Taking care of individuals and creating Jewish journeys are just two ways The Associated network is supporting Jewish Baltimore.
Read the stories of some of the people who connected to The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore through one of their many programs. And in the process discovered how it changed their lives.
Building Jewish Community: Briana Arnold
As a first-generation American, Briana Arnold was always told how lucky she was to grow up Jewish in America. Her parents, who immigrated from the former Soviet Union to escape antisemitism, were determined their daughter would be proud of her heritage.
Yet it wasn’t until she was older, had a family and became a community connector that she recognized how much her Jewish identity meant to her and how important it was that her two children be part of a Jewish community.
For the past three years, she was a Carroll County Connector through our Macks Jewish Connection Network. During this period she brought families with younger children together, helping them establish lifelong Jewish connections. She’s organized Rosh Hashanah meetups, held a mom’s Chanukah cookie event and even engaged a cohort in the casserole challenge. She’s seen them connect at schools and over Shabbat.
“Being a connector has reminded me why I love being Jewish,” she adds. “And why it’s important to impart my heritage to my children.”
Helping Families Financially When the Unexpected Occurs: Katelyn Vaughan
After Katelyn Vaughan lost her husband and the father of her three boys several years ago, the prospect of keeping Roman, Hadrian and Balian busy over the summer seemed daunting.
Katelyn had to work full-time, and her grief-stricken sons needed a warm, welcoming place to help them cope with their unimaginable loss.
When the family heard about Camp Shoresh through their synagogue, Katelyn’s sons were excited about attending. But there was one problem. How could the newly single mom afford to pay the tuition for three prospective campers?
The Associated, through its agency, Jewish Community Services (JCS), helped Katelyn.
“I reached out to JCS and discovered they had a program that helped…” To Katelyn’s relief, the three boys received camperships for the next two years.
“The boys loved all the activities at camp,” says Katelyn. “They played outside all day and made so many friends. I think it’s so meaningful to them because everyone is kind and loving.”
Thanks to JCS, the family has become self-sufficient and no longer needs their help. “They made this happen and I am so grateful,” she says.
Creating Lasting Friendships Across Oceans: Evan & Adam
Evan Rosen, from Baltimore, loves sports. Adam, from Ashkelon, our partner city, prefers music. Yet, despite their differences, they forged a deep friendship rooted in their shared Jewish identity when they participated in one of The Associated’s teen programs.
They connected through the Diller Teen Fellowship Program, led by 4Front at the JCC, meeting at a Shabbaton in Baltimore and then attending virtual programming and communicating regularly. Soon, they found they were embracing each other’s interests.
“I watched, after October 7, as Adam lived this nightmare,” said Evan. “As I saw what he was going through, I gained a unique perspective on Israel, and it strengthened the ties that I have to our Jewish homeland.”
Says Adam, “My friendship with Evan and involvement with Diller provided me a form of support, a place to share my experience, my thoughts, fears and emotions about the October 7 attacks.”
Even though the program ended, the friendship continued.
Says Adam, “After meeting Evan, I realized how important it is to connect with Jews from all around the world.”
“It’s like we’ve been friends for years,” adds Evan.
These three stories are just a glimpse into the thousands of lives, in Baltimore and around the world, that have been impacted by The Associated network.
You can make a difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s caring for those facing challenges, building Jewish identity or countering antisemitism, you can help us address the challenges of today and provide programs and services that will build a stronger community. Give today to The Associated’s Annual Campaign. Go to associated.org/give.
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