Could you introduce yourselves?

Sandy: I am the CEO of Bais Yaakov School, rounding out 21 years in that position. Prior, I was a healthcare executive and worked at several Baltimore-area hospitals. I’ve been in Baltimore since high school. I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Jeff: I am born and raised in Baltimore. I have been in the food service industry for 37 years. I was operations manager at the largest off-premises catering company in Baltimore and owned two restaurants. Most recently, I was the owner of Miller’s Deli for 11 years. Now, I work with Larry and Lara Franks at Accents Grill. It’s been an amazing shidduch.

How did you first hear about Partners Baltimore and what made you decide to participate?

Sandy: I think Rabbi Roll introduced it. Jeff and I connected early on, I think in the first sitting. And even though we’ve not been paired throughout, my connection to Jeff took off.

Jeff: Rabbi Moss, who started the program, was my son’s rabbi at Beth Tfiloh. The August before October 7, he was telling me about this program he was starting. He said, “The Jewish people are wonderful, obviously, but we don’t all get together unless it’s supporting Israel.” He wanted to start this program where people from all sects of Judaism can relate, get together and learn from each other.

When October 7 happened, it was almost like, unfortunately, a premonition on his behalf. The first meeting, Sandy and I were paired together, and I felt an immediate bond.

How has your relationship grown since first meeting at Partners Baltimore?

Jeff: Sandy’s daughter-in-law had been ill when we first met, and later that year, I was in Israel. I wanted to say a prayer and put a note in the Wall for her, and I couldn’t remember her name. I called Sandy from the Wall, and I said, “Sandy, I can’t talk long. I’m at the Wall. What is your daughter-in-law’s name? I want to give a Mi Shebeirach.” It wasn’t planned, but while I was there, I realized I had to call my friend.

Also, my son got married this past July. Prior to the wedding, Sandy presented me with two brachas to say to the bride and groom, which I shared at the rehearsal dinner. The kids were so touched.

Sandy: One day, I told Jeff I had to build an eruv. He asked me the best question I’ve ever been asked: “Where do you get the materials, on eruv.com?”  We just keep up. Even if we don’t see each other at the event, while I continue to enjoy the vents, we don’t need them to stay in touch anymore.

What have you learned from your partner about Jewish life or community?

Sandy: Having a direct connection to people just slightly different than I am helps to ground me in dealing with everyone, dealing with the world.

Jeff: Partners has introduced me to a whole different group of people. I don’t plan to become shomer Shabbos, but it’s nice to learn how other people live. Like Rabbi Moss said, we’re all one people, and the more we can learn from each other and learn to live with each other, the better. Sandy and I coexist and learn from each other, and I’m thrilled to have that.

How has Partners Baltimore created the space for friendship to form?

Sandy: It’s such a wonderful opportunity to mix and walk around. I make a point of trying to meet people that I’d never meet without Partners. Even if I’m not paired with them, I try to say hello.

Jeff: I like to think of myself and Sandy as unofficial founding members of Partners, because we were there when it started and have seen it grow. I’ve invited people to come, and they love it. I also like that it’s a place where you can talk, learn and express yourself.

How has Partners Baltimore changed how you see the broader Jewish community?

Jeff: It has enlightened me so much more to what other people are dealing with and how they see things. How people of different observances experience life differently. You leave with just such positiveness in the world.

Sandy: Partners lets me see other perspectives, people who grew up differently than I did. It really puts me in that “Small-timore” mentality.

If someone was hesitant about joining a Partners event because they’re nervous about being paired with a stranger, what would you say to them?

Sandy: There are no strangers. Everyone’s doing it together.

Jeff: I would tell them, while you might have some inhibitions, they’re not worthy at all. You give this a shot, and you will be back. No question about it.

If you could host Shabbat dinner together and invite anyone, past or present, who would you invite?

Jeff: I’m 59 years old. I don’t see myself as being 59 years old. Sandy, I don’t know exactly how old you are, but for some reason, I view you somehow as not only a friend, but almost like a paternal figure. I would love you to meet my father, alav ha-shalom, who passed away when he was 63, because I think you two would hit it off.

Sandy: I gained immeasurably from my teacher and Rabbi, the Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Israel, the great Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg zt”l, who passed away in 1999. When he taught, the words of the Torah were always delivered with fantastic clarity, decisiveness and without a waiver of doubt. He provided me with many hours of his precious time until the end of his days and allowed me to gain from his advice and Torah teachings. I would have enjoyed visiting Rabbi Weinberg with Jeff, so he could have benefited from Rabbi Weinberg as I did.

From their first conversation to ongoing moments of support and connection, Jeff and Sandy demonstrate how Partners Baltimore creates a space for meaningful relationships. The program not only bridges differences in background and practice but also strengthens the broader Baltimore Jewish community — one friendship at a time.

To learn more about Partners Baltimore, click here or email Janna Hindman at jhindman@associated.org.