Why Family First?  

Eileen Norris, a SHEMESH reading specialist shared this story:  

When I was interviewing for my job at SHEMESH, I was told I’d have to come in and meet with Dr. Weisbord. I didn’t think much of it until I told my sister.  

‘A Jewish doctor?’ she said. ‘You better be prepared for this interview. Jewish doctors really know what they’re doing.’ 

Upon her advice, I planned what I would say and rehearsed my answers to questions I thought she might ask: “’What’s the best methodology to use when working with dyslexic students?’ and “How do you motivate reluctant readers? A few days later, I found myself in her office.   

After initial greetings, I geared myself up for a demanding interview. To my surprise, Aviva turned to me and said, ‘We both know you have this job. I know how qualified you are. Instead, I want to hear about your family. And that was it. We chatted for a few minutes, and I knew immediately that Aviva’s interest in my family was genuine and deep. 

Working under Dr. Weisbord, we all knew that while she expected and promoted high-quality, research-based intervention and services, she valued our family commitments above all. When we had sick children or parents, she made sure that we took time off and always checked in with us to see how they were doing.   

She sincerely cared about our personal lives. In return, we devoted ourselves to our responsibilities, seeing them as a privilege and not a burden. In this way, she cultivated a team of professionals who loved their jobs and the students, teachers and families they served.   

The Family First ethos that Dr. Weisbord fostered during her time at SHEMESH continues to characterize the way we operate. We view connection as a primary source of strength for the individuals we work with and seek ways to enhance and deepen those relationships. We are thrilled that Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, Aviva’s brother-in-law, will be our premier speaker on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, via Zoom at 8:15 p.m.   

In this lecture, Rabbi Schacter will provide an optimistic perspective for families confronting contemporary challenges exacerbated by, but not limited to, COVID-19. What wisdom can we gain from traditional Jewish sources to help us navigate our personal and family lives in 2022? He will dedicate his presentation in memory of his beloved and much missed sister-in-law, Dr. Aviva Weisbord, A’H.

Register today at familyfirstlecture.eventbrite.com. For more information, please call 410-843-7589 or email info@shemeshbaltimore.org. We look forward to seeing you there! 

About: SHEMESH, an agency of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, provides the educational support necessary for Jewish children with learning differences to reach their full intellectual, academic, emotional and social potential in a Jewish setting. Learn more at shemeshbaltimore.org.