“It’s in my D.N.A,” he says.  

Recently we caught up with this fourth-generation Baltimorean to chat about his family’s legacy, discover his aspirations for this campaign year, and, of course, get to know a bit about what makes him tick.  

Four Generations. Wow! 

My great grandfather was a big philanthropist in Baltimore and very committed to giving back to the Jewish community. My grandfather helped spearhead the purchase of Camp Milldale, which is now the Pearlstone campus. My grandmother was a Women’s President. And my father was also a campaign chair and then later on served as national chair of the United Jewish Appeal (UJA). I saw early on the importance of serving others and how one person can make a difference.  

When you returned to Baltimore, you became involved with The Associated? 

I became involved with the Business and Professionals Division. Although I was born and raised in Baltimore, I had never lived here as an adult. Attending events, I met other young adults who have become my good friends. In 2010, I became part of the National Young Leadership Cabinet with over 200 young leaders from all over the country.  

Over the years, I’ve held had many roles within the system, including President of the Pearlstone Board as well as sitting on the Board of the Associated and the AJC (Associated Jewish Charities), serving on the JCIF investment committee since 2008 where we made sure The Associated was in a strong financial position for the future. 

Goals as Campaign Chair? 

I want to grow the campaign and increase community engagement. I want the community to understand that The Associated tackles so much from social justice to Jewish education to mental health and the well-being of older adults. We also are there in times of crisis, like raising money to help with the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.  

Hopes for the next generation?

I worry that polarization is breaking us apart. My biggest hope for the next generation, particularly the Jewish community, is that we continue to work together.  

As they got older, they both participated in Associated sponsored programs such as the Social Justice Fellowship, STAC, Peer Leadership Fellowship and Diller. Just recently Karen became Chair of 4Front and a JCC Board member. Our son Zach won second place last year in a nationally held Stand With Us competition for the 2022 Movement Builder Award in recognition for implementing Jewish programming on Emory’s campus. And now, Jordan is going to be a Gesher teen board member for Na’aleh: The Hub for Leadership Learning, another 4Front program. I’m excited and proud that my kids are following in my footsteps. Who knows – maybe we will have a fifth generation giving back in Baltimore. 

Fun fact?

My family has such a long history within the Jewish community. How ironic is it that my bar mitzvah was held on December 5. The next day was the rally for Soviet Jewry in Washington, DC.