Meet Lisa Radov
August 26, 2026 | Uncategorized
By Laura Wilson
For Lisa Radov, finding connection in the Jewish community in Baltimore comes back to a few things she cares deeply about: Israel, animals and making a difference. Through Jewish Connection Network’s Israel programs, Lisa has found a welcoming community where she can learn, build relationships and explore Israel on a more personal level.
And if you ask her whether she’d come to another program, there’s no hesitation.
“I would come to more! I wish there were more! I’m advocating for more!”
Finding Connection Through Israel Programs in Baltimore
Lisa first connected with Jewish Connection Network through Israel programs at the Myerberg Center. She kept coming back for a pretty simple reason: she loved the programs.
Over the years, Lisa has participated in programs with several Israeli shlichot, including Maian and now Yael. What stands out to her is the personal perspective they bring.
“They are so friendly and engaging and bring a different perspective, I think, of Israel, a very personal side that sometimes you don’t see when you’re in a big program,” Lisa shared.
The smaller group setting has also given Lisa the chance to build relationships while learning.
“At the Myerberg, in the smaller group, I felt that there was a real connection that is special, and it just kept me coming back.”
Learning About Israel in a Personal Way
For Lisa, some of the most memorable experiences have also been some of the simplest, like sitting together and talking about Israeli books.
She remembers listening to the shlichot share different books, then opening the conversation so everyone could discuss what they liked and what they had read.
“I think it makes it very personal,” she said. “I loved learning about the people in Israel.”
That personal, welcoming approach is exactly what Lisa wants others to know about The Network’s Israel programs. You don’t need to arrive with extensive knowledge of Israel or worry about keeping up.
“It’s a very open environment. You’re learning, but it’s not intimidating,” she explained. “Everyone just is at their own level.”
Instead, Lisa sees the programs as an opportunity to learn alongside people who share a connection to Israel.
“You feel like you’ve enjoyed it, you’ve learned, you’ve been with people who share a love for Israel, and it’s just one community.”
For Lisa, having that community feels especially meaningful right now. She values being able to come together with people in Baltimore who love Israel, are interested in Israel and want to learn together.
A Lifelong Passion for Animals and Tikkun Olam
Lisa’s passion for animals goes back almost as far as she can remember. Her mother used to tell her that when Lisa was learning to crawl, she loved the family dog so much that she would crawl over and try to eat the dog’s food alongside her.
By age seven, that love had already turned into advocacy. Her dentist told her about efforts to protect harp seals in Canada, so Lisa helped him raise money.
“Throughout my life, it’s always been a passion,” Lisa said. “When you care deeply about something, you really show up for it.”
Years later, Lisa attended a lobbying day in Annapolis with her youngest daughter. That experience eventually led her to the board of Maryland Votes for Animals, where she became president and chair and worked to advance animal welfare legislation.
For Lisa, the connection between her advocacy and her Jewish values is clear.
“To me, Maryland Votes for Animals, working on animal legislation, is tikkun olam. It’s all connected. We’re all connected. Being Jewish, loving the animals, loving Israel, these are my passions.”
Israel, Music, Family and Looking Forward
Lisa’s love for Israel extends to music too. She has sung in Israeli choirs throughout her life and loves Israeli music from across different periods.
Her dream Israel experience? Seeing Omer Adam perform live.
“My dream is to go to an Omer Adam concert in Israel!!!”
These days, Lisa finds joy in her grandchildren, her animals and seeing people step up to help others during difficult times.
She also draws inspiration from looking at Jewish history through a wider lens.
“This is a difficult time, but our people have been through other difficult times,” Lisa shared.
Lisa’s story is a reminder that there are many ways to find your place in the Jewish community in Baltimore, whether through a shared love of Israel, a cause you care about or simply the chance to learn alongside others.
Ready to find your own way to connect? Explore upcoming Jewish Connection Network events and discover opportunities to learn, meet new people and build community.