Tips and Resources
A Taste of Israel, Straight from Trader Joe’s
By Jacob Wolf, Parent Connector Bringing the vibrant flavors of Israeli cuisine into your kitchen doesn’t have to mean tracking down specialty ingredients or spending hours cooking. With a little creativity and a quick trip to Trader Joe’s, you can put together a delicious, colorful Israeli-inspired meal that feels both authentic and approachable. Whether you’re […]
Being a GRANDparent… is GRAND!
By Sheri Stern (center in photo), Special Needs Grandparent Support Group Participant On the day before our first Seder in 2014, my daughter, Michelle, and son-in-law, John, told my husband, Jeffrey, and I that we would become grandparents that November. In that moment, we became Pop-Pop and Bubbe, our self-selected names, and we have been […]
December Holiday Stress? Try Challah Days
By Lisa Akchin, Multigenerational, Multifaith Family Connector for The Network. The low point in my experience as the Jewish grandmother of Catholic grandchildren was a latke dinner where my son called me out for “Marketing Hanukkah.” It can be hard to show up as a Jewish grandparent when our children and their partners choose different […]
Increased Need in Our Community — Here’s How You Can Help
You’ve probably seen the headlines or heard the conversations—more individuals and families in our community are facing food insecurity right now. Many have asked how to help, so we put together a few simple ways you can show up and make a real impact. Casseroles (Ongoing) When we decided to take a break from our […]
How to Make Your Friendsgiving a Little More Jewish (and a Lot More Meaningful)
Fall is my favorite season — the colorful leaves, crisp air, an excuse to live in cozy sweaters, and, of course, all the warm, comforting food. I’m sure I’m not the only one who looks forward to celebrating the season with friends over a good meal. Friendsgiving has become one of my favorite traditions. It’s […]
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Purim Experience
Purim is a fun holiday filled with noise, costumes, and celebration, but for individuals with sensory sensitivities, it can be overwhelming. Whether planning a large community event or a small family gathering, making Purim more inclusive ensures that everyone can participate comfortably. Here are some ways to create a sensory-friendly Purim experience: Tips for Large […]
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 […]
Maintaining Connection During the Winter Months
Winter can feel like the longest season to me. On the one hand, winter gives the gift of time, with a slightly slower activity schedule and time to cozy up indoors. On the other hand, it can feel isolating. Winter can bring a bit of the blues – sometimes it’s too cold to be (or […]
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 […]
Tips for Creating Inclusive Holiday Experiences
This Chanukah, as we gather with family and friends, let’s make sure everyone feels safe, welcome and celebrated. The Jewish community is becoming more diverse all the time. For many years, the predominant culture of American Jewry has been white and Ashkenazi. Our community is seeing a transformation. Through marriage with other faith traditions, more […]