Author: Guest Contributor
Meet Linda Plotkin
Meet Linda Plotkin, our dedicated Bookworms VolunTeam leader at Bedford Elementary and a philanthropic community member. Learn more about Linda’s journey as a relationship builder, world traveler, and how she expresses her Jewish identity through cooking. Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Linda Plotkin. I was married for 46 years until my […]
How to Celebrate Sukkot in the City
By Maggy Kay I grew up in the DC suburbs with a big yard, and every year during the High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) my dad would hand out little “business cards” during services. They weren’t for work — they were invitations to our family’s open sukkah, just a few days away. Now, […]
Life as an Empty Nester
For many of us, much of life is spent as a parent, raising children and building a home. But what happens when the kids leave and begin their own lives? Beth Feinstein and her husband, David, recently became empty nesters, and she shares how their family is navigating this new chapter. Tell Us About Your […]
Meet Debbie Wolff
Meet Debbie Wolff, a passionate educator, mom of two, and community-builder in the Lutherville-Timonium area. Whether she’s teaching 3rd and 4th graders at Krieger Schechter Day School or staying active with her family, Debbie brings warmth, energy, and connection everywhere she goes. Now she’s channeling that same spirit into Snack & Serve—a welcoming VolunTeam focused […]
Meet Alyson Friedman
Alyson Friedman has spent more than two decades building connections and uplifting others through her volunteer leadership. From serving as Board President of CHANA to co-founding the Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation, she has dedicated her time and heart to causes that strengthen our community. Now, as a member of the newly formed Jewish Connection Board, […]
Finding Everyday Meaning with Jewish Summer Blessings
Summer invites us to step outside into nature, into community, into moments that surprise and delight. Maybe you’re standing in awe at the ocean, heading out on a road trip, or simply catching your breath under a shady tree. No matter your choice, Judaism offers a beautiful way to mark those moments with blessings. Jewish […]
Meet Mendel Davis
Mendel Davis, our newest Single Parent Connector, is a trailblazer with a deep-rooted love for Jewish community, a powerhouse career in finance, and a passion for creating spaces of connection and support. A proud Baltimore native with Egyptian and African American heritage, Mendel brings his lived experience, soulful leadership, and deep empathy to his new […]
Meet Justin Fair
Justin Fair is a JPride Baltimore board member who’s passionate about building a more inclusive, vibrant Jewish community. In this conversation, they reflect on their path to leadership, what fuels their commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility, and how showing up—boldly and with intention—can create ripples of belonging for youth, families, and beyond. Talk a bit about […]
Spark Joy This Lag B’Omer: Family-Friendly Ideas to Celebrate Together
By Gabrielle Burger & Laura Wilson Lag B’Omer, the 33rd day of the Omer, is a joyful break during the solemn period between Passover and Shavuot. This year Lag B’Omer begins at sundown on Thursday, May 15, 2025, and ends at nightfall on Friday, May 16, 2025. It commemorates the end of a plague that […]
Meet Marissa Kahn
When Marissa Kahn moved to Baltimore, she set out to build community through connection, service, and shared Jewish values. As a social worker and mom of three, she founded Baltimore Mitzvah Moms to bring Jewish mothers together and give back in meaningful ways. In this interview, Marissa shares what inspired the group and how it’s […]