Author: Guest Contributor
Local Prep, Global Presence: How a Packing Party Prepared Me for Israel
By Dean Weiss Where It Started The first time I packed a winter care package at The Network, it felt like a modest way to help in our own community. This past January, I had the chance to volunteer in Israel, and for two weeks I listened to the stories of the people we supported […]
Holding Grief and Joy Together: Reflecting on Israel’s National Days
By Yael, Senior Community Shlicha for The Associated When I am asked what feels most Israeli to me, the answer is obvious: the transition from Memorial Day to Independence Day. The concept behind marking these emotionally charged days—beginning with Holocaust Remembrance Day and continuing exactly one week later with Israel’s Memorial Day followed immediately by […]
Meet the Birenbaum Family: PJ Library’s Mishpacha of the Month!
The Birenbaum family — Michele and Dan, along with their daughters Emily (7) and Isabelle (5) — fill their Reisterstown home with warmth, tradition, and an unmistakable love for Judaism, Israel, and Jewish learning. Their home is lively not only with two young daughters, but also with three beloved dogs: Honey, Goldie, and Maple. Michele grew […]
Passover Through My Sephardic and Mizrahi Lens
By Carmen Thomas, Timonium Parent Community Connector Growing up in an Indian and Moroccan Jewish household, I didn’t always realize how different our traditions were from those in other American Jewish homes. It wasn’t until I got older that I began to see how unique—and deeply meaningful—our customs really were. Passover, in particular, always highlighted […]
Meet Sammi Darmon
Get to know Sammi Darmon, one of our Young Adult VolunTeam leaders! Originally from Michigan, she now works as a physician’s assistant at Baltimore’s Good Samaritan Hospital. Through The Network and the Knit & Nosh VolunTeam, Sammi has found meaningful friendships and helps create a welcoming space for young adults. How has The Network and […]
Meet Marina, our Russian Speaking Grandparent Connector
Meet Marina Vugaftman (second from the left), our Russian-Speaking Grandparents Connector, whose energy, warmth and love of bringing people together make our community feel a little smaller and a lot more connected. From trivia nights to holiday concerts, Marina creates spaces where people feel welcomed, valued and inspired to show up as their full selves. […]
Meet Alyson, Purim Party Co-Chair
Alyson Friedman is our Purim Party co-chair who brings heart, creativity and a true love of community to the table. She is deeply passionate about creating spaces where people can come together, feel connected and celebrate Jewish joy. We’re excited to spotlight her and share a little more about what inspires her and why this […]
Purim, Already? Why This Holiday Deserves a Spot on Your Calendar – and in Your Kitchen
By Melissa Myslinski, Harford County Parent Connector Purim is almost here, and a lot of us are scratching our heads thinking, “Well, that was fast.” Between sports, dance, Sunday school, vacations, the occasional snow day and mountains of work, it’s tempting to let this Jewish holiday quietly slide by. We ask ourselves: Does my family […]
Meet the Rosenberg Family: PJ Library’s Mishpacha of the Month!
Meet Gabriella and Evan Rosenberg, and their children, Luna, age 8, and Scarlett, age 4. Gabby and Evan both grew up in Jewish households- Gabby was born in Pikesville and moved to Cockeysville with her parents when she was in Lower School, and Evan was born and raised in Silver Spring. Both attended Jewish day […]
Meet Yael Hamburger
Born and raised in Baltimore and now calling Canton home, Yael Hamburger is all about building community through movement, meaning and connection. Whether she’s running along the waterfront, planning gatherings with The Network or balancing nursing school at Johns Hopkins, Yael brings heart, energy and openness to everything she does. Her story is a beautiful […]