You’re originally from Los Angeles. How did you end up in Baltimore?

My journey to Baltimore began when one of Yanky’s best friends married a friend of mine from LA, and they set us up. At the time, I was working for Aish HaTorah in New York City and Yanky was learning in Yeshiva in Waterbury, Connecticut. We met and were married six months later.

From there, we spent a few years in Israel while Yanky got his smicha, followed by two years in Albany as the campus Rabbi and Rebbetzin at SUNY Albany. At that point, we had two daughters and were ready to move to an established Jewish community, so we moved to Yanky’s hometown of Baltimore. We’ve been here for about ten years.

How did you first become involved with The Associated?

With a non-profit background, I applied for a job at The Associated when I moved here. My resume was given to Beth Gansky, who was the new executive director for ACHARAI, an organization that empowers experienced leaders to be more informed, thoughtful and effective leaders of their Jewish organizations. (Now part of Na’aleh: The Hub for Leadership Learning)

I worked there for eight years before going out on my own.

Best leadership advice?

Be deeply self-aware, show up with humility, know your strengths and invite others to shine where you don’t.

You now serve on the Board of The Associated’s Jewish Connection Network.

Addie Lewis Klein was stepping in as the first director of the Jewish Connection Network, a brand-new agency at The Associated. She reached out and once we met, it was an immediate yes to join the Board. Addie is an incredible leader and human being, and I knew I wanted to be part of anything she was building.

In addition, much of my work has focused on helping small and mid-sized organizations build the foundations they need to thrive. Joining The Network felt like the perfect opportunity to bring that expertise to an organization at a really exciting stage of growth.

You sit on their Strategic Planning process. Why is their work important?

What excites me about their work is their focus on using the power of relationships to help Jewish individuals connect to Judaism in ways that feel personally meaningful. At a time when so many in the Jewish community are seeking deeper connection, to each other and to their communities, this work couldn’t be more important. When people feel connected, our whole community strengthens. The Network is making that happen right here in Baltimore.

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved or serving in a leadership capacity, reach out. There are around 28 agencies under The Associated’s umbrella that could use your time, treasure or talent!

Who would you invite to your Shabbos table and what would you ask them?

I would invite any of the returning hostages from Oct. 7th. It would be an honor just to be in their presence, and whatever the conversation, I know I would learn about courage, hope, resilience and faith in the face of unthinkable pain.

Where would we find you on Sundays?

Watching football! We love football and are big Ravens fans even when they give us lots of reasons not to be!

You just got back from Israel on a women’s trip with the Pikesville Jewish Center. When you are not traveling on an organized trip, what is your favorite thing to do there?

The majority of my family lives in Israel, siblings on both mine and Yanky’s side and almost 35 nieces and nephews, so when I’m there, family time is a must!

Anything else?

I’m truly grateful to be part of this community. The people here, the organizations, the leadership—it’s a privilege to contribute in any way I can.

Learn more about The Associated’s work here.