Author: Guest Contributor
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 […]
Celebrating the Impact of Good Deeds Month
BY ALLI BERGER & JODI TEITELMAN We’re proud to be the Baltimore convener of International Good Deeds Day year after year—and this year, we decided to try something new. Expanding Good Deeds Day to Good Deeds Month was a no-brainer for our team. While it can be impressive to have one big day of impact, […]
Meet Lori O’Donnell
Lori O’Donnell is a community-minded powerhouse with a passion for connection, giving back, and helping others thrive. Whether she’s organizing winter care packages for Mitzvah Month, encouraging older adults to try new programs at the Myerberg Center at the J, or discovering her love for audiobooks during long runs, Lori brings warmth, dedication, and an […]
Creating a Meaningful Passover One Room at a Time
Passover is a time for storytelling, connection, and creativity, and Erica Allen has mastered the art of bringing it all to life. As a Jewish educator and mom of two young children, Erica combines her professional expertise and personal passion to create an engaging, interactive seder experience. From reenacting the Exodus to hosting afikomen hunts, […]
Your Passover, Your Way: Resources to Make It Meaningful
As the days get longer and the flowers outside begin to bloom, Jewish people everywhere are preparing not just for the spring season, but for the holiday of Passover (Pesach in Hebrew.) Known to some as the Festival of Freedom and others as “the one week a year we can’t eat leavened bread”, the Macks […]
Meet Phyllis Shocket
From growing up in Baltimore to a career in law librarianship and nonprofit leadership, Phyllis Shocket has always been driven by connection and service. Now active in The Network’s knitting initiative and community programs, she continues to bring people together for meaningful impact. Here, she shares her journey, the power of community, and the joy […]