A Jewish Grandmother’s Journey to Sharing Tradition in a Multifaith Family
This article was provided by the Macks Jewish Connection Network, an agency of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore.
For Lisa, being part of Jewish community has always been central to her life. After moving to Baltimore nearly 40 years ago, she and her husband built a life rooted in synagogue participation, leadership and connection. Jewish values and community shaped their family and became an important part of how they raised their two children.
Today, that commitment continues in a new and deeply personal way through her role as a Multifaith Intergenerational Connector with the Macks Jewish Connection Network, an agency of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore.
Lisa is the Jewish grandmother of four children who are being raised Catholic, a reality that required her to rethink what Jewish connection could look like in her family. “I had to find a way to show up as my authentic self,” she says.
That shift led her to create what she calls “Challah Days,” regular visits with her grandchildren where they bake challah, explore Jewish traditions and learn about Jewish culture in ways that are hands-on and joyful. “It was the first time I felt like I could express my authentic self with my grandchildren.”
Through those experiences, the focus is less on identity and more on connection—sharing traditions in a way that feels accessible and meaningful.
“It’s about sharing the joy and connection I feel,” she says, adding that she finds encouragement and inspiration in the words of Rabbi Samuel Klein: “You can do Jewish and feel Jewish without being Jewish.”
Over time, Lisa realized her experience was not unique. Many grandparents in multifaith families are navigating similar questions and emotions, often without a clear place to turn. Through the Jewish Connection Network, she now brings those individuals together as a Connector, organizing small gatherings that create space for honest conversation, shared experiences and mutual support.
“What I’ve learned is that grandparents really value that connection with others in similar situations.”
Through partnerships and informal gatherings, Lisa helps create welcoming opportunities that feel comfortable and low-pressure. The Jewish Connection Network supports that approach by meeting people where they are, offering accessible ways for individuals and families to engage with Jewish life across a wide range of experiences.
“Every family is not ready to walk into a synagogue,” she says. “Sometimes connection happens by doing something Jewish in a living room.”
Lisa’s approach is grounded in patience and understanding, shaped by her own journey. In conversations with grandparents, she emphasizes that this experience unfolds over time. “I counsel patience,” she says. “It’s one holiday at a time.”
Through it all, she remains focused on what matters most: the experiences she is creating with her grandchildren and the sense of connection they carry forward. “I want them to know the bond of Jewish community—that we show up for one another.”
Through the Jewish Connection Network, she is helping ensure that others can find their own path to connection, too.
Ready to connect? Learn more at TheJewishNetwork.org.
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