On November 20, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore will host its signature Keynote event at Valley Mansion, offering the Baltimore Jewish community an opportunity to connect and be inspired during these incredibly challenging times.

We caught up with Beth El congregants Joy and Steven Sibel – parents of Lauren and Hannah and this year’s Keynote event chairs – to chat about everything from their burning questions for Michael Rapaport and Noam Buskila to their go-to Baltimore hangouts and the ups (and downs) of empty nesting.  

Your Associated Involvement.

Steven: Growing up in Pikesville I was exposed to The Associated very early on in my life through my parents. I started out in Young Leadership back in the eighties and over the years have pretty much done everything except being Chairman of the Board.

I like raising money. I think I got that from my mother, Carole Sibel. She once taught me that you’re doing someone a favor when you ask them to give money because you are giving them an opportunity to do something good.

Joy: After getting married, I became more involved with The Associated, starting with the 365 Campaign, which encouraged community engagement by asking for a dollar a day. This approach made it comfortable for newcomers like me to ask for donations and helped engage people unfamiliar with The Associated. I’ve also served on the board of CHANA and am involved in the Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation.

What excites you most about bringing both Michael and Noam together?

Joy: Noam honestly has been like a daily light for me since October 7. I discovered his music on Instagram and watched him use it to inspire soldiers on Shabbat and engage young people across Israel. And then of course, he’s come to the States to share his talent. As a reservist and former paratrooper, Noam brings something truly unique and I’m excited for our community to hear his music.

Steven: I think it’s so important right now for us as Jews to find our voices. Many of us feel isolated and under siege and frankly not supported by many of the communities that we’ve supported for generations. Michael has been speaking out loudly and proudly from day one. It’s been inspiring and I think it’s important for people to know we have support and that people are willing to speak their minds no matter the consequences.

Joy: The combination of Michael Rapaport and Noam is unique. Michael speaks his mind without holding back, showing the importance of using our voice, while Noam connects to our spirituality and offers a calming presence through music. Together, they complement each other, both connecting Jewishly in different but equally important ways.

What message do you hope the event conveys?

Joy: Our daily existence is a balance between the sorrow we witness and the joy we find. There’s so much joy in our community through the good we’re doing, the funds we’re raising and the people we’re engaging. The Keynote is a wonderful reflection of that joy and shows the community’s resilience and unity, especially after the wake-up call of October 7. It offers a chance for both new and long-time participants to feel more connected and inspired to support each other and those in need.

Steven: We were talking with the committee, and I said that one of the biggest miscalculations Hamas made in this conflict is that, while they claim Israel is creating more terrorists, they’ve actually created more Zionists. We have friends who were disengaged before, but now they’re fired up and eager to help. So, I hope Keynote energizes even more people to get involved and make a difference.

What would you like to ask Michael and Noam – on or off the record?

Steven: I would ask Michael if he feels that his advocacy in any way has affected his career or personal and professional relationships. And Noam, I would like to know how he finds the will to be so optimistic given what’s going on right now in his homeland.

Joy: Well said. I believe Noam has six children, so I can only imagine the challenges of raising a family in Israel right now. I would like to ask Noam where his children find the light in their day.

Favorite recent travel spot?

Joy and Steven: Our trip to Portugal, exploring Lisbon, Porto and the Duoro Valley. Lisbon was the perfect mix of history and charm. The Duoro Valley’s rolling vineyards and beautiful river views were breathtaking.

What’s next for you both?

Joy: We see ourselves engaging with the younger generation by providing connection and mentorship. They are bright, thoughtful and kind, but they may feel scared; we want them to realize that the way forward is through active participation in this incredible organization that benefits many.

Steven: We must work to keep newly energized Jews active and engaged. I am also focused on political engagement with our legislators through AIPAC and MACCPAC in order to maintain and preserve the historical alliance between the United States and Israel.

Learn more about The Associated’s Keynote event with special guest, Michael Rapaport.