Author: Guest Contributor
Meet the Batkhan Family: PJ Library’s Mishpacha of the Month!
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 […]
Traditions, Transitions and Teachings of the Fall Jewish Holidays
Originally Published September 24, 2024 by Jodi Teitelman, former Network staff member Updated August 6, 2026 The Jewish High Holidays are one of the most meaningful seasons of the Jewish year. From welcoming the Jewish New Year on Rosh Hashanah to dancing with the Torah on Simchat Torah, each holiday offers unique traditions, rituals and […]
Meet Betty Jontiff: A Grandparent Connector Helping Build Community in Baltimore
If you ask Betty Jontiff what brings her joy, her answer is simple: family, creativity and meaningful connections. As a Grandparent Connector with The Network, she’s passionate about helping grandparents in the Baltimore Jewish community find opportunities to connect, learn and build lasting relationships. From Baltimore to Israel and Back Born and raised in Baltimore, […]
Meet Joshua Zommick
Joshua Zommick believes that some of the best connections begin by simply showing up. Whether he’s volunteering, celebrating Jewish holidays or attending young adult experiences, he loves finding opportunities to build relationships and create meaningful moments with others. Get to know Joshua and what inspires him to stay connected to Jewish Baltimore. How did you […]
Meet Sammy Levitt
Volunteer experiences in Baltimore have the power to bring people together, build lasting relationships and strengthen our community. As our new Senior Associate of Volunteer Experiences, Sammy Levitt is excited to help people discover meaningful ways to get involved. Get to know Sammy, learn what inspired her to join The Network and hear what she’s […]
Meet the Cohen Family: PJ Library’s Mishpacha of the Month
Meet Jessica and Jake Cohen, their children, Asher and Elsie, and their beloved Cavapoo, Rudy! The Cohen family has called Canton home for the past four years. Jessica and Jake first met while attending the University of Maryland. After college, they moved to Fells Point before eventually settling back in Baltimore, where they have lived […]
Meet Our Carroll County Connectors
Building Jewish Community, One Conversation at a Time Looking for a Carroll County Jewish community where you can build meaningful relationships? At the Jewish Connection Network, we believe community starts with one conversation. Our Carroll County Connectors are here to help you meet other Jewish families, discover local opportunities and feel at home in Jewish […]
Welcome to Shalom Village: Because Parenthood Was Never Meant to Be Done Alone
By Lindsay Gaister Montague, Manager of Family Engagement Relationships Are What Build Community Throughout my 20-year career in the Baltimore Jewish community, I have had the privilege of working with families through schools, synagogues, camps, and community organizations. One thing has always remained true: relationships are what truly build community. As a mom of three children, […]
Meet Carol Goldstein
Tell us a little about yourself I am a retired hospice nurse who moved to Towson after my husband, David, passed away. This has enabled me to be closer to my children and grandchildren, which has been a source of incredible joy! I was also fortunate enough to join Bolton Street Synagogue which afforded me […]
Meet Leora Match
Finding Connection Through Community My name is Leora Match, and I am a proud Baltimore transplant, nature-lover, musician, PJ Library parent, and Jewish professional. Becoming a mom has me reflecting deeply on community, ritual, and the traditions we choose to carry forward. As the Director of Adamah Adventure Camp at Pearlstone, I love helping children connect […]