Author: Guest Contributor
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 […]
Celebrating Local Women’s Organizations
BY ABIGAIL MALISCHOSTAK & KATE KIRBY In honor of International Women’s Day, we take a moment to recognize the incredible organizations in Baltimore that uplift, support, and empower women. From Jewish community groups fostering leadership and connection to service organizations providing critical resources, these groups make a lasting impact on women’s lives. We encourage you […]
Navigating Menopause Together: A Conversation with Liz Minkin-Friedman
Menopause is a natural transition, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and misunderstood stages of a woman’s life. Despite affecting nearly half the population, many women feel unheard by their doctors and unsupported by society. One woman, however, is working to change that. We spoke with Liz Minkin-Friedman, founder of Menopause Matters, a […]
Meet Leia Neft
Meet Leia Neft, a dedicated speech-language pathologist, mother of two, and active member of The Network community. Originally from Orlando, she has called Baltimore home since 2008, building connections and supporting families along the way. Passionate about helping children find their voice, she specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), giving nonverbal kids the tools […]
Meet the Marcell Family
As part of our going work and in recognition of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), we had the opportunity to talk to Dr. Arik and Allegra Marcell. The Marcells have two sons who attend Baltimore County schools and are active in the Jewish community. Arik is an adolescent medicine specialist at Johns […]
Parenting in the Digital Age
By Yaffa Novograd, LMSW and Tikvah Womack, LCPC, MA-EXAT We all know by now that spending too much time in front of a screen isn’t good for us. But let’s be honest: screens are everywhere, and it can feel almost impossible to escape them. Our daily lives—how we communicate, work, learn, and even unwind—are intertwined […]
Meet Megan Brantley
As a Queer young adult from a multi-faith family, Megan Brantley has a unique perspective on her work as a Community Connector. She seeks to find a place for people to embody their identities a both Queer and Jewish. From drag performances to her personal artwork, Megan has so much to share! How did you […]
Small Way to “Do Jewish” in 2025
By: Lauren Sibel, The Associated’s Young Leadership Council Member & Network Board Observer Looking for ways to deepen your connection to Jewish traditions and community in the new year? Whether you’re just starting to explore or looking to add something new to your routine, we’ve got you covered Here are 10 easy and inspiring ideas […]