What did it mean to receive the Julius Rosenberg Memorial Award from The Associated? 

I was completely shocked. There are so many deserving volunteers and to be selected for this honor was special. I remember, I got the phone call from Linda (A.) Hurwitz. She is one of my role models. I love her as a person and I admire all that she does for our community. It meant a lot for me to learn about the award from her. 

What is your Associated journey? 

When I came back to Baltimore with my husband, Matt, and one-year-old son, I was looking for opportunities to get involved in the community and meet people. So, I joined IMPACT (now The Associated’s Young Adult Division). While participating in programming and going to events, I learned about the amazing things The Associated does, both here at home and overseas. I became more engaged and today, I am the Associated Women’s Pomegranate Chair. I am also part of the Inspired Women’s Project. And, my husband and I were supposed to lead The Associated’s Family Mission to Israel last December; which unfortunately was put on hold after October 7. 

I know you were looking forward to leading that trip.  

The last time I was there was 36 years ago, as an eighth grader at Krieger Schechter Day School. As a student at that time, it was a lot of fun to see the places we learned about in school. However, for me, returning to Israel, particularly since October 7, will take on new meaning. Of course, I want to see the traditional sites, but I also want to see the sites from October 7. I experienced that day’s tragedy as a Jew in America, but I’d like to be able to see it through the eyes of Israelis. 

In addition to Israel, what else is important to you? 

Although I give to other causes, I believe it is important to give to The Associated. As Jews, I know that if we don’t support our community, no one else will. And these days, I’m particularly concerned about antisemitism. I have a child going to college soon and you hear what’s happening on campus. It’s important we address it. 

Best advice for your children? 

I always feel that it’s important for me to model what I want them to do. I know that even though I tell them things, they don’t always listen. But they are always watching what I am doing. 

What do people not know about you? 

I have been a speech pathologist for years, but before that I dabbled in a number of other careers. My first job was as a buyer for Macy’s in New York. I also organized children’s birthday parties and classes with my best friend. And I hold a real estate license. 

Who would you want to meet? 

Noa Tishby. I just saw her at an event at Beth El. She spoke for an hour, but there were so many people in the room, and it wasn’t enough time. I’d love to have a smaller audience with her. 

Where would we find you on a Sunday? 

If I’m not running around with my children, I’m sitting and reading a book. 

Do you have a favorite book? 

I just finished reading The Women by Kristin Hannah. I learned a lot about the Vietnam War which I didn’t know before. And my book club just finished reading The Frozen River. 

I understand you also enjoy food. 

Food plays a big part in every culture and religion, especially in Judaism. And my favorite Jewish foods are matzah ball soup and chocolate top cookies. 

Finally, you moved back to Baltimore after living in New York? What would you tell your friends there about why it’s a great place to be? 

Baltimore may not seem as exciting as New York, but what it has is community. And after October 7, that became so apparent in how we all came together.