Community Connectors
Our Community Connector program unites Jewish individuals with similar interests and life stages, offering meaningful conversations and programs that build networks of friends and introduce you to the richness of Jewish life
The Community Connector Initiative is all about bringing people together and helping Jewish life feel more welcoming, vibrant and connected. Our 40+ Connectors—each connecting within their own circles and communities—reach out one-on-one to spark authentic conversations and open doors to Jewish experiences, organizations and traditions at home.
Want to meet a Connector to make Jewish life feel more welcoming and accessible? Complete our Connector Matching form.
Want to learn how you can Sponsor a Connector? Together we can create opportunities to celebrate the growing diversity of Jewish Baltimore, creating ripple effects that engage more and more people in our community. Share your interest on this form!
Meet Our Connectors
Allison Abarbanel (she/her)
SoBo (South Baltimore) Parent Connector
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Allison Abarbanel (she/her)
SoBo (South Baltimore) Parent Connector
- Grew up in Reisterstown, MD
- Lives in Locust Point with her husband Jay, baby Ace, and cat Midnight
- Background in advertising and event sales
FUN FACT:
I was a volunteer at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital for over a decade and on their gala committee
Lisa Akchin (she/her)
Multifaith Intergenerational Connector
- Born in Baltimore, then raised in the 1960s Deep South
- Returned to Charm City with husband Don in 1984
- Member and Past President of Beth Am Synagogue
- Following a full-time career in communications and marketing, she now consults for mission-driven organizations
- Board member of the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies
FUN FACT:
I create and deliver “Challah Days,” an at-home Jewish learning experience for my four Catholic grandchildren.
Dante Uriel Barboy (he/him)
Baltimore City Young Adults (20s & 30s) Connector
Dante Uriel Barboy (he/him)
Baltimore City Young Adults (20s & 30s) Connector
- Born in Buenos Aires Argentina, grew up in Pikesville, MD since age 6, now lives in South Baltimore as of 2021.
- Graduated from Towson University
- Works at the MD Dept of Labor, Unemployment Insurance Division
- Recently returned from a Volunteering Trip in Israel with Taglit.
- Dante is the vice-president of the DC representation of his Argentinean Boca Jrs soccer fan club, an 80-member group that meets frequently to socialize, watch the games and root for the team.
FUN FACT:
Holds American, Argentinian and Israeli citizenship.
Ellie Batkhan (she/her)
Beth Am Synagogue Parent Partner Connector
- Beth Am Synagogue Families with Young Children Partner Connector
- Baltimore transplant, current resident of Mt. Washington
- Resident of Mt. Washington with her husband, Daniel, their two sons, a sweet dog named Lilah, and a small but mighty flock of chickens
- Works in early childhood education and media literacy
- Member of Fluid Movement, a community performing arts group of synchronized swimmers
FUN FACT:
She loves a good song circle!
Brooke Berman (she/her)
Beth Tfiloh Preschool Partner Connector
- Grew up in Pikesville and lives there with her husband, 2 daughters, and labradoodle
- Former elementary school teacher
- Currently a part time dance teacher/choreographer and stay-at-home mom
FUN FACT:
Brooke is passionate about organizing and loves all types of crafting (sewing, knitting, embroidery, quilting, painting, and scrapbooking to name a few).
Jill Blum (she/her)
Bolton Street Synagogue Partner Connector
- Lifelong Baltimore Resident
- Works at UMBC in the University Communications and Marketing Division
- Attended McDonogh School, and University of Baltimore
- Former Adjunct Professor of Integrated Design at University of Baltimore
- Raising Ben (7) with husband Wesley
- Loves Bolton Street Synagogue and excited to work with our community
FUN FACT:
I was the oldest person on my Birthright Trip at 26 yrs old. When I returned, I told the story of my experience with Stoop Storytelling.
Megan Brantley (she/her)
LGBTQ+ Adult Connector
- Grew up in Baltimore County
- Currently lives in Reisterstown with her cat and 2 dogs
- Director of Community Relations at Baltimore Jewish Council
- Teaches in The Atid Teen Program at Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom Congregation
- In her free time, loves hiking with her dogs and playing guitar
FUN FACT:
Megan was a Drag King in college
Sarah Brodsky-Simon (she/her)
JLab at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Partner Connector
Sarah Brodsky-Simon (she/her)
JLab at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Partner Connector
- Grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland
- Lives in Mount Washington with husband Ari, two daughters Dalia & Amiya, and dog Zelda
FUN FACT:
Sarah is a craft artist who loves refinishing and building furniture, repurposing materials and keeping her hands busy working on projects.
Max Cardin (he/him)
Owings Mills/Reisterstown Parent Connector
- Grew up in Owings Mills and has lived there the past three years with his wife, son and French Bulldog
- Former corporate lawyer now working in transactional risk insurance
- Recently completed the Associated’s Young Leadership Council
FUN FACT:
Max enjoys the outdoors - whether it's hiking, gardening, kayaking or travelling. He is one of four siblings including an identical twin.
Sydnee Chavis (She/her)
Baltimore City (Patterson Park) Parent Connector
Sydnee Chavis (She/her)
Baltimore City (Patterson Park) Parent Connector
- Born and raised in Baltimore County
- Lives in Patterson Park with her husband Dan, two sons, and greyhound Hula
- Dentist at University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and teaches about dental care for people with disabilities
FUN FACT:
Sydnee does stand up comedy!
Menachem Mendel Davis (he/him)
Single Parent Connector
- Born and raised here in Baltimore, Maryland where he’s raising his two young daughters Ariella and Ahuva
- Loves riding motorcycles, playing saxophone, and cheering on Philly sports teams (go Birds!)
- Chief Executive Officer of Nova Insurance Company, specializing in alternative risk management solutions
FUN FACT:
Has a personal goal to see Earth from space one day
Marci Elkin (she/her)
Grandparent Connector
- From Livingston, New Jersey
- Husband from Baltimore
- Live in Reisterstown
- Have four children and four grandchildren
- Worked as a preschool teacher at the Owings Mills JCC and directed their preschool camp program
FUN FACT:
Was in High School class with presidential candidate Chris Christie and author Harlan Coben
Carmen Ezaoui (she/her)
Timonium Parent Connector
- Multi-faith Family
- Sephardic
- Grew up near Ocean City, MD
- Lives with husband and two children
FUN FACT:
Picked up running in my early 30s and getting back into it now after having kids. Training for a half marathon.
Erin Friedman (she/her)
Towson Parent Connector
- Grew up in Pikesville
- Now lives in Towson with her husband (who she met at sleepaway camp), 3 sons and dog
- Stay at home mom who likes to explore new playgrounds with her kid
FUN FACT:
October 27 is the dog's birthday, oldest son's birthday, and our wedding anniversary. Big day in our house!
Stacey Gerstenblith (she/her)
Shalom Baltimore Connector
- Grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia
- Lives with her husband and 3 children in the Pikesville/Mount Washington area
- Works as a school social worker for Baltimore County Public Schools
FUN FACT:
Stacey enjoys spending time with friends and family, and loves to take walks and watch movies. Although she is from the Philly area, she has become a Ravens fan and has even met Jon Harbaugh in the parking lot at Wegmans!
Barri (she/her) & Steve (he/him) Goldstein
Nature Based Connectors
Barri (she/her) & Steve (he/him) Goldstein
Nature Based Connectors
About Barri (she/her):
- Pikesville native, attended Krieger Schechter Day School K-7th grade
- Currently lives in Lake Walker with partner Steve, daughter Lily, and cats Tom and Lula
- Yoga and Pilates teacher, women’s circle facilitator, and retreat host
- Program Director at the Soul Center curating transformational programming
Fun Fact: She loves hiking, traveling, and dancing!
About Steve (he/him):
- Grew up in Montgomery County
- Lives in Lake Walker (North Baltimore) with his wife Barri, 9-year old daughter, and 2 cats, Tom and Lula.
- Certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist, and stretching & flexibility coach running a bridge program at a physical therapy clinic.
Fun Fact: Loves spending time in nature, playing piano and guitar, and singing around campfires
Lisa Greenberg (she/her)
Next Chapter (55+) Connector
- Native Baltimorean
- School Counselor in the lower school at Beth Tfiloh
- Author of Kindness Lives Inside All of Us
- Contributing author of Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities
FUN FACT:
Lisa's two adult children-- Hannah and Brady, fill her with immense JOY! Lisa has been writing blogs for over 10 years, covering everything from grief to gratitude and everything in between.
Talia Griffin (she/her)
Baltimore City Parent Connector
- Originally from Western Massachusetts, has been living in Maryland for almost 10 years
- Lives in Baltimore City with husband, 1 year old son, and dog
- Works as a psychiatric nurse practitioner
- Multifaith family
- Loves walking, running, outdoor activities
FUN FACT:
Talia makes a delicious gluten free challah!
Lindsay Grossman (she/her)
Early Intervention Parent Connector
- Lives in Lutherville with Husband Mick, sons Benji and Leo, and cat Yoshi
- Grew up in Baltimore and graduated from Towson University
- Early intervention teacher with Baltimore County Public Schools
- Passionate about inclusion and acceptance
FUN FACT:
Mick and I lived in Israel and got engaged in Rome before heading back to Baltimore
Yael Hamburger (She/Her)
Jews on the Move: Young Adults (20s and early 30s) Connector
Yael Hamburger (She/Her)
Jews on the Move: Young Adults (20s and early 30s) Connector
- Hopes to engage active young adults in their mid-late 20s-early 30s through various activities all around the Baltimore area! This can look like hikes, walks, partnering with local run clubs, Volo events and more!
- Born and raised in Owings Mills
- Has her Master’s of Public Health and is now back at Hopkins finishing her Master’s in nursing
- Currently lives in Canton where she loves her daily walks along the waterfront!
- In her free time, you can find her running, hiking, playing pickleball or exploring new coffee shops around Baltimore
FUN FACT:
Wrote a book to help pediatric patients and their care providers communicate more effectively, which has been donated to pediatric hospitals nationally
Stephanie Helfman (she/her)
Suburban Singles 30+ Connector
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Stephanie Helfman (she/her)
Suburban Singles 30+ Connector
- Born and raised in Pikesville
- Currently lives in Reisterstown (first time home owner!) with her two cats, Cheddar & Mozzarella
- Supervises case managers who provide in-home services to those on Medicaid
FUN FACT:
Stephanie loves building stuff - furniture, Legos, model wood kits, anything and everything!
Corinne Janet (she/her)
Young Widow(er) Connector
- Young Widow(er)
- Originally a Southern California native, but has called Baltimore County home since 2016
- A widow raising a funny, compassionate, and quick-witted 5-year-old daughter
- A Higher Education professional, who has worked at Johns Hopkins, UMBC, and UMD
FUN FACT:
Loves to hike and explore the beauty of the mountains by day and needlepoint by the TV with a glass of wine by night
Sam Kahan Strakes (she/her)
Carroll County Parent Connector
- Grew up in Reisterstown
- Lives in Finksburg (Reisterstown) with husband and two kids, Zoey and Ezri
- Worked professionally in the Jewish community for over 10 years before deciding to take some time to stay at home with her two girls
FUN FACT:
Sam is an escape room enthusiast and has even created her own escape rooms for events
Danielle Kasoff (she/her)
20s-40s Living Jewishly Connector
- Born and raised in Howard County, Maryland and made Baltimore her home in 2016.
- You can find her hosting many Jewish events at her apartment in Federal Hill, including her largely-attended Shabbats.
- A Registered Nurse with most of her years spent in the Emergency Department. She is currently a nurse manager of a Primary Care Practice.
FUN FACT:
Loves playing board games and owns over 40 and counting
Alana Katzenberg (she/her)
Descendants of Holocaust Survivors Connector
Alana Katzenberg (she/her)
Descendants of Holocaust Survivors Connector
- Grew up in Northbrook, IL
- Currently lives in Pikesville with her husband, Andy, son, Emmett, daughter, Lucy, and 4 lb poodle, Winston
- Alana is the Vice President of the Board of 3G Baltimore – an organization dedicated to third generation descendants of Holocaust Survivors.
- Both Alana’s maternal grandparents are survivors- they were childhood sweethearts that reunited after their camps were liberated.
FUN FACT:
Alana has several claims to fame- one of which is she originally moved out east to pursue acting. She even has an IMDB profile!
Jenna Lessans (she/her)
Krieger Schechter Day School Partner Connector
Jenna Lessans (she/her)
Krieger Schechter Day School Partner Connector
- Pikesville native
- Lives in Owings Mills with her husband and 3 kids
- Professional background in environmental management, specifically climate change policy
FUN FACT:
Jenna loves spending time outdoors, especially playing tennis and pickleball!
Esther Levine (she/her)
Zionist Connector
- Grew up in Miami Beach, FL where I learned to swim before I could walk! I’m still more comfortable in the water than I am on land!
- Attended a magnet school for marine biology in the Florida Keys
- Single mom to son, Avi and child, Max, as well as 2 goldendoodles, a toy poodle, and an Amazon parrot that flew into my house and has become part of the family.
- My parents and I relocated to Baltimore in 2001, and I spend many Holidays and Shabbatot at my parents’ house with my kids and pets! We also share custody of the dogs; the oldest one is named Chetzy (half in Hebrew) because he is half mine and half my parents’. I have two sisters, one in Memphis and the other in Israel.
- Attended Boston University and University of Maryland, College Park. I have a degree in Arabic Studies, with a minor in Israeli Studies.
- Traveled to Israel many times, as well as to Morocco and Egypt. I have a deep love for the Land of Israel and her people both inside the state of Israel and outside of it.
FUN FACT:
I've had some of the coolest jobs in the world! I was an animal care intern at the Miami Seaquarium, working mostly with the manatees but also sharks, other fish and my favorite, the dolphins! I also worked at Walt Disney World! But wait, there's more! Ask me about them sometime :)
Shelly Lohmann (she/her)
Widows and Widowers 60s and 70s Connector
- 70 year young vibrant widow since October 2024
- Native New Yorker, Baltimore is home since 1993, via living in Singapore, Istanbul & Hong Kong
- 3 amazing grandkids that call me Bubbie & live relatively close
- Retired from working as a Buyer for Macy’s, The Associated & State of Maryland (Department of Aging)
FUN FACT:
I love playing golf, hiking & traveling to exotic places.
Adriana Luftman (she/her)
Next Chapter (55+) Connector
- Originally from Argentina, lived in Israel for seven years and in Baltimore (Pikesville) for the last 24, together with her husband. They have two kids and two grandkids.
- She is an Architect, working full-time.
- Former Morgan Adjunct professor of Professional Practice.
- Avid reader, participates in a monthly book club.
FUN FACT:
Three times a week she can be found at the JCC taking group classes of Body Pump and Body Attack.
Melissa Myslinski (she/her)
Harford County Parent Connector
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Melissa Myslinski (she/her)
Harford County Parent Connector
- New Jersey transplant
- Grew up as an active participant in NFTY, the Reform movement’s youth program
- Multifaith family, lives with husband and 6 year old daughter in Joppatowne
- UMD, College Park Alumni
- Practicing dentist in Perry Hall and a classroom helper at Beth El Congregation
FUN FACT:
Melissa loves live music and anything nerdy.
Jessica Nare (she/her)
E.B. Hirsch @ Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Preschool Partner Connector
Jessica Nare (she/her)
E.B. Hirsch @ Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Preschool Partner Connector
- Southern California native
- Multifaith family
- Career in higher education with a passion for student engagement and inclusive practices
- Made the big move from sunny San Diego to Baltimore in 2024!
- Now happily settled in Mt. Washington with her spouse, Tim, and their two sons, Albert & Philip
FUN FACT:
Jessica didn’t see snow until college—now she’s hooked on winter sports, especially cross-country skiing!
Savannah Parrish (she/her)
LGBTQ+ Parent Connector
- Savannah grew up in Hamstead, Carroll County. She and her wife, Jenna recently moved back to Hampstead from Towson with their 2 year old daughter, Hunter.
- She works as a 3rd grade teacher in Dundalk.
- Savannah loves being outdoors and participating in all water sports and activities.
FUN FACT:
Savannah has been to Disney World every year since she was 2 years old.
Amanda Rudin (she/her)
Single Parent Connector
- I have a daughter named Emma
- I grew up in NJ but have been in the Baltimore area since 2008
- I am working on my Doctorate in Educational Leadership
FUN FACT:
My birthday often falls on Father's Day
Stan Scherr (he/him)
Next Chapter (55+) Connector
- Born and raised in Baltimore, lives in Mt. Washington with his partner, Bill
- Graduate of Talmudical Academy, Baltimore City College and University of Baltimore
- Bolton Street Synagogue congregant
- Former CCBC Special Needs Adjunct professor
FUN FACT:
Stan is a music and art lover
Jill Silbert (she/her)
Beth El Preschool Partner Connector
- Grew up in Potomac, MD but moved to Baltimore for nursing school and stayed!
- Currently working as a school nurse but used to work in the hospital.
- Married to Jeremy and has a 5 year old son and a 3 year old daughter AND a 14 year old puggle named Simba.
- Loves the Beth El community and so excited to connect with all the families there!
FUN FACT:
Loves coffee, music and being with my friends. Recently have rediscovered my love of running and have been training for half marathons.
Jamie Surell (she/her)
Goldsmith Preschool Partner Connector
- Baltimore native currently living in Timonium with her husband, Michael, and daughters, Charlotte and Lucy
- Speech Language Pathologist
FUN FACT:
I love photography, and especially love taking pictures of my girls!
Valery Viner (she/her)
Russian Speaking Parent Connector
- Originally from Ukraine but has lived in Maryland for 35 years.
- With her husband, has three boys, a Great Pyrenees, a Maine Coon, and a Persian cat.
- Formerly an Art teacher but currently work as a UI/UX designer and front-end developer.
FUN FACT:
Valery has professional training in Ballroom Dance and had a ballroom dance school for 15 years.
Marina Vurgaftman (she/her)
Russian Speaking Grandparent Connector
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Marina Vurgaftman (she/her)
Russian Speaking Grandparent Connector
- Lives in Pikesville with her husband and her two sons
- Grew up in Kiev, Ukraine
- Completed her teacher’s education in Moscow
- Works as a special education teacher
FUN FACT:
Marina has her own travel agency
Staci Weber (she/her)
Hunt Valley/Sparks Parent Connector
- Staci grew up in Reisterstown, MD
- Recently moved to the Cockeysville/Hunt Valley area with her husband and daughter
- Background is in higher education administration and works with nonprofits
FUN FACT:
Starting to learn all about gardening and woodlands now that we're living in Baltimore County
Jacob Wolf (he/him)
Parent Connector
- Lawyer and Mediator in Lutherville, MD
- Lives in Pikesville and has 3 boys, Hirsh, Judah, and Shai
- Loves to coach kids sports and cook for friends!
FUN FACT:
Received Varsity Letters in Cheerleading for being the school mascot (Go Vikings!)
Jordan Zilberman (she/her)
Stoler Early Learning Center at the JCC Preschool Parent Connector
Jordan Zilberman (she/her)
Stoler Early Learning Center at the JCC Preschool Parent Connector
- Born and raised in Reisterstown and still residing there with her husband, Danny, daughter, Noa, and dog, Ovi
- Bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland, College Park
- Currently pursuing master’s degree from Towson University
- 2nd grade teacher for Baltimore County Public Schools
FUN FACT:
I am a former preschool & kindergarten student, camper, teen volunteer, AND camp counselor of the Owings Mills JCC!
Melissa Zim (she/her)
Beth Tifloh Day School Partner Connector
- Grew up in Snohomish, Washington, and now live in Pikesville with my husband, Adam, our two kids, my father-in-law, and our dog.
- After receiving a degree in golf management, I worked as a buyer and manager for Wynn Resorts golf shop and managed two retail stores for 10 years. I later returned to school for physical therapy.
- My husband and I now own a home physical therapy practice, a2z Physical Therapy.
FUN FACT:
Melissa grew up in a log house without heating or air conditioning. The only way to heat their home was with two fireplaces, so during the summer she and her brothers would chop and stack wood to prepare for the winter.
Erica Zippert (she/her)
Owings Mills/Reisterstown Parent Connector
- Grew up in Reisterstown
- Lives in Owings Mills with her husband Alon and 2 kids, Talia and Judan
- Education Researcher, Consultant, and Trainer
- Lived in Nashville for 6 years
FUN FACT:
Erica still misses the southern sweet tea, banana pudding, and hot chicken from living in Nashville