Here are eight things to know about Ron. 

A childhood rooted in Jewish education 

Many people may not know this, says Ron, but growing up, he attended the Talmudical Academy (TA) through eighth grade. He credits the school with providing him with a strong Jewish foundation. He left for high school at Milford Mill High School, as he continued his Jewish education at Baltimore Hebrew College. “I learned from some of the greatest, world-renowned scholars like Louis Kaplan and Samuel Iwry. 

A deli – and my first lesson in giving 

“One of my memories is walking into Attman’s Deli and going to the back of the store with my father. There was always a rabbi there speaking to my grandfather Harry Attman, collecting coins in the pushke box to help those in need and then seeing my mother doing that every Friday night before she lit Shabbos candles. Those were some of my first exposures to tzedekah.” 

The conversations he held with leaders on that trip deepened his connection and made him realize how much The Associated supported the Jewish community in Baltimore and around the world. He knew he wanted to be more involved in its work. He served on Jewish Vocational Services and the JCS (Jewish Community Services) boards, becoming JCS board president. He also held many leadership positions within The Associated before becoming this year’s campaign chair. 

If he could have dinner with anyone, it would be… 

“I’d love to sit down with some of the Israeli prime ministers, like Golda Meyer, Menachem Begin, David Ben Gurion. I want to talk about the challenges they faced, the tough choices they had to make and how they managed them.” 

As a native Baltimorean, he shares advice on what every tourist should do. 

“First, Baltimore played such a major part in the history of the United States. I think anyone who visits should check out its historical sites and their role in shaping our country.  

Second, they have to take in a ballgame. Whether it’s the Orioles or the Ravens, Baltimoreans are such passionate fans. And there is something about being in the stands, no matter who you are, with everyone pulling for the same thing. It’s a simple reminder to focus on what brings us together.”