Meet the Batkhan Family: PJ Library’s Mishpacha of the Month!

September 1, 2026 | People in Our Neighborhood

Meet the Batkhan family! Ellie and Daniel live in Mt. Washington with their two sons, Ari, 5, and Yitzy, 2. Together, they are building a Jewish family life filled with community, tradition, time outdoors and plenty of fun.

The famous line, “Timing is everything,” couldn’t have been more true for the beginning of Ellie and Daniel’s story. On the very last day of her JDate subscription, Ellie decided to log in one more time. And there was Daniel!

Bringing Two Jewish Backgrounds Together

Ellie and Daniel came to their shared Jewish life from very different backgrounds. Ellie grew up in an American Conservative Jewish community. Daniel was born in Belarus and raised in Israel in a Russian- and Hebrew-speaking Jewish culture.

Ellie’s own connection to Judaism deepened after she came to Baltimore to attend Goucher College and discovered Kayam Farm at Pearlstone, now part of Adamah. Through a Kayam summer fellowship and other environmental Jewish experiences, she fell in love with earth-based Judaism and biblical agriculture. Along the way, she discovered just how deeply Judaism is connected to the land.

It’s a connection that continues to shape the way the Batkhans live today.

Growing Jewish Traditions at Home

At their Mt. Washington home, the Batkhans have a garden, fruit trees and space for up to six chickens. Ari and Yitzy get in on the fun too, helping with gardening and feeding the chickens.

When it comes to their fruit trees, the family has chosen to follow the Jewish agricultural practice of עָרְלָה (orlah), which involves waiting three years before enjoying their fruit.

With that deep connection to the earth, it’s no surprise that Ellie’s favorite Jewish holiday is Sukkot. The Batkhans love celebrating Sukkot together outdoors. Ellie especially connects with its themes of harvest, hospitality, humility, gratitude and sharing abundance with others.

Together, Ellie and Daniel have been intentional about finding what feels meaningful to each of them and creating a Jewish life that reflects both of their experiences.

Building the Community They Want for Their Kids

After having children, Ellie and Daniel’s connection to Beth Am deepened as they found a community of families in the same stage of life. At Beth Am, their different Jewish backgrounds come together. There, they can continue shaping the Jewish life they want for Ari and Yitzy.

Ellie previously worked as a Jewish communal professional at the JCC. That experience taught her that creating the community they wanted also meant helping to build it. That belief led her to become a Partner Connector through The Jewish Connection Network for Beth Am. In this role, she connects with families who have children ages 0–9.

Through her role, Ellie helps families build relationships, find connection and play an active part in creating the Jewish community they want for themselves and their children.

The Batkhans practice that same idea in their own lives through one of their favorite family traditions: Havdalah playdates. They regularly gather outside with other Jewish families, whether at home, at a playground or even at the pool. Together, they light the Havdalah candle and say the blessings. It’s a Jewish moment their children can experience alongside family and friends.

Finding Fun and Connection in Baltimore

When they’re not gardening or gathering with friends, the Batkhans make the most of Baltimore. Ellie is a member of Fluid Movement, the wonderfully quirky community performing arts group known for its summer water ballet shows. Daniel loves taking Ari and Yitzy to ride the historic streetcars at the Baltimore Streetcar Museum. The family also enjoys trips to the Maryland Science Center.

At home, they may not have a television, but they do have an outdoor projector for movie nights in the garden. They also love playing board games together, including family favorite Guess Who?, and, of course, reading PJ Library books.

A Little Book With a Big Meaning

One PJ Library book has held a special place in Ellie’s heart since Ari was little: Shalom, a simple board book Ari loved so much he would try to eat it!

Each page pairs the word “Shalom” with different animals. Families can decide whether the characters are saying hello or goodbye and imagine their own stories. As an educator, Ellie loved how something so simple could open the door to so many possibilities.

For Ellie, the book also offers a beautiful parallel to Judaism: We may share the same texts and traditions, but each of us brings our own experiences, interpretations and meaning to them.

It’s a fitting reflection of the Batkhan family. From two different Jewish backgrounds, Ellie and Daniel are creating a Jewish story that is distinctly their own. And Ari and Yitzy have plenty of room to help write what comes next.