky she is. In a year, when many of her friends are struggling to find work, after graduating from college, she landed her dream job. Bates, a 2020 graduate of George Mason University, is the new Israel engagement associate […]
Access to food is a social justice issue. Even before the coronavirus disrupted our lives, millions of people nationwide struggled with being able to afford adequate amounts of nutritious food. On this episode of Pull Up A Chair we talk with Ashley Pressman, the executive […]
The Associated’s Insight Israel Forum kicked off its second year with a dynamic, interactive webinar – Israel: What’s Next? Moderated by Beth Goldsmith, chair of the board of The Associated, the panel included J.J. Goldberg, editor at large of The Forward and Jonathan Tobin, editor-in-chief […]
It’s fall. With cooler temperatures and shorter days, it’s time to move cooking indoors. It’s also the time of year to take advantage of the wonderful fall produce – apples, pomegranates and more. We asked our community for some of their favorite recipes. Check out these delicious ideas – from a decadent caramel apple pie to […]
I detect an accent. Where are you from originally? Cape Town, South Africa – My family and I emigrated to Atlanta (Go Braves and Falcons!) and I stayed in Georgia until I completed my undergraduate degree. What brought you to Baltimore? I came to Baltimore […]
Falling in love is easy, and certainly one of the most beautiful and exciting experiences of our lives. We’ve seen the Disney movies, read the fairytales, and pretty much absorbed the cultural construct of some version of meeting our “soulmate,” falling in love, getting married, with the expectation that they will live “happily ever after.” So, how do we cope when our […]
As school begins, albeit virtually for many, and as the days grow cooler, we begin to shift away from the lazy days of outdoor living to a new way of doing things. Although the coronavirus is still around and limiting how we interact, it doesn’t mean we have […]
This September, the JCC is launching a brand-new approach to arts and culture – Words and Ideas – that will bring films, performers, thought leaders and authors from all over the world into Baltimore homes. Words and Ideas, which positions the JCC arts programming on a national scale, features conversations with best-selling authors, deep […]
For those who know Amy Pollokoff, they know of her kindness, her commitment to family and community and, of course, they know about her legendary cookies. The more than 60 batches of peanut butter, candy bar cookies, mandel bread and more that she traditionally bakes […]
For David Platt, embracing change involves a healthy balance of learning to speak up and remembering when to listen. A Baltimore native, David moved back to the area in 2017, having spent some time in a few other cities for work and graduate school. Today, […]
Robin Belsky has lent her voice, passion and knowledge over the years through her work as a Capitol Hill staffer and lobbyist, global market researcher, advocate against domestic abuse and member of several local boards including CHANA and The Associated’s Jewish Professional Women (JPW). Over […]
The spring brought virtual classes from my childhood bedroom… religious school lessons that I taught from that same bedroom… an internship too. I no longer had a commute downtown for my internship or to Pikesville for religious school, but I had enough consistency to find the substance of my day familiar. The […]
While this New Year may look different than years past, and we may not be getting together with extended family, many of us will still prepare and enjoy a holiday meal . This year, we turned to our community members to help us plan the […]
Learn about some of the deep connections that Baltimore shares with Ashkelon, its partner city in Israel. We talk with Harriette Wienner and Dixie Leikach who both hosted two of Baltimore’s first Shinshinim (18-year old Israeli emissaries) and share their experiences all these years later. […]
What would happen if suddenly, tomorrow, COVID-19 would disappear? We wake up to find our air germ-free and no vaccine needed. Life as we once knew it resumes. Or does it? I imagine people slowly emerging from their places of shelter after a hurricane. They can see […]
Source: MyJewishLearning.com and NSW Board of Education Akedah – Pronounced ah-keh-DAH. Literally “binding,” the Akedah refers to the biblical story of the binding of Isaac, which is traditionally read on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. Chag sameach – Pronounced KHAG sah-MAY-akh. Literally “happy holiday,” a common greeting on […]
You currently serve on The Associated’s Lawyer’s Committee. What other leadership roles have you held within The Associated system? Why is being involved important to you? After completing the YLC program, I held a variety of roles on various young leadership committees. Soon after completing YLC, I co-chaired the Young Business Roundtable […]
How did you first become interested in art? As a child, my parents sent me to the Baltimore Museum of Art for Saturday classes. I also remember when I went to Camp Louise, the minute I finished my morning chores, I made a beeline to arts and crafts! One of […]
Favorite memory from childhood? Matt: One of my favorite memories I can recall from our times at Jemicy was having classes, like Social Studies, together and constantly making each other laugh. Adam: My favorite memory is when Matt would make me laugh while I was […]
For someone who spent 26 years in front of a middle school classroom at Krieger Schechter Day School, who sits on steering committees and co-chairs programs, it may be hard to believe that Sima Abarbanel prefers to take a low profile. But for this committed volunteer, it’s never been about being in the spotlight. It’s always been about getting things […]
Although that long-awaited trip to the West Coast or even the beach may not be happening this year, that doesn’t mean you have to scrap your vacation plans. This summer, Pearlstone is offering COVID-safe family getaways on its picturesque 180-acre campus, complete with outdoor adventures, food and meal plans […]
Summer is here! While this may not have been the start to the season that we all expected – it doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to do! From watching movies to taking part in a reading challenge, there are plenty of activities this Summer […]
Widespread news stories have already reported the concerning rise of domestic violence cases due to coronavirus lockdown measures and stay-at-home orders. But many older adults are at risk of domestic violence as well, as they are isolated from families and loved ones due to the […]
What happens when a family leaves everything behind to escape antisemitism in the former Soviet Union, and in the process of starting over, discovers a new best friend? On this next episode of Pull Up A Chair, we sit down with Dr. Nina Kashtelyan and […]
In March 2020, the world turned upside down. The older adult, the parent, the young adult, suddenly found themselves facing a new reality, one where connections went virtual, lunches with friends were put on hold and life events were altered. Although many faced difficulties, what […]
As the world begins reopening and many people begin to venture out, we might expect the anxiety that affected many of us at the start of the coronavirus pandemic would begin to lift. Not so fast. Howard Reznick, Manager, Prevention Education at Jewish Community Services […]
For the past four summers, I have been in charge of running the summer reading program offered by the Macks Center for Jewish Education (CJE), an agency of The Associated. Right after Pesach I typically reach out to a few different family entertainment venues and find a […]
I think we can all agree that 2020 has turned out a lot differently than any of us could have imagined. It has been almost three months since COVID-19 entered our lives and while we may have settled into a “new normal,” the vast majority of us […]
In acknowledgment of their generosity, Cardozo Society members are invited to exclusive events and opportunities through The Associated. In addition to public recognition in The Associated’s Annual Honor Roll, Cardozo Society members will be listed in a Daily Record ad this fall. Learn why Brian […]
We caught up with Sarah David and Saadya Zakheim, former Fred Walpert Award winners to hear about their thoughts on being leaders. Sarah is a Deputy State Prosecutor for the Maryland Office of the State Prosecutor, a former co-chair of The Associated’s Baltimore City Partnership Commission and chairs Jewish Volunteer Connection. She also […]
Prior to the coronavirus epidemic, approximately one in four Baltimore City residents lacked access to good, healthy food. Now, with unemployment rising, food insecurity is affecting even more individuals. Add to that the fact that, more than 300,000 Maryland children rely on meals received during […]
For weeks, we knew the inevitable was coming, but when we received the email that Camps Airy and Louise were closing for the summer, I truly felt a deep sadness in my heart. While I recognize that there are far more serious tragedies going on in […]
“It has been helpful for camps to come together and discuss what each is thinking and how these decisions impact their families,” shares Saadya Zakheim, Chair of the Center for Jewish Camping Advisory Committee. “We also are exploring ways that the Center for Jewish Camping […]
The surge of coronavirus and this state of quarantine has certainly changed our lives. Many of us are just trying to get through the day or the week, let alone plan for the future. Whether dealing with a difficult child at home, worrying about paying […]
“Humans stamp many coins with one seal and they are all like one another; but the King of kings, the Holy Blessed One, has stamped every human with the seal of the first man, yet not one of them are like another” Talmud, Sanhedrin 4:5 […]
Tikvah Womack was preparing for a Shabbaton at her synagogue when Rina Goloskov reached out to her with an idea she wanted to discuss about making their community stronger. Both women live in Northwest Baltimore, in diverse neighborhoods of African American, Jewish and Latinx families. […]
How do you talk to your children about race? It can be challenging for parents, grandparents and teachers when we do not have all the answers. We may stumble over our words; we may feel we do not have the right language. This is ok! […]
As the country mourns the brutal deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and too many others and responds by protesting racism and intolerance, The Associated is building upon its long-standing social justice agenda to partner with other organizations in tackling structural racism and improving […]
This month, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore released its most comprehensive findings about the Baltimore Jewish community in the past decade. Designed to better understand the changing landscape of Jewish Baltimore and its emerging needs, the 2020 Community Study – Foundation of Our Future: […]
The coronavirus pandemic has caused us to reevaluate our options for entertainment, work and social interactions. As we continue to cope in different ways, many of us have seized the opportunity to relive family moments by sharing old photographs and retelling personal stories, leaving us […]
When the coronavirus pandemic virus hit, Pearlstone’s business was booming. Sales from its Retreat Center were growing exponentially, as was its in-person experiential learning opportunities that focused on Living Judaism, like immersive holiday celebrations and Family Farm Camp. Yet in March, things would suddenly change. […]
With the start of a new school year many students and parents are thinking about their next steps. What will this semester look like? What are the risks? Will we be back on campus? And, if so, how will we socialize and connect in this […]
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our daily lives with adjustments in our routines here at home as well as in Israel and around the world, it is comforting to know that amid the uncertainty, there are still moments of strength and hope that […]
Since the coronavirus epidemic began, uncertainty and fear have become part of our daily lives. For many, these stresses ebb and flow as we try to navigate our new normal. For some, it’s the stress of homeschooling a child while trying to work. For others, […]
The program, funded by the Herbert Bearman Foundation, was first introduced to CHAI’s Senior Home Repair clients in April. Now, more than 700 area older adults are benefitting. “Our main goal is to keep our community safe and well, especially those who are at greatest […]
For Joe Uddeme, a Pikesville High Alum and member of Jewish Baltimore, being able to give directly to the community is vital. “If you look around the world, you know that people need help everywhere – in Europe. In Africa. In the United States,” says […]
As a human-beings on planet Earth during the global pandemic of 2020, we are all experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. One of the most grounding activities that brings me emotional solace during good times, and even more so during the uncertain times we are living […]
As we continue to stay at home during the current coronavirus pandemic, we all have questions. Questions about the best medical protocols, questions about how to destress and manage our sudden fears and anxieties, questions about our jobs and our money. To answer these questions, […]
Everyone is challenged or struggling in one way or another as the world adapts to the COVD-19 pandemic. With each passing week, there are different aspects of daily life that force us to adjust to the “new normal.” We are flooded with information; a lot […]
Roasted Brussels Sprouts in Balsamic Glaze By Eve Wachhaus: Deputy Director at Pearlstone Food can be a great way to support our frontline healthcare workers. Check out Pearlstone’s partnership with LifeBridge Health and donate a farm-to-table meal to nourish these caregivers. See how you […]
With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, our eight Baltimore shinshinim (Israeli emissaries) returned home to Israel where they will now stay for the rest of the school year. They will continue their shnat sherut (a year of service) remotely until the beginning of June. […]
The years passed and Ornit met Moran, got married again and had three more children, me included. This is the story of my family in a nutshell – a story of loss and memory, but at the same time, it is also a story of […]
Since JCS went virtual with its services, a typical day in Levey’s life looks quite different than it did only a short time ago. Not only is he ensuring that existing clients receive the support they need – albeit in the new virtual environment—but he […]
It’s all in a day for Melanie Waxman, Technology Concierge at the Myerberg Center. For the past 2 ½ years, she has managed Myerberg’s Tech-Knowledge Hub, helping older adults with their tech devices through workshops and one-on-one consultations. Yet since the Covid-19 pandemic, Melanie has […]
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a spike in domestic violence cases as stay-at-home orders place victims and their abusers in constant proximity. According to Lauren Shaivitz, Executive Director of CHANA, an agency of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, social isolation is a form of abuse that […]
Part of The Baltimore Jewish Council’s (BJC) mission is to foster cooperation and understanding within the Jewish community and build relationships and mutual understanding with diverse groups across Maryland through advocacy, education and action. In keeping with these themes, here are a few suggested podcasts. […]
Like nearly every other organization or business the Baltimore Jewish Council has been forced to adapt to the new way of life that we now have in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is a scary and unprecedented situation to be in, we […]
Staying at home for an extended period of time can pose a significant challenge for remaining physically active. Sedentary behavior and low levels of physical activity can have negative effects on your health, well-being and quality of life. Self-quarantine can also cause additional stress and […]
When China first began lifting its quarantine, something, perhaps not too surprising, happened. Divorce rates spiked among couples, who had found old wounds and hidden fissures in their marriage simply too hard to overcome. Yet, spending 24/7 time with your spouse throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, […]
Family seders in our house were full of energy. My grandmother and her brother would sing a song they learned in a choir in high school. My uncle would teach me the fine art of how to sneak under the table to steal the afikomen […]
This year especially, we want to wish you a happy Passover. As you prepare for your Seder, we encourage you to think about these top 5 things to make a meaningful Seder for your family. Each step gives you links to explore each topic in […]
The holidays are a time that for many involves traveling, spending time with family and loved ones, reflecting as a community and celebration. But what happens if we are quickly forced to forgo our holiday plans due to a health pandemic? What can we do […]
Every day at CHANA, we are committed to the health and safety of all members of our community. We know that this may be a particularly frightening and isolating time for victims and survivors of abuse and trauma and their children. We also know that people are especially vulnerable […]
With businesses and schools closed and as the community settles in to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many vulnerable are lacking access to food. Associated agencies are stepping up to do their part. 48 Hours Two thousand is the magic number. For that’s how many […]
The Passover Seder is a challenge under the best of circumstances. The late starting hour, the long Haggadah reading, capped by a meal everyone is too tired to eat – it’s a bit much for adults and children alike, and even more so for kids with […]
As businesses continue to shut down and send workers home, many are left feeling uneasy about job stability and the overall economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Here in Maryland, over 41,000 people have filed unemployment claims this past week alone according to the U.S. […]
This Passover season feels like no other. We face an international pandemic of Coronavirus/ Covid-19, which feels so unpredictable and dangerous. We must seek to find new meaning for a holiday season which is uniquely challenging. In V’hei Sheamda, a traditional piece of the Passover […]
And, older adults are particularly vulnerable. Not only are those over 65 most at risk for serious complications from COVID-19, but as they stay home, they are at risk of becoming socially isolated. Asked to stay away from family and friends, they must find ways […]
From the days of playing on the roof of the old Jewish Educational Alliance (JEA) building to swimming in bathing caps at Camp Milldale’s pool …. From counting on the men to chauffer the women as they went door to door raising money on G-Day […]
As our community, and others around the world, continue to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, the Jewish Agency for Israel made the decision to bring home the 150 shinshinim (Israeli Emissaries) who are working in the U.S. during their gap year prior to serving in […]
As we continue to practice social distancing, many of us will be facing days, possibly weeks at home. Whether we are teleworking, “homeschooling” or just stuck inside, there are things we can do to avoid cabin fever as we wait out the coronavirus pandemic. Here […]
To say that the coronavirus has impacted many, if not all, aspects of our lives would be an understatement – with our children’s education being no exception. Rachel Turniansky, director of disability and inclusion services at the Macks Center for Jewish Education (CJE), and SHEMESH […]
Adam Yosim’s Atlanta Brisket YieldMakes 10 to 12 Servings Ingredients 5 lbs fresh beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat 2 bottles (16 ½ oz. each) Coca-Cola (not Diet Coke) 1 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 3 tsp.. vegetable oil 2 cups […]
In a modern age of constant contact and sensationalized news broadcasting, we, as parents, not only have to find ways to deal with our own feelings about scary news stories, but also the inevitability of our children’s encounters with them. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 […]
Kol yisrael arevim zeh b’zeh Caring for one another and helping to keep our community safe are The Associated’s top priorities. The Associated and its network of agencies continues to actively monitoring the evolving updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are working closely with our beneficiary […]
The burning of the chometz (food product made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt or their derivatives that has leavened, which is forbidden to eat on Passover) is a tradition that brings thousands to northwest Baltimore every year for Passover. Beginning in 2010, families arrived at the […]
Passover is a joyous time to celebrate with friends, family, and new acquaintances. Here are some suggestions for weaving earth friendly practices and discussion topics into your Seder. Buy Ugly Produce Host a Plastic Free Seder Grow Your Own Karpas Give Earth […]
A healthful diet can reduce your risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other nutrition experts, a healthy diet is: High in complex carbohydrates: Fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes should make up 45 […]
As parents, we often wonder about the best approach for promoting good behavior in the family. This becomes a bigger question when we have a child who throws tantrum or presents us with behavioral issues or perhaps has ADHD. What works – or doesn’t? The SHEMESH behavioral expert […]
On this episode of Pull Up A Chair, we have love and romance. Elise and David Saltzberg actually found each other thanks to The Associated. They talk about how it was actually diamonds and deception that ultimately drew them together, but it’s not what you […]
As a native Baltimorean, Terry Willner has always felt connected to her hometown. Like many of her friends, she never ventured far for too long – attending Emory University in Atlanta and then moving back to Baltimore after graduation. It is this love for Baltimore […]
In December, The Associated’s Family Mission returned from a 10-day trip to Israel that brought together generations of families for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The group, made up of Baltimore community members of all ages, explored both the historical and religious significance of our Jewish homeland. […]
Beth Goldsmith says that she is often told that she is great at giving parties. Perhaps that’s why she didn’t shy away from the chance to serve as chair for the celebratory phase for The Associated’s Centennial and a chance to be its cheerleader. Yet […]
With the recent unveiling of the Pimlico redevelopment project, the future of Park Heights is looking brighter. Coupled with the revitalization efforts in Central Park Heights – work that is supported by CHAI – it could lift up the neighborhood, positively impacting the entire community. […]
In this episode of Pull Up A Chair, Associated President Marc B. Terrill sat down with JMore’s Gary Stein and Isaac ‘Bougie’ Herzog, Chairman of the Executive at The Jewish Agency for Israel. They talk about the state of global jewry, the rise in antisemitism, local […]
“I think my father, and other Jewish parents of his generation, wanted their children to get education — the education they didn’t have,” says Dr. Keehn. “He [my father] always said you should learn something every day.” It’s a message that the doctor has tried […]
Get Ready for IMPACT’s Generosity Gala by testing your knowledge of the era.
As of January 1, 2020, the SECURE Act went into effect marking one of the most dynamic changes to retirement legislation since the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The far-reaching changes include significant provisions aimed at increasing access to tax-advantaged accounts and preventing older Americans […]
I was asked to write a blog post on the top 10 best children’s books that have become part of the CJE (Macks Center for Jewish Education) Library collection last year. This was not an easy task. The best children’s books up into five specific […]
Tracee may have been born in New York, but she has always considered Baltimore as her true home. After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in English and American Literature in 2000, Tracee went directly to University of Maryland School of […]
“He prayed every night and hung onto his religion. No one could take away the thoughts in his mind. So, he felt strongly that if I would become a doctor, it would always provide me with security and a profession, no matter what happened. He […]
Welcome to Pull Up A Chair, a bi-weekly podcast from The Associated. Join us as we sit down and talk with members of our community. Hear the personal stories of Jewish Baltimore – from CEO’s to The Bagels Boys to Summer Camp Sweethearts. We’ll laugh, […]
David Ben Yehuda, Pearlstone’s Israeli Shaliach, spent a month this past fall training to become a certified Yoga instructor and added yet another immersive program option available to Pearlstone’s retreat guests and staff. In this video, David will walk you through a yoga exercise with one unique component – he teaches it through a Jewish lens.
Yet, at the heart of what she will say – and emphasize over and over again – was the blessing of growing up in a tight-knit Jewish community, one filled with close family and friends and a dedication to Jewish life. Today, as this former teacher heads up The Associated’s Jewish Lead Team, she will bring this passion for Judaism to her […]
Many will agree that food is at the heart of Jewish life and culture. So, what better way to bring two communities together than through a shared love of cooking? That was the inspiration behind Food for Thought, The Louise D. and Morton J. Macks […]
I recently had the opportunity to go back to camp with The Associated’s Center for Jewish Camping during a site visit to Camps Airy & Louise. I recall fondly spending seven summers as a camper at Camp Louise during my pre-adolescent years and I was […]
It is my privilege to be Chair of Philanthropic Planning and Services at The Associated. For years I have been intimately involved in the innermost workings of The Associated in many roles including Chair of the Board and at a national level with Jewish Federations […]
Howard Goldstein and his wife Sally first travelled to Israel in the late 70’s, visiting a family member who had made aliya years before. Having taken a ten-year hiatus, they began to visit more frequently, not at all deterred by the political climate and unrest […]
Alyssa Miller, a student at the University of Maryland, worked in Israel last summer for Israelevitz Architects as part of an eight-week internship program through Baltimore Onward Israel. Alyssa says that living and working in Tel Aviv-Yafo, provided her the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with […]
Ari Abramson is a native Baltimorean who grew up in Pikesville and graduated from Pikesville High School. He left his hometown to attend Muhlenberg College, then returned to Baltimore for a job after college at Legg Mason. Today, this investment professional, active member of The […]
This past December, our family traveled to Israel for a breathtaking, 8-day trip. It was everything we hoped it would be and more. Few people would imagine that the planning for it took almost a year, spearheaded by Maia Hoffman, a “gift” to us from […]
As a young girl growing up in a remote Ethiopian village, Dr. Yarden Fanta was not afforded the privileges and religious freedoms that are sometimes taken for granted in western democracies like Israel and the United States. At age 11, Fanta and her family fled […]
Here are six fun facts you may not have known about our partner city and its Jewish community. Thriving Jewish CommunityIn partnership with The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Jewish community in Odessa is thriving – they even have two Jewish Community Centers! […]
Walking through the Lewinsky Market in Tel Aviv is a feast, literally, for the senses. Barrels of dried fruits and brightly-colored rice and grain mixtures tempt the eyes, while the tangy olives and aromatic spices entice the nose. Then there are the tastes. Flavorful cheese, […]
Jill Snyder, owner of Law Office of Jill A. Snyder, LLC, is a trust and estate attorney. Prior to opening her practice, she worked as a senior attorney in the Division of Enforcement of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. What brought you to […]
From as far back as I can remember – being married to my wife of 10 years (and knowing her for 12) – we have enjoyed participating in various types of “Community Service” days whether living in New Jersey or Maryland. While it has a […]
Finding out your child has a disability can be life-altering. Just ask Erica Hobby. Two years ago, when this Pikesville mother of two first learned her son has autism, she found herself adjusting to a new reality – one that left her with more questions […]
When she married her ex-husband in 1999, Lauren,* a mother of three, never dreamed she would find herself needing the services of CHANA. “In the beginning, my husband seemed like a nice guy. He seemed devoted, had a lovely, welcoming family and got along great […]
They never thought it would happen to them. First, their college-aged daughter started vaping in high school. Now they discovered she had a substance abuse problem. As they searched for a recovery program for their daughter, so many thoughts went through their minds. How could […]
Update 10/14/20: The Baltimore Jewish Council and ECYP are honoring the legacy of Congressman Cummings with a virtual event tonight, Wednesday, October 14th at 7pm. Registration for that event can be found here. On the evening of November 18, 2019 – members of the Baltimore […]
Last week, was a difficult week for Ashkelon as Gaza fired rockets toward Israel and the city. Although 90 percent of these rockets were successfully intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system, one rocket did hit a building in Ashkelon, striking an elder care […]
Mike Fuld will never forget the first time he saw his wife, Samantha. He was working at Kutz Camp as a staff member; so was Samantha. Mike and Samantha first met in 2006. They happened to both be assigned to work on an all-camp evening […]
How is it that elementary aged kids have been able to master the art of bottle tossing? Why are kids trying to eat as much cinnamon as they can possibly consume? The answer is YouTube. Kids are no longer being taught how to write cursive, […]
For Dov Hoffman, embracing new experiences is a part of developing as a person and as a professional. From his moving to the Canton area, to taking on a leadership role with the American Marketing Association Baltimore Chapter (AMA Baltimore), not to mention his role […]
Baltimore native Sandi Moffet graduated from Park in 1987, earned her BA from Tufts University and returned home to attend the University of Baltimore School of Law for her JD and LLM in Taxation. A leader in her career and our Jewish community, Sandi is […]
During 2019 I was pleased to participate in two events connected to my year as part of the Baltimore Jewish Council’s (BJC) Leadership Development Program that showed the interest and attention the BJC and the Associated put into connecting Jewish Baltimore to our neighbors of […]
Coming to a new city is never easy but discovering a community that gives you a sense of purpose can connect you to your new home. Originally from Pittsburgh, Rachel moved to Baltimore after receiving her bachelors’ degree in 2009 and then beginning law school […]
Growing up Reform, in a culturally Jewish environment, Daniel Klein always felt the pull of his Jewish roots. Perhaps it was the weekly Friday night dinners that no one ever missed or the antisemitism his grandparents faced that helped define who they became. It could […]
Aviva Weisbord, executive director of SHEMESH, will never forget the story of a young child in a Jewish preschool, who was biting other children in the class. The teacher had tried everything and didn’t know what to do. The school, meanwhile, was at wit’s end, […]
This past year, hate and bias incidents have risen in almost every jurisdiction in Maryland, targeting individuals and facilities, from schools and community centers to places of worship. It’s part of a growing uptick in antisemitic incidents occurring worldwide. That’s why, The Associated and the […]
“Many individuals never had role models to explain to them how to manage money,” explains Grayson Cohen. “And without that history, they often cannot keep to a plan and quickly overspend, making it hard for many to become financially stable for the long-term.” Recognizing how […]
Last fall, The Associated convened a synagogue task force to look at ways to leverage the community’s expertise to address the challenges facing Jewish Baltimore. Beth El Congregation’s Rabbi Steve Schwartz and The Associated’s Chair of the Board, Debs Weinberg, are heading up this effort […]
The 2019 Maryland General Assembly session ended last month, and thanks to the hard work of the Baltimore Jewish Council, the advocacy arm of The Associated, legislators passed a number of bills in support of the Baltimore Jewish community. Front and center were new funding […]
It had only been four months since Shachar Pinsky arrived on Towson University’s campus as its new Jewish Agency Israel Fellow. At times, he admits, it wasn’t easy. Many of the Jewish students he encountered were apathetic. In their world, filled with academics, sports, activities […]
Thanks to a recent grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women, CHANA is now creating a model of collaboration in Baltimore City designed to eradicate elder abuse and provide justice for its victims. The grant, given to only four organizations […]
The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore is dedicated to fostering healthy neighborhoods, investing in educational opportunities for the city’s youth and promoting civil discourse. Here are four updates on ways the organization, through its agencies, is making a difference. Jewish Museum of Maryland Changes Lives […]
When Bella Saunders first started her junior year in high school, she didn’t realize there were urban areas where it was difficult to buy affordable, nutritious food, commonly known as a food desert. It wasn’t until she became a Social Justice Teen Fellow, a joint […]
Summers spent at an overnight camp are all that and more. Research shows that attending an overnight camp also builds confidence and encourages independence – as well as creates friendships that often last a lifetime. Yet how do you know if your youngster is ready […]
For years, Dovita Lerner heard her daughter, Megan, rave about Israel. Having traveled and worked there, Megan loved everything about the country from its culture to its people. So when Lerner heard from friends about The Associated Women’s Israel Mission, and the chance to travel […]
When Rabbi Moshe Schwartz embarked on the Macks Center for Jewish Education’s Mini Educators Mission to Odessa, Ukraine this past year, he was excited to explore the educational landscape there. Little did he know that the experience would go beyond his expectations as he encountered […]
By the time she was a young girl, Ronnie Footlick knew that being Jewish meant responsibility. Her grandfather would often sit her down and tell her stories about her family history – having arrived in the country as Russian immigrants. “It’s the age-old tale of […]
Growing up in the old Jewish neighborhood of Forest Park, surrounded by schools and shuls, Sue Glick Liebman learned early on that all Jews are responsible for each other – “Kol Yisrael areivim zeh b’zeh.” Sue’s personal journey is a narrative of strong faith, compassion and […]
David Lehmann, a partner in the certified public accounting firm of Cooper and Lehmann, LLP, describes his company as a multi-family office. “We guide our clients and multiple generations of their families in managing their wealth and real estate. We focus not only on their […]
Growing up in the ghetto of West Baltimore during the Great Depression, Hanan “Bean” Sibel recalls that his family really “didn’t have much.” Crowded in a small home with 13 people – grandparents, parents and kids – this close-knit family would even take in relatives […]
Jeff Rosen’s early life reads like a guide to growing up in Jewish Baltimore in the late 80s and 90s. Born in Pikesville, with grandparents living less than 10 minutes away, he attended religious school and Pikesville’s public schools where he admits, he didn’t have […]
Daniel Davis will never forget when he first discovered his love of painting. The year was 1966 and he was living in Akron, Ohio, when he happened to pass the window of a local art store. “I saw this book, How to Paint, in the […]
As the temperature drops, and we prepare for the sharp chill of the next few months, we tend to nest. It’s the time of year our houses feel the most like home. We snuggle up with our kids and furry friends for a movie, enjoy […]
James Myers is committed to building a better community. A resident of Fallstaff in Northwest Baltimore City, he enjoys living in a multi-cultural environment with Jewish, African-American and Latinx neighbors. Myers believes that the more each neighbor understands other cultures, the closer and more sustainable […]
When I moved to Baltimore ten years ago for graduate school, I never imagined that I would stay and raise my family here. But I met my husband, found a great professional community, and we started to build our life. Four and a half years […]
Owings Mills native Jordan Halle credits his Whiteford, Taylor and Preston colleague, Howard Feldman, with introducing him to The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore. It was Feldman who first told him about the work of the organization, and Halle soon began attending its IMPACT (young […]
Parents have a critical role to play in helping kids to form a strong Jewish identity as parents are their primary Jewish educator and guide. Specifically, the traditions established early in life help kids to develop necessary skills later on. These skills help us to […]
A New York native, Rich Topaz, who today chairs the Ben-Gurion Society (BGS), recalls his moving to Baltimore and the warm welcome he received by the Baltimore Jewish community and IMPACT, The Associated’s young adult division. “My wife, Heidi, is from Baltimore but I am […]
Debbie Lubliner, a physical therapist at MedStar in Baltimore, grew up in Pikesville. After graduating high school, Debbie left for Washington University in St. Louis to begin a long academic career which included an advanced degree in physical therapy from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia. Yet […]
In 2015 I was at my worst. I was tired, depressed and I wanted to stay in bed all the time. I remember having my mother visit for Thanksgiving and I didn’t even want to get up and cook the meal I typically would have […]
Passover is one of my favorite Jewish holidays! I love the food, the time with family, and the child-centric focus of the holiday. The Torah teaches us “You shall tell your child on that day, saying, ‘It is because of what The LORD did for […]
“I’m going to perform at the talent show this year.” “You are? With friends?” “Nope, by myself.” “What are you going to do?” “I’m going to dance.” That is essentially how the conversation with my 9-year-old daughter, Molly, went earlier this fall. For the first […]
This lack of knowledge and its broader implications – coupled with disturbing trend of increased hate incidents in the country – are at the heart of the recent effort by the Baltimore Jewish Council in shoring up Holocaust education in Maryland’s schools. This fall, the […]
From taking a leadership role in revitalizing and stabilizing city neighborhoods to working with local schools and other nonprofit partners to foster educational success, The Associated is committed to ensuring that Baltimore thrives. NeighborhoodsBeginning in 2015, The Jewish Museum of Maryland (JMM) took a leadership […]
The JCC of Greater Baltimore, founded in 1854, joined forces with the Y in Central Maryland, founded in 1853, in the first phase of what the two organizations believe to be a long-term partnership that will build bridges and make a lasting social impact in […]
PJ Library continues to be an amazing gift – for children and parents. Oh, the thrill of seeing that oversized blue and white envelope in your mailbox each month, and watching as your kid gleefully tears it open! Because, sure, bedtime may not always be […]
I sit on the edge of the platform looking down it feels like a mile to the ground. Am I really supposed to jump? My team is looking at me, walking me through the process of belaying in (securing a climber with a rope), tweezeling […]
On November 20, The Associated will present its signature Keynote event, “After Pittsburgh: Pride, People & Power.” Held at Woodholme Country Club, the evening will feature a conversation with Bari Weiss, New York Times staff writer and editor and author of How to Fight Anti-Semitism. […]
The sports activity and clinic season is upon us, and it’s that time of year when many parents are faced with scheduling activities to keep their children busy and active during the afternoons and weekends. Youth sports cover a wide range of activity and choosing […]
Zac Plotkin looks back fondly at his 14 summers spent at Capital Camps. It was there that he made lifelong friends and garnered the experiences that would later guide him towards his current career path. In fact, camp made such an impression on this young […]
For Melanie Shapiro, change is a constant in her life. As director of Juvenile Justice Policy for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, Melanie is an advocate for change (and sometimes for stability, ensuring policies remain unchanged). Today, Melanie’s involvement spreads beyond her professional […]
When it comes to philanthropy, young adults are making a big impact. Although they may not be the largest givers — that honor belongs to the Boomers, according to a study by fundraising firm Blackbaud Institute — 60 percent of millennials donate to charity, with […]
Baltimore born and bred, Michele Shermak M.D. is a Pikesville High graduate who grew up in “21208.” Michele currently lives in Roland Park with her husband, Howard Sobkov and two college-age sons, Sam (19) and Max (18). Michele earned her undergraduate degree from Franklin and […]
Robin Nathankern Arnold will never forget her early days in Baltimore. A shy girl of eight, she and her mother had just moved to the Pikesville community from their home in the Midwest, leaving her friends — and her father — behind. Suddenly her whole […]
For Alex Simone, manager of the Moveable Feast VolunTeam through Jewish Volunteer Connection (JVC), part of being in a community is helping one another. Quite simply, he says, it takes a village. Alex was born and raised in the Baltimore area, attending Beth Tfiloh Dahan […]
The J Camp’s Emily Stern shares her “Break Fast” Recipe, Blintz Souffle! Ingredients:12 frozen blintz4 Tbsp. butter4 large eggs1 ½ cup sour cream1 Tsp. vanilla½ cup sugar2 Tbsp. orange juiceDash salt Instructions: 1. Melt butter in 9×13 pan. 2. Place blintz in pan, roll in butter. 3. […]
To pin down Zack Garber’s involvement in the Baltimore Jewish community, and the greater Baltimore community, would be difficult. From his professional career as a financial advisor on the Garber Wealth Management team, to his time spent on various boards, task forces and volunteer organizations […]
For the past 13 years, Elise Rubenstein has been making a difference as a member of the Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation (JWGF), a giving circle that empowers women to make funding decisions for programs that affect women and girls. She’s played a major role in […]
My friend, the parent of a first grader, knew what to expect when she attended an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting at her daughter’s school. A team of school staff would discuss her daughter’s progress and update her on any additional plans. What she wasn’t […]
“I felt there was something missing in the community for active women, who had worked all their life and now have free time to give back and make a statement,” says Rosenzwog. That was when she approached Associated Women, and working with Michele Lax, Associated […]
Cindy Kasner, a native Baltimorean, always knew she wanted to raise her family not far from where she grew up. She and her husband, Harvey, whom she met while attending optometry school in Philadelphia, believe that it is easier to connect to Judaism when living […]
Even with close friends, we can still feel isolated on a regular basis. Because we get to hear about them online, read their blog posts, check out their Instagrams and see their Vines, we are constantly reminded that we are not there and it can […]
To say Lindsay Dermer has a busy schedule would be a disservice. Between her profession as an occupational therapist, her new role as a business owner and her involvement in the Jewish community and beyond, this nominee and winner for IMPACT’s People’s Choice Award is […]
Estate and financial planning professionals have the unique opportunity to not only help their clients achieve their financial, tax and estate goals, but their charitable goals as well. If you advise clients for a living, you have probably already built up a network of trusted […]
Giving back to the community is important for Matthew Klatsky and his wife, Lindsay. The couple has been heavily involved in Jewish Baltimore since settling in Baltimore 10 years ago. Recently, Matthew has been bringing his passion and focus to The Associated: Jewish Community Federation […]
Steve Seidel will never forget that winter day in early February as simply as he will never forget the phone call. “I remember answering the phone and it was the sheriff’s department calling me from Alameda County, California,” says Seidel. “They asked me if I […]
Since Lauren Shaivitz and Lisa Budlow recently took over the helm at CHANA and CHAI respectfully, these two dynamic women are continuing the legacy of their predecessors while providing their own ideas on how to propel their organizations forward. Yet already these two dynamic women […]
If there is one common thread that seems to run through Debra Silberman Weinberg’s life, it is the overarching sense of community. For it is her love of community that defines this Baltimore native, and it is community that motivates her to give back. Raised […]
There is no better time to engage in Jewish learning than right now. Here are a few suggestions for how to incorporate Jewish learning into your daily life. 1. Engage with your synagogueEven if you don’t belong to a synagogue, you are welcome at any […]
As we reflect on our personal actions and look toward the year ahead, it is an appropriate time to contemplate our relationship with Earth and our roles as stewards of G!d’s creation. G!d created the first human beings and led them around the Garden of […]
Chicken nuggets and mac ’n cheese are popular meals for children. They’re quick, they’re easy, and the kids typically put ‘em down; another meal- thank goodness! But parents… not so fast! For 2019, JCC Early Childhood Health Educators Janene Malamud and Laura Fink are advocating […]
In the wake of climate change, The Associated is doing its part to go “green.” From solar farms to green loans to reforestation, the organization is making a commitment to a more sustainable future. “Climate change is real and is already affecting millions of people […]
Israel. Complex, conflicting, sometimes polarizing, but always deeply linked to our Jewish identity. Yet, less than half of Baltimore’s Jewish community feels that connection to our homeland – and many who do, find it challenging to discuss their perspective. In response to these challenges, The […]
As two new Associated Campaign Chairs, Maury Garten (Chair, Annual Campaign Strategies) and Katie Applefeld (Chair, Keynote Gifts) have a lot to say about The Associated. The two new leaders have a long history of being involved, yet it is their passion for the work […]
For the Fruman family, success in business breeds tzedakah. The Frumans own and operate National Lumber Company, a fifth-generation family business currently located in East Baltimore. Arnold Fruman, president of the company, works side by side with his two sons, Neal and Kevin. “I’m extremely proud […]
I remember my first time using a prescription opioid. I was 17 and just had my wisdom teeth extracted earlier in the day. I was lying on the couch in our family room watching a re-run of Gilmore Girls, trying to distract myself from the pain […]
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Laurie Weitz arrived in Baltimore in 1993 for her husband’s business. Living in the Greenspring Valley area at the time, she quickly connected with the Jewish community. She was involved as the first co-chair, along with Ned Himmelrich, for ACHARAI, […]
Just a few weeks ago, JDC (American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee) convened its first ever global women’s summit. It’s theme: Imagine More. More than 200 women (and a few men), from 25 states and 15 countries, gathered together to examine the world we live in today […]
In today’s world, our children are faced with multiple safety and security threats that we never, in our wildest dreams, could have imagined. Of course, there were routine fire drills all throughout my school years and while I can remember as a young child sitting […]
Don’t Wait to Commit to an Endowment. Do it While You’re Young. Several years back, Harel Turkel was preparing to depart on a JFNA National Young Leadership Cabinet Mission to Mumbai, India. The timing of the trip was inconvenient since it would keep him away […]
A mentor of mine suggested last spring, that I read one book to set the tone for our school year. Now in early August, I am almost finished with her assignment and ready to launch an unforgettable year at Towson University Hillel. Growing up in […]
A Q&A with Jeffrey Kahn, PhD, MPH, the Andreas C. Dracopoulos Director of the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics and Levi Professor of Bioethics and Public Policy. Dr. Kahn is also the featured presenter for The Associated’s upcoming November 5 Maimonides Society program “Genetic Tinkering: […]
Bill Robinson admits that he may not be in Baltimore today, as the first executive director of The Associated’s new Center for Leadership, if it were not for a conversation he had with his sociology professor his sophomore year at college. At the time, he […]
Many people say that it’s a couple’s world and indeed, it may seem that way when you have been widowed or divorced. For those who are newly single the perception of a “couple’s world” is especially daunting. Baby boomers who are choosing to date have […]
Today I popped into the main office of Miguel’s high school to request an early dismissal for him. I was bringing him to his sixth and final appointment with an angel… a pro-bono dentist who treated and saved this 16 year old, his teeth and […]
Laura Rubenstein is a Partner at Wright, Constable & Skeen, LLP. As a Labor and Employment Attorney, she represents corporate clients and non-profit agencies in a wide range of matters including workplace and sexual harassment charges, wage and hour issues, FMLA disputes, employment contracts and […]
My young co-worker once came late to a department meeting and found that there were no empty seats at the long conference table. She thought she was being discreet as she quietly pulled up a chair at the corner of the table in the back […]
When Anna Klein’s daughter, Mia, was a four-year-old preschooler at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School (BT), her class was asked to bring in brown bag lunches for the homeless. The bags were being delivered to Beans and Bread, a soup kitchen in Fells Point, not […]
For many people, music is the background sound to their day, or even their lives. A great podcast can help you discover something new, or just be fun and entertaining. We asked a few young adults in our community what they enjoy listening to throughout […]
Can you imagine leaving your home and family and most of your worldly possessions to move to a country where you didn’t speak the language and had only a few dollars to your name? I can’t. Yet, that is precisely the choice my parents made […]
For as long as he could remember, being Jewish was a central part of Morry Zolet’s life. As a young boy growing up in Randallstown, he recalls how everything from holiday traditions to his parents’ commitment to the Beth Israel sisterhood and brotherhood would play […]
Judaism was always an important part of Kate Cohen’s life. It’s why this former teacher – now turned mother and Macks Center for Jewish Education (CJE) Connector – is hoping others will discover the beauty in Jewish life – in ways that work for their […]
From the very beginning, when the Federated Jewish Charities and United Hebrew Charities merged to form the Associated Jewish Charities (now The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore), the organization has been intertwined in the fabric of our community. As the community grew, it grew with […]
The promise of new suburban housing, spacious lawns and new schools, coupled with discriminatory housing practices that prevented Jews from living in certain neighborhoods, shaped the migration to northwest Baltimore in the second half of the century. In 1959 the JCC was built on Park […]
Baltimore’s earliest Jewish immigrants — mainly from Germany and then from Russia and Eastern Europe — primarily settled in Fells Point, South Baltimore and East Baltimore, where they established homes, business, schools and synagogues. East Baltimore quickly became one of Baltimore’s first distinctly Jewish communities. […]
After the war, as Communism spread, Jews living in Cuba had their livelihoods and possessions stripped by Fidel Castro’s new regime. Many of them had been refugees from Nazi Germany and were forced to flee their homes for a second or third time. In the […]
It was 1945 and the European Jewish community was devastated. Millions had been killed by the Nazi regime and those who had survived its atrocities were desperate for help. In Baltimore, the local office of HIAS, which had been working before and during the war […]
In 1978, on the 30th anniversary of the founding of Israel, Baltimoreans decided to throw a party. Myriad events took place from April 6 until June 22 throughout the community. The Baltimore Jewish Council and the Baltimore Zionist Federation organized a gala concert at the […]
In 1977, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin announced the start of Project Renewal, a joint program of his government and the Jewish Agency for Israel, for rehabilitation of 160 distressed neighborhoods throughout the country. The program “twinned” areas with individual cities in the United States, […]
With the founding of the Israeli state in 1948, the remaining Jews of Europe were finally able to secure a home of their own. But immigrating and settling in a new land brought colossal challenges. Through its “Exodus Campaign,” the nationally organized United Jewish Appeal […]
In the years before World War II, German-Jewish parents anticipating the impending crisis, began sending their children to America to live with foster families. The Associated Jewish Charities and the Jewish Family and Children’s Bureau were the local supervisors of the German Jewish Children’s Aid […]
The “Centenarian Ball” of 1923 at the Hebrew Friendly Inn and Home for the Aged was reported to be a gay affair. Its 100-year-old residents (as well as their younger compatriots) danced the waltz, polka, quadrille, turkey trot and pigeon-wing. At 101 years old, Isaac […]
The 58-year-old man didn’t know what to do. For 24 years, he supported his wife and eight children through his work at a clothing factory. Then, suddenly, he was laid off. Lacking any other skills, he didn’t know how he was going to pay his […]
At the outset of World War II, American Jews were asked by numerous international organizations for funds to support the victims of Nazism. In response, the leaders of the Baltimore Jewish community created the Jewish Welfare Fund (JWF), which was charged with raising money for […]
When Louis H. Levin was appointed the first executive director of the Associated Jewish Charities in 1920, he was faced with a daunting task: uniting the German-Jewish Federated Jewish Charities with the United Hebrew Charities, a group of comparatively new immigrants from Russia and other […]
Soon after the newly formed Associated Jewish Charities launched, the organization sought to raise funds. It kicked off its first campaign in 1920 with a dinner at the Lyric Opera House, and a lofty fundraising goal of $500,000 or the equivalent of $6.5 million today. […]
In the early 1900s, Baltimore’s Jewish population was mainly divided into two distinct groups: German Jews, who had immigrated in large numbers during the 1850s and Eastern European Jews, who arrived during the 1880s and 1890s. In 1906, the German Jews, who predominantly lived uptown, […]
On January 18, 1971 nearly 1,500 members of Baltimore’s Jewish community marched from Mt. Vernon Place to Johns Hopkins University to express their protest of the treatment of Soviet Jews. Walking up Charles Street, they shouted, “One, two, three, four, help break down the iron […]
With the world redrawn after World War II, people were once again on the move, desperate to improve their circumstances. In Hungary, in the aftermath of 1956’s Hungarian Revolution, refugees escaped Communist oppression and arrived in Baltimore. Many were survivors of the Holocaust and were […]
If you were a European Jew looking to improve your lot at the turn of the 20th century, you looked toward the promise of the United States. And if you could afford passage—and were in relatively good health—chances are, you would have been allowed to […]
Providing summer activities for kids—and a place to escape Baltimore’s oppressive heat—was also an early mission of the Associated Jewish Charities. The Woodland Country Home, located in Catonsville, opened in 1922. Women, children and families would visit to regain their health, eat nutritious meals and […]
Ensuring that children received a quality Jewish education in the classroom was one of the first tasks undertaken by the newly created Associated Jewish Charities in 1920. Founding members organized a Board of Jewish Education (BJE) as a central agency to coordinate the financial and […]
Life was often difficult for immigrant kids growing up in East Baltimore. Their homes were small and crowded and their parents would be out working—or looking for work—all day. When the Jewish Educational Alliance was formed in 1909, making it one of the original constituent […]
Although the U.S. Supreme Court case, Shelley v. Kraemer, ended state-sponsored restrictive housing covenants in 1948, private parties—including neighborhood associations in Baltimore—continued to refuse to sell to Jewish and African-American populations. That attracted the ire of Leon Sachs, the first full-time director of the Baltimore […]
In the late 1960s, a demographic study of the Baltimore Jewish community revealed a shocking truth: the community was woefully unprepared to deal with its aging population, specifically when it came to affordable housing. It was out of that study that organizers established CHAI (Comprehensive […]
Early on, leaders of The Associated realized the importance of attracting the next generation to the cause. The Young Leadership Council dates to 1928. The thinking was that given the opportunity to see at close range the work of The Associated and its agencies, young […]
In 1967, businessman and philanthropist Harvey Meyerhoff welcomed attendees to The Associated’s third annual Community Leadership Conference. He told the assembled group of Jewish leaders that it was up to them to develop a vision of their community—and to join The Associated in carrying out […]
Unlike many philanthropic organizations, The Associated has had women in lay leader positions from its founding in the early 1920s. A Mrs. Isidore Ash headed up the Council Milk and Ice Fund, which ensured those who couldn’t afford these basic necessities received them. Dr. Flora […]
The 1960s were a time of societal change and political unrest. Reflecting the changing roles of women in American society, the Women’s Division adopted new strategies for engagement and awareness of community needs. “Come See” bus tours, a precursor to Associated mini-missions, enabled women to […]
On Sunday, May 15, 1949—a year and a day after the founding of Israel—1,200 women driven by more than 460 male volunteer chauffeurs—fanned out across Baltimore from the Emerson Hotel to help raise money for settlers in the newly established state. The goal was for […]
While women held various positions at the Associated Jewish Charities (AJC), it wasn’t until 1945 that a formal Women’s Campaign Committee* organized. Helen Dalsheimer served as its first chair and encouraged women to step up and contribute in their own names, not just in the […]
Just a few weeks ago, I found myself in Israel on the Ashkelon Agricultural Farm, Hava Haklayit, with the breathtaking Ashkelon skyline in the backdrop. While newly jet-lagged, taking in the view of the city behind the farm, and breathing in the sweet Israeli air, […]
Yehuda Neuberger, Chair-Elect and Chair, Community Planning and Allocations Jason A. Blavatt, Chair, Development Annette G. Saxon, Chair, Associated Women Mark D. Neumann, Chair, Communications Amy Pollokoff, Chair, Women’s Campaign Bruce S. Hoffberger, Chair, Audit Committee P.J. Pearlstone, Secretary John Shmerler, Treasurer Marc B. Terrill, President Fritzi K. Hallock, President, AJC of Baltimore Debra S. Weinberg, Immediate Past Chair of […]
The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore announced today that Jason Blavatt has been named The Associated’s Development Chair for 2022. In this role, Jason will lead all fundraising efforts, including the 2022 Annual Campaign. Blavatt, who is the Managing Partner at Blavatt & Blavatt, LLC, an Owings Mills-based law firm, has been involved with The Associated for more […]
Today, Ashkelon sits at the center of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel. As a national information center, The Home Front Command, together with Professor Ronni Gamzu, national coronavirus “czar,” make regular visits to the city to check out how their instructions are being carried out […]
“We are very excited about Sol bringing his leadership, creativity and relationship building skills to the JMM as we strive to grow the organization and engage greater audiences,” says Nancy Kutler, President of the Board of the JMM. “We know he will build upon the accomplishments of Marvin Pinkert […]
2020 has been a tumultuous year to say the least. As you and your clients sit down to discuss year-end tax and charitable planning, there are several additional factors this year that can influence key decisions. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact virtually all aspects […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2020CONTACT: The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, kshuster@associated.org, 410-369-9312 More than 160 local donors stepped up this past year to commit more than $20 million in legacy commitments to support the Baltimore Jewish community. These commitments are part of a collaborative […]
Minister Omer Yankelevich: Thank you all so much for opening the virtual doors to your beautiful community. It is obvious, even from Zoom, what a strong and special community this is. I was especially moved to see how the different leaders and communities work together […]
In response to changing trends in teen engagement, as well as changes to programming in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, 4Front, the comprehensive Jewish teen initiative managed by the JCC, is redesigning its signature offerings. This fall, 4Front will expand its menu of experiences and launch several new concepts, including niche programming and shorter sessions, so teens can participate in a variety of engaging opportunities that appeal to their diverse interests. From focusing […]
To expand bilateral trade and economic development between Maryland and Israel, the Maryland/Israel Development Center (MIDC) organized a trade mission to Israel for Maryland Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford this winter. It was the Lt. Governor’s first visit to Israel and provided an opportunity for the […]
As depression, anxiety and suicide continue to rise among today’s adolescents, Associated agencies are providing new approaches to address these growing mental health issues. At the top of the list – a new mindfulness initiative in area schools – that combines yoga, breathing techniques, journaling […]
Two summers ago, Johanna Busch, a second grade teacher at Monarch Academy in Baltimore City, was looking for something to do that summer. That’s when she discovered TALMA: The Israel Program for Excellence in English, an all-expense paid summer of teaching English to children in […]
For Pam Platt, there is one thread that has consistently run through her life, and that is her Judaism. It sits at the core of her upbringing – it’s how she indirectly met her husband – and it is driving her commitment to the volunteer […]
As the “seasons, they turn round and round”, it is time for the world’s birthday party, complete with painted ponies on “a carousel of time,” (song by Joni Mitchell). For these fresh eyes, filled with awe and wonder, the world was just created. Everything is […]
Life is busy. Even our ancient rabbis realized this back in the 2nd century when they wrote, “Do not say I will study when I have leisure, because you may never have leisure.” (Pirke Avot 1:17) When the high holidays arrive, life feels busier than […]
It is hard to believe that fall is almost over and Chanukah is quickly approaching. As I plan our family holiday party, menu and all, I also want to make the holiday more meaningful for all of us. When I think back to Chanukah during […]
As Chanukah quickly approaches, we all have a lot on our minds…What night are we going to have our family get-together? When am I going to send the holiday cards? (Should I even send cards this year?) What am I going to get the kids […]
Israeli food is a melting pot of flavors, a combination of North African, Middle Eastern, Western and Eastern European cuisines. But there is one thing that seems to tie these recipes together is the use of the freshest ingredients – particularly fruits and vegetables – grown in the warm Mediterranean climate. Here are a […]
We reached out to our agencies for some ideas of what you can do this winter. Niki Bar, director of The Myerberg Center, had this to say: 1) Rediscover Your Life’s Purpose It’s easy to get stuck in daily routines without understanding why we do the things we do each […]
During two nights of celebrating 100 years of history, and looking forward to 100 years more, members of Jewish Baltimore gathered in Baltimore and Florida to kick-off The Associated’s Centennial Campaign. “The men and women of 1920 did not know how their one week, $500,000 […]
What Is Keeping Current? Keeping Current is an initiative by IMPACT, The Associated’s Young Adult Group, is an opportunity for interactive experiences and facilitated discussions to build community and talk about hot topics from a Jewish lens. This program, inspired by a similar program from […]
Rich Topaz recently joined Yanky Schorr in our latest Mensches in Cars Getting Coffee. As this year’s Julius Rosenberg Memorial Award winner, Rich is certainly a Mensch. But what about those in his life?
Small steps to make big impact in Baltimore, Israel and around the world
