From Baltimore With Love


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, Linda Hurwitz, a very active member of The Associated family.

Linda’s energy, passion and commitment to improving the lives of Jews everywhere is her trademark stamp. And it all began when she was fifteen years old welcoming the Russian Jews in Israel making aliyah.

“It was just a defining moment in my life that set my trajectory for caring for a fellow Jew.”

Linda describes the personal and powerful experience. Having woken up at 2 o’clock in the morning, Linda and the rest of her family headed to the Ben Gurion Airport. She would be one of the first people to welcome Russian Jews to their homeland. Not soon after the plane landed, a passenger began to walk off the plane that would change Linda’s life.

“A young girl came off the plane that truly lives within me to this day,” recalls Linda.

The girl was very alike to Linda, having similar hair, height and eyes. As far as Linda could tell, they were even similar in age.

“We gazed at each other… and as she walked off the plane we locked eyes and walked immediately to each other.”

But despite their similarities and shared heritage, Linda became aware of major differences between them. Linda was visiting Israel, while this young girl was about to start over and make a new life for herself in the same country. Then Linda made a quick decision. She pulled off her bat mitzvah ring, and put it on the young girl.

“I was hoping it would symbolize to her that any Jew would do anything – take the shirt off their back, take the ring off their finger, anything – whatever they could to make sure that she felt welcomed, cared for and truly loved.”

The experience taught Linda an important lesson, that giving to our extended family, wherever they live is what all Jews do.

For the full episode, use the player at the top or listen on iTunes!

Want more Pull Up A Chair? Visit our podcast page!

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Pull Up A Chair is a monthly Associated Podcast where, each month, we sit down and talk with members of the Baltimore community. Hear the personal stories of Jewish Baltimore – from CEO’s to The Myerberg’s Bagel Boys to Summer Camp Sweethearts. We’ll laugh, reminisce and learn a thing or two about what it means to build a strong community. Pull Up A Chair – You’ll feel like you’re sitting in the room with us.


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Subscribe to our newsletter

The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.

Join Our Mailing List