New Virtual Conversation Series to Explore Developing Stronger Character Traits

January 12, 2022 JMORE Staff

Randi Alper Pupkin, founder and outgoing executive director of Art with a Heart: "We just took this leap of faith and opened a store.” (Provided photo)

“Refinement of character precedes Torah wisdom.”
–The Talmud

Starting next week, you can join Na’aleh: The Hub for Leadership Learning for a seven-part monthly speaker series on building character strengths. The Rina L. Janet Leadership Middot Conversations will explore the virtues of compassion, curiosity, humility, courage, gratitude, integrity and wisdom, with insights from local community leaders.

Na’aleh is an agency of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore. Rina Lee Janet, who died in January of 2018 at the age of 62, was a longtime volunteer and leader in the local Jewish community who served as Associated Women campaign chair.

The virtual, hourlong sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. on Jan. 19, Feb. 2, Mar. 2 and 30, Apr. 27, May 18 and June 1.

Speakers for the inaugural session on humility will include William J. McCarthy Jr., executive director of Catholic Charities of Baltimore, and Randi Alper Pupkin, executive director of the local nonprofit Art With a Heart.

Rabbi Steven Schwartz of Beth El Congregation — Rabbi Steve Schwartz (Provided photo)

The Feb. 2 conversation will feature Sarah Hemminger, executive director of the local nonprofit Thread, and real estate developer, community activist and author Thibault Manekin.

Serving as moderator of the series will be Melissa Gerr, producer and contributor for Baltimore’s National Public Radio affiliate station, WYPR. At the beginning of each conversation, Rabbi Steven Schwartz of Pikesville’s Beth El Congregation will frame the sessions through a Jewish lens.

For information about the series, visit naalehbaltimore.org/programs-events/events/rina-janet-leadership-middot-conversations/.