Ten Things to Know About Our Senior Community Shlicha
From the moment she arrived in Baltimore, Yael Biran has brought warmth, authenticity and a deep commitment to bringing people together. Here are ten things to know about Yael and what drives her work as our shlicha.
1. She knew this path was hers almost from the beginning
Yael traces her passion for Jewish education and global Jewish connection back to early childhood. “I knew I wanted to do this from a really young age, around four or five years old,” she says. Growing up, her parents were Hebrew teachers in a Jewish school in Mexico City, and she saw early on that educators could live abroad while representing Israel.
2. Education and service run in her family
Working with people isn’t just a career choice for Yael but it’s how she was raised. “My parents were both educators. My brother is a social worker. My sister is a special education teacher,” she explains. “We’re all kind of in the same field of working with people and giving to others.”
3. Her military service shaped her worldview
During her army service, Yael worked as an educator with new immigrants to Israel. “Growing up in a kibbutz is kind of a bubble,” she says. “This was the first time I really met the full structure of Israeli society.” That experience sparked what she describes as her desire “to walk with Diaspora Jews.”
4. Baltimore was “beshert”
Yael didn’t specifically choose Baltimore. Baltimore chose her. After being accepted into the community shlichut track, her CV was shared with several communities. Baltimore was her very first interview and it was an immediate match. As Yael puts it, “It was meant to be.”
5. She experienced a full-circle Baltimore connection before she even arrived
While still in Israel, Yael worked with over 150 lone soldiers. Only later did she discover that several of them were from Maryland, including one whose mother works at JCS. That connection turned into a deeply meaningful relationship, helping Yael feel at home in Baltimore almost instantly. “It was like the most natural and incredible meeting because I felt like both of my world are combining.”
6. She believes personal connection matters now more than ever
Reflecting on the events of October 7, Yael says her sense of purpose became even clearer. “If I thought I wanted to do this before October 7, after October 7 I knew I had to,” she explains. “Personal connection is everything. Relationships are everything.” After October 7, Yael felt even more strongly that this moment demanded real, human connection. She believes there is extraordinary power in meeting people face-to-face and sharing lived experience, authenticity and truth beyond headlines or social media narratives.
7. Her core message
If Yael could leave the community with one message, it would be this: “Israel is the home for the Jews, always.” She adds, “Diaspora Jews can’t live without Israel, and Israel can’t live without Diaspora Jews. Our destinies are connected.”
8. She misses her family—especially her niece and nephew
What Yael misses most about home is her sister’s children. After October 7, when her brother-in-law was called to reserve duty, Yael moved in with her sister to help care for the kids. That experience deepened their bond and made the distance even harder, especially with her young nephew who doesn’t yet understand time or separation.
9. She’s discovering America—one tradition (and food) at a time
One American tradition that surprised Yael in the best way is Thanksgiving. “As a human tradition, it’s so nice,” she says. “Just to gather and say what you’re thankful for.” While she loves American junk food, she laughs that she deeply misses Israeli fruits and vegetables. Luckily, she brought a piece of home with her: “My mom made me a recipe book, so I’m trying to copy her dishes.”
10. She’s still adjusting—and finding joy—in Baltimore life
From learning to turn right on red to navigating squeegee encounters, Yael is adapting to life in Baltimore with humor. She’s taken up pickleball, started following the Ravens and is eager to explore more of the region’s nature once the weather warms. Above all, she’s grateful for how open and welcoming the community has been.
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