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.
Sivi Andorsky (she/her)
Beth Tfiloh Preschool Partner Connector
- Pediatric RN Clinical Director dedicated to supporting children, families, and compassionate care in home health.
- Wife and mom of three awesome kids, passionate about creating a home filled with faith, family, and adventure.
- Raised Orthodox Jewish, with a deep appreciation for Jewish tradition and community.
FUN FACT:
Loves the beach, outdoors, games (mahjong), and any adventure with my family.
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!
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!
Jessica Cohen (she/her)
Baltimore City (Canton) Parent Connector
- A Marylander through and through! Grew up in Gaithersburg Maryland, went to the University of Maryland, College Park, and has been living in Baltimore City for 9 years.
- Lives in Canton with my husband, two kids, and the sweetest/craziest cavapoo dog.
- Stay at home Mom (always up for a coffee/playdate with my littles)!
- Loves walking through the city and hitting up the Fells Point farmers market.
FUN FACT:
Studied abroad in Rome, Italy in college.
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
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:
Tea Lover who wakes up early for the gym.
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!
Jessica Gertz (She/Her)
Suburban Singles 30+
- Grew up in Reisterstown
- Lives in Pikesville with my dog, who is a Pomapoo
- Been an Occupational Therapist for 13 years mainly working with the elderly population and in physical rehabilitation
FUN FACT:
Loves to cook and bake; currently on a sourdough baking journey!
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!
- Completed her Master’s of Science in nursing and is a working as a pediatric nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Born and raised in Owings Mills
- 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
Betty Jontiff (she/her)
Grandparent Connector
Betty Jontiff (she/her)
Grandparent Connector
- Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland
- Went to Milford Mill High School and the University of Maryland.
- Received a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design. Worked as a graphic designer for many years. Worked until retirement at North Oaks Retirement Community.
- Married to Mark and live in the Owings Mills area. 3 lovely daughters and 2 lovely grandchildren named Jordyn and Elon (so far).
FUN FACT:
Took a year off before going to the University of Maryland and lived in Israel on a kibbutz. Betty worked on the kibbutz and did an Ulpan program speaking conversational Hebrew. She love to travel and enjoys art.
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
Victoria (Tori) Kramer (she/her)
Caroll County Parent Connector
Victoria (Tori) Kramer (she/her)
Caroll County Parent Connector
- Born and raised in Montgomery County
- Lived in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
- Currently resides in Carroll County with husband, daughter, and dog
FUN FACT:
I was once on a reality TV baking show
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.
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!
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
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!
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