Author: Guest Contributor
Meet Julie Tonti
Julie Tonti, Director of Community Partnerships in Education at Jewish Educational Services, shares insights on the key trends and issues local congregational schools will be focusing on this year. She offers valuable advice for both new and returning families on making the most of the school experience and provides guidance for those considering enrollment. Discover […]
Staff Rosh Hashanah Traditions
Looking to incorporate a new practice or two into your Rosh Hashanah holiday? During a staff meeting, our team shared our families’ traditions for Rosh Hashanah, which celebrates the new year and kicks off the High Holiday season! Meal Must-Haves: Erica Bloom, Kate Kirby, and Abigail Malischostak all serve apple cake. Erica and Abigail […]
You Can Survive Homework Time: Strategies for Making Homework Enjoyable for You and Your Children
Written by Shana Alter As a Special Education teacher and the owner of Alter Tutoring, I’m often asked how to make homework time more enjoyable for children and their families. As a parent, I completely understand the frustration that homework can bring. I know that having a successful homework routine is crucial for academic success […]
Meet Marci Elkin
Marci is one of the Jewish Connection Network’s newest Community Connectors, but she has been an active part of the Jewish Community her whole life. With a background in teaching preschool, she loves caring for her grandchildren and bringing Judaism into their lives. Marci and her husband have four daughters who have non-Jewish spouses and […]
The Timeless Impact of Grandparents in Our Lives
By: Rachel Pototsky & Evan Reisberg Grandparents hold such a special place in our hearts. They’re the ones who pass down love, wisdom and the traditions that make us who we are today. With Grandparents Day being on Sunday, September 8, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible impact they’ve had on our […]
Tisha B’Av: A Day of Reflection, Mourning and Hope
Tisha B’Av (Tisha = the 9th day of the Hebrew month), of Av which falls out this year on August 12 – 13, 2024, is considered the saddest day of the Jewish calendar, as we remember the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. But did you know there’s so much more to […]
Rediscovering Israel with Momentum
Written by Randi Moody Randi was part of the Jewish Connection Network’s first Momentum cohort. Momentum’s Journey of Growth program is an immersive experience that empowers women to connect to Jewish values, engage with Israel, and take action in their homes and communities while fostering unity without uniformity. When I began my journey with Momentum, […]
Tips for Preventing the Summer Slide
Written by Debbie Wolff Our Lutherville Parent Connector, Debbie Wolff, and her partner Chris have two sons, Brooks (4) and Griffin (1) and reside in Lutherville with their two dogs Lucy and Blitzen. Debbie teaches third grade and a fourth grade literacy class, as well as tutoring both virtually and in-person. As a parent and […]
Grand Adventures: Top Picks for Fun with Grandkids in Baltimore
Written by: Jim Schwartz We caught up with local grandfather, Jim Schwartz to get insights into some of his favorite places to take his grandchildren in Baltimore. Jim, a resident of Pikesville, is a grandfather to 2 kids ranging in age from 10 – 13. He likes to discover places where both he and his […]
My First Experience Conferencing the PJ Way
Erica Zippert Having spent 12 years in academia, I’m no stranger to conferences. I’ve traveled all over the U.S. and Canada to attend countless local, national, and international meetings dedicated to my academic specialization of early childhood development. I have always loved attending conferences for a number of reasons. Most importantly, I am passionate about […]