What To Do This Week In Baltimore

Check out these great events for the whole family sponsored by THE ASSOCIATED or ASSOCIATED agencies.

Sunday, May 19
HaZamir Baltimore Concert
Fresh from a recent trip to New York, where they performed jazz at Lincoln Center, 30 students from 12 area high schools will showcase their musical talent in the Seventh Annual HaZamir JCC concert. Held at the Weinberg Park Heights JCC, Sunday’s performance will feature a diverse repertoire of traditional and contemporary Jewish choral music.
The concert begins at 4:00 p.m. and tickets are $10. For information, go to http://http://www.jcc.org/teens/hazamirchorale/.

Monday, May 20
PJ Pals Storytime

Join Rebecca Levitan, the Macks Center for Jewish Education Librarian, for a special children’s story time at Soft and Cozy Baby, 915 W. 36th Street. Listen to some wonderful PJ Library stories, make a craft and enjoy a free snack. Event, which runs 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., is free for families with children ages six months through five years. Contact Lara Nicolson, lnicolson@cjebaltimore.org for more information.

Tuesday, May 21
JCS Parent Discussion Series
How do you raise great kids in today’s complicated world? Howard Reznick, Senior Manager of Jewish Community Services (JCS) Prevention Education, will tackle this question and provide tips on how to guide your child in making responsible and wise choices. This is the first of a monthly parent discussion series for parents of children of all ages.

This free program, also sponsored by the JCC, will be held at the JCS Owings Mills location, 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue and begins at 6:00 p.m. Babysitting is available for a small fee. For information and to register, contact Lorna Walsh at 410-843-7568 or lwalsh@jcsbaltimore.org.

Tuesday, May 21
Bookworms at Federal Hill Preparatory School
Adult volunteers are invited to read to second-graders at Federal Hill Preparatory School from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Meet at 9:25 a.m. at Chizuk Amuno Congregation parking lot (far corner by Stevenson Road and 695) to carpool or just meet at the school, 1040 William Street in Baltimore. Bring a new or gently-used book to read and then to donate to the class. For more information or to register, please contact Mike Andrews at mandrews@associated.org.

Future Events
May 30
ASSOCIATED Women’s 2013 Annual Meeting

Nancy Lublin, founder of Dress for Success and CEO of dosomething.org , a social entrepreneur, author and think-outside-the-box leader, will share her story and experiences reimagining volunteerism, business and technology. Be inspired by Lublin and other women at the ASSOCIATED Women’s 2013 Annual Meeting, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Beth Israel Congregation, 3706 Crondall Lane.

To register, go to associated.org/womensannualmeeting.

Sunday, June 2
Israel65.Celebrate!
Join our community for a celebration of Israel’s 65th birthday, featuring Matisyahu, Jewish-American reggae and alternative rock musician. The day-long celebration also includes interactive activities for all ages, Israeli food and vendors, an innovation exhibit and much more.

Israel65.Celebrate! will be held at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC, 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue. Tickets are now on sale for the Matisyahu concert, which begins at 4:00 p.m. Prices are $25 for adults and $15 for children under 13. To purchase tickets, go to baltimoreisraelcoalition.org.

Tuesday, June 11
Business & Professionals Group’s Annual Real Estate Industry Group Event
Meet the leaders of the real estate industry at one of the hottest events and spaces in Baltimore. Mill No. 1 is an adaptive reuse of 19th-century cotton mill buildings transformed into a mixed-use project overlooking the Jones Falls stream. Donald Manekin (Union Mill), Bill Struever (Clipper Mill) and David Tufaro (Mill No. 1) will discuss historic revitalization, the Jones Falls area, and much more. Guests are invited to tour the mill after the program.

Open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Mill No. 1 is located at 3000 Falls Road. The event, which begins at 5:30 p.m. is $35 in advance; $45 at the door. To register, go to associated.org/reig.

What To Do In Baltimore

Check out these great events for the whole family sponsored by THE ASSOCIATED or ASSOCIATED agencies.

Sunday, May 5
Nurture Your Nature at the Pearlstone Center
Tap into the natural world at the Pearlstone Center’s beautiful, tranquil setting at this creative and inspired women-centered afternoon. Make cheese, pickles and more. Donate your handcrafted projects to community organizations. Then, discover hands-on-farming and learn about healthy living.
Sponsored by ASSOCIATED Women, “Nurture Your Nature” begins at 2:00 p.m. For information and to register, contact Carly Frank at cfrank@associated.org.

Sunday, May 5
JCC Open House

Stop in at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC, 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue, this Sunday morning, 9:00 a.m. – 12 p.m. for a morning of family fun. Get in shape for summer with a free fitness class — SMRT Core: Self-Myofascial Release Therapy and Core Training on a foam roller. Bring your kids and have them try out the obstacle course. Join by Sunday and get the month of May free.
For more details, visit jcc.org or contact Membership Services at 410- 356-5200, ext. 3506.

Sunday, May 5
Cook and Serve Dinner at the Children’s House at Johns Hopkins Hospital
Are you a teen who is looking to make a difference in someone’s life? Join other teens to help cook and serve dinner to the families who are staying at the Johns Hopkins Children’s House at Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1915 McElderry Street.
This volunteer activity, which runs 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., is coordinated by the Diller Baltimore Teen Fellows. To sign up, contact Megan Goldsmith, 410-843-7477, mgoldsmith@associated.org.

Future Events
Saturday, May 11
The Movement @ the Gordon Center
Come see the Baltimore Improv Group and The Collective perform an evening of unscripted comedy and dance based on audience suggestions. Performance begins at 8:30 p.m. at the Gordon Center For Performing Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue, Owings Mills. Tickets are $15; $10 for seniors/students. For details, visit gordoncenter.com.

Tuesday, May, 14
JCC Lunch Spectacular Series Featuring Carolyn Enger
Stop by the Weinberg Park Heights JCC, 5700 Park Heights Avenue, for lunch and music by renowned concert pianist, Carolyn Enger. Listen to the sounds of Enger as she performs Shavuot-themed pieces such as “Three Israeli Dances” by Robert Starer and “Five Pieces for Piano” by Paul Ben-Haim.
Program runs 11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Cost is $8 for JCC members and $12 for non-members. For information, call Sara Shvartzman at 410-500-5903 or register at sshvartzman@jcc.org.

Tuesday, May 21
JCS Parent Discussion Series
How do you raise great kids in today’s complicated world? Howard Reznick, Senior Manager of Jewish Community Services (JCS) Prevention Education, will tackle this question and provide tips on how to guide your child in making responsible and wise choices. This is the first of a monthly parent discussion series for parents of children of all ages.
This free program, also sponsored by the JCC, will be held at the JCS Owings Mills location, 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue and begins at 6:00 p.m. Babysitting is available for a small fee. For information and to register, contact Lorna Walsh at 410-843-7568 or lwalsh@jcsbaltimore.org.

May 30
ASSOCIATED Women’s 2013 Annual Meeting

Nancy Lublin, founder of Dress for Success and CEO of dosomething.org, a social entrepreneur, author and think-outside-the-box leader, will share her story and experiences reimagining volunteerism, business and technology. Be inspired by Lublin and other women at the 2013 ASSOCIATED Women’s 2013 Annual Meeting, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Beth Israel Congregation, 3706 Crondall Lane. To register, go to associated.org/womensannualmeeting.

Sunday, June 2
Israel65.
Join our community for a celebration of Israel’s 65th birthday, featuring Matisyahu, Jewish-American reggae and alternative rock musician. The day-long celebration also includes interactive activities for all ages, Israeli food and vendors, an innovation exhibit and much more.

Israel65.will be held at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC, 3506 Gwynbrook Avenue. Tickets are now on sale for the Matisyahu concert, which begins at 4:00 p.m. Prices are $25 for adults and $15 for children under 13. To purchase tickets, go to baltimoreisraelcoalition.org.

Diller Inspires

By Rachel Orlinsky and Reid Danels
Diller Baltimore Cohort, 2011-2012

We obviously love the Diller Baltimore Teen Fellow program so much that  becoming Junior Counselors and doing it another year as the new cohort’s mentors was a natural decision. Our love for Diller stems from the unique experiences that make up this amazing program.

During our time as Diller Fellows, not only did we participate in a life-changing trip to Israel – where we formed unbreakable bonds with our Israeli counterparts – but we also found that the program contributed to the people we are today. Through Diller, we made some of our closest friends whose Shabbat dinners we still attend weekly and whose houses have become our homes away from home.

We’ll never forget a Friday night service during the week-long International Congress when teens from all over North America and Israel came together, dressed in white, to welcome Shabbat. Seeing this sea of white and celebrating with teens from across the world was remarkable, and an image that we will never forget.

Going into the program we were leaders, but without the necessary skills to make an impact in our community. The seminars and retreats, as well as the rest of the program, helped us to develop into the strong, independent Jewish leaders we’ve become. Now, after completing Diller, we can say that we have gained confidence in ourselves, a strong sense of our Jewish identity and a commitment to the Jewish community, both locally and globally.

While the seminars, retreats and our own community service projects were certainly highlights, two parts of the program that were unforgettable were hosting an Israeli teen in our homes and our experience in Israel. While we hosted an Israeli teen for a little more than a week, we spent time together, took them to school, traveled to DC and formed a close connection with them and the entire cohort from Ashkelon.

As for the Israel trip, we can both confidently say that it was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. The trip was broken up into three weeks, the first for traveling, the second for the International Congress, and the final for home hospitality and community week in Ashkelon.

Another special moment was our time in Jerusalem. As part of our welcome to Jerusalem, we were all blindfolded on a bus for about 10 minutes. When we got off the bus, lined up and took off our blindfolds to see the city, the golden dome came to life before our eyes.

Later on, during Shabbat, we walked from our hotel to the Kotel to celebrate and welcome Shabbat with hundreds of other people. Praying at the wall that our ancestors fought so hard for and dancing and singing with Jews from every nationality and background was a surreal experience that made us realize the unique connection that Judaism forms between people.

Also in Jerusalem, we spent one night walking around Ben Yehuda Street, awed by its vibrancy and life. Another day we had the opportunity to volunteer at Beit Canada and see how the Ethiopian refugees live, while brightening up the children’s days.

The other moment that stands out occurred during the International Congress with the other Diller cohorts from the U.S. and Israel. Other than the Shabbat service we spent together, we won’t ever be able to forget the phrase “Judaism is not a religion” which Avram Infeld, the President Emeritus, Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, boldly said — rather yelled — at least 17 times in order to get across the idea that Judaism is not only a religion but a family, a culture and an identity. Whether we were on the beach in Ashkelon or volunteering, this phrase was proven true as our Diller cohort truly became a family with its own traditions, connections and sense of belonging.

This is the Diller program in a nutshell, and we are so grateful and ecstatic to have been a part of it and to be able to continue our growth through Diller as Junior Counselors.

What To Do In Baltimore This Week

Check out these great events sponsored by THE ASSOCIATED or ASSOCIATED agencies coming up this week in Baltimore.

Sunday, April 28
PJ on the Town at the Maryland Zoo

Join other young families at the Maryland Zoo for an afternoon of family fun, including a zoo-wide scavenger hunt, craft activity and animal encounters with a Zoo educator. This PJ Library event is sponsored by the Macks Center for Jewish Education (CJE) and Chizuk Amuno Congregation.
For more information on an afternoon of fun, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., go to cjebaltimore.org/pjtown.

Sunday, April 28
Arts and Crafts with Kids at the University of Maryland Medical Center
Jewish Volunteer Connection (JVC) invites teens to meet up with other teen volunteers to put a smile on the faces of kids who are undergoing treatment at the University of Maryland, Medical Center, 22 South Green Street. Make arts and crafts with patients during the two hours, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. For information, go to jvcbaltimore.org/jvc-programs/teens/high-school-opportunities/.

Tuesday, April 30
The Leo V. Berger Immigrants Trunk Program presents Bessie Bluefeld
If you grew up in Baltimore, most likely you heard of, if not attended, an event at the area’s premier kosher catering banquet hall, Bluefeld Caterers. This week, the Jewish Museum of Maryland is premiering its newest historical character, Bessie Bluefeld, a young immigrant woman who made a name for herself as the owner of Bluefeld’s.

Actress Terry Nicholetti portrays Baltimore icon, Bessie Bluefeld, in this free event, open to the public. Performance begins at 6:30 p.m. For information, go to jewishmuseummd.org.

Wednesday, May 1
Men’s Night Out is Back! Back! Back!

ESPN’s Chris Berman, NFL Studio Host and Anchor of “SportsCenter,” is coming to Baltimore for an ASSOCIATED Men’s Night Out. Berman will share behind-the-scenes stories of history’s greatest sports moments, including Cal Ripken Jr.’s record-breaking game, as well as talk about the power of teamwork. Maybe, he’ll even predict another Ravens Super Bowl victory!

Event begins at 7:00 p.m. at the M&T Bank Stadium. Program, which also includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, is $100 to attend, with a $180 minimum gift to THE ASSOCIATED Annual Campaign requested. Register to see Chris Berman at associated.org/mensnight.

Future Events
Sunday, May 5
Nurture Your Nature at the Pearlstone Center
Tap into the natural world at the Pearlstone Center’s beautiful, tranquil setting at this creative and inspired women-centered afternoon. Make cheese, pickles and more. Donate your handcrafted projects to community organizations. Then, discover hands-on-farming and learn about healthy living.

Sponsored by ASSOCIATED Women, “Nurture Your Nature” begins at 2:00 p.m. For information and to register, contact Carly Frank at cfrank@associated.org.

Tuesday, May, 14
JCC Lunch Spectacular Series Featuring Concert Pianist Carolyn Enger
Stop by the Weinberg Park Heights JCC, 5700 Park Heights Avenue, for lunch and music by renowned concert pianist, Carolyn Enger. Listen to the sounds of Enger as she performs Shavuot-themed pieces such as “Three Israeli Dances” by Robert Starer and “Five Pieces for Piano” by Paul Ben-Haim.
Program runs 11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Cost is $8 for JCC members and $12 for non-members. For information, call Sara Shvartzman at 410-500-5903 or register at sshvartzman@jcc.org.

Tuesday, May 21
JCS Parent Discussion Series
How do you raise great kids in today’s complicated world? Howard Reznick, Senior Manager of Jewish Community Services (JCS) Prevention Education, will tackle this question and provide tips on how to guide your child in making responsible and wise choices. This is the first of a monthly parent discussion series for parents of children of all ages.

This free program, also sponsored by the JCC, will be held at the JCS Owings Mills location, 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue and begins at 6:00 p.m. Babysitting is available for a small fee. For information and to register, contact Lorna Walsh at 410-843-7568 or lwalsh@jcsbaltimore.org.

Sunday, June 2
Israel65. Celebrate!
Join our community for a celebration of Israel’s 65th birthday, featuring Matisyahu, Jewish-American reggae and alternative rock musician. The day-long celebration also includes interactive activities for all ages, Israeli food and vendors, an innovation exhibit and much more.

Israel65. Celebrate! will be held at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC, 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue, Owings Mills. Tickets are now on sale for the Matisyahu concert, which begins at 4:00 p.m. Prices are $25 for adults and $15 for children under 13. To purchase tickets, go to baltimoreisraelcoalition.org.

Israel65. Celebrate!

By Sara Amin

How do you and your family celebrate birthdays?

When you’re very young, maybe there are arts and crafts, moon bounces and games with classmates and neighbors. When you get a bit older, perhaps you see a concert, do a little shopping or enjoy wine-tasting with friends of many years.

No matter what, you celebrate the mark of another year in the books.

This year, the Baltimore Israel Coalition invites you to celebrate Israel’s 65th birthday on June 2, beginning at noon, with an extravaganza at the Owings Mills Jewish Community Center.

So why Israel? And why now? According to Baltimore Israel Coalition staff member, Chana Siff, Israel has contributed so much to the world as a whole, from democracy to innovation to understanding. It is the democratic, national, historical and biblical home of the Jewish people – a people who can now be found all over the world, but are connected to this common home. The Baltimore Israel Coalition, a consortium of organizations in the greater Baltimore area working to support Israel through education, advocacy and community building, offers this opportunity for us all to come together and celebrate 65 years of love and support for this great state.

Everyone is invited! Teens, young adults, families, seniors – if you are looking for a fun afternoon with the entire community, this is the event for you.

For kids, this day brings Israeli games, arts and crafts, face-painting, henna, an obstacle course and even a moon bounce!

For young adults, teens and music lovers, this harmonious day features Matisyahu, a Jewish-American reggae and alternative rock musician, known all over the world for his ground-breaking sound and performances. Teens even have the chance for a special meet-and-greet before the show.

The community can enjoy Israeli vendors and food, interactive hands-on exhibits, captivating speakers and most importantly, a beautiful opportunity to appreciate the positive things coming out of Israel.

For more information on Israel’s 65th birthday and to purchase tickets for the Matisyahu concert, visit http://www.baltimoreisraelcoalition.org.

Jammin’ After School at KIPP

By Corey Gold
Diller Teen Fellows program participant

Over the past few months, KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) students interested in expanding their musical horizons participated in an after school workshop. Using the skills they had achieved from the curricular music program at KIPP, sixth and seventh graders participated in the program to explore new ways of making music and genres such as jazz, rock, and pop. With a wide variety of instruments, including a piano, drum kit, flute, bass clarinet and trumpet, the group produced an upbeat sound, unlike that of an orchestral ensemble.

Overseeing this project, I had the chance to help these KIPP middle school express themselves through music in a way different than in a traditional band setting. After learning about the KIPP music program from Ms. Krystal Williams, I designed a program to introduce interested students to improvisation, the skill of producing music without preparation, extemporaneously in a group setting.

On Fridays, I came to the school with other teen volunteers to work with KIPP students.  With arrangements like Fun’s “Some Nights” and Kim Wilde’s “Kids in America,” KIPP kids became acquainted with this new type of thinking and playing. Together, the group listened to recordings of Miles Davis’s improvisation, and then worked to mimic his style over these pop songs. Some students even branched out to experiment with new instruments, like Kayla C., who learned to play with the group on a piano. In fact, clarinetist Josh F., who started to play trumpet at the beginning of the workshop, has since switched to play trumpet full-time for the school band.

Although this type of performance is not part of the traditional festival band setting, this type of experience can allow one to continue to explore music outside of the classroom.  With this ability, students can take their musical talents with them to high schools, college campuses and the future.

For information about THE ASSOCIATED’s teen programs, go to http://www.associated.org/teens.aspx.

Changes of Heart Can Happen

By Joan Grayson Cohen, Esq., LCSW-C, and Gail Lipsitz, Jewish Community Services

Senator Rob Portman of Ohio really got people to sit up and take notice a couple of weeks ago.  Boy, has he changed! Was it possible that this was the same man who, while serving in the House of Representatives, co-sponsored a 1996 law to prevent same-sex marriage? Now, he was announcing that he supports that choice.

Portman’s explanation: “At the time, my position … was rooted in my faith tradition … Knowing that my son is gay prompted me to consider the issue from another perspective: that of a dad who wants all three of his kids to lead happy, meaningful lives with the people they love … and my belief that we are all children of God.”  (Columbus Dispatch, March 15). He added that he admires and is proud of his son.

Like former Vice President Dick Cheney in 2009, Portman is the latest public example of the truth that personal relationships can change even long-held, strong or unshaken views about issues on which people disagree, because they matter deeply. This has been called the “friends and family” effect, wrote Robert P. Jones in The Washington Post (March 17), noting there is an almost “30-point gap in attitudes on same-sex marriage between those who have a close friend or family member who is gay or lesbian, and those who do not.” 

Fraught with a great deal of emotion, same-sex marriage has been very present in our minds and hearts in this country. But there are many other issues besides sexual identity that cause strain between young adults and their families. Personal relationships actually can open the door to making changes in views about any of these. We’re talking about life choices such as the religion and background of the person you marry, adopting a child of another race or ethnic group, the lifestyle you follow, choice of career and political views, to name a few.

Maybe you and your parents have profound differences in some of these areas. Perhaps at times it feels like you’ve come up against a closed door. But take heart. Barriers can come down, dialogue can happen, people can change. It does take time, and it’s different for each of us. 

Here are some thoughts about how to navigate this journey. 

1. Before approaching your parent(s) and opeing a conversation, ask yourself:  Why are they thinking the way they do? Try to understand (not necessarily accepting) where they’re coming from. What value system and life experiences have shaped their views?  Factors like cultural background, religious views and worry that their child might face serious challenges could be making it difficult for a parent to accept your choices.

2. Now ask yourself the same questions. Why do you feel the way you do? How did you get to this point in your life and reach the decisions you’ve made?

3. Choose an opportune time and place to hold the conversation.

4. Have a support network. You might ask a sibling, close friend or someone who has been in a similar situation to join you when you speak to your parent(s).

5. Set a realistic goal for what can happen as a result of the conversation, knowing your parent(s) as you do. Keep in mind that this is a process, and this may be the first of many conversations. Try to help your parent(s) understand your perspective and the values, which may differ from theirs, that have led to your choices and decisions. Don’t expect them to change their views right away.  

6. Help your parent(s) see who you are, and understand why your life makes you feel happy and fulfilled. Consider inviting your parent to meet your partner, or to come to dinner in your home.  Invite them to come watch you in your chosen work if it’s not what they expected or wanted for you. 

7. Think about how this conversation went. Use what you’ve learned to decide the next steps to take.    

Sometimes it does happen that the door is still closed despite several attempts to bridge any gap and communicate. This would be a time to seek some individual and/or family counseling, or to bring in another family member or friend who is supportive. 

Love may not always “conquer all,” but it can go a long way toward opening dialogue and changing minds and hearts. 

For more information, visit JCS at jcsbaltimore.org.

Celebrating Love for Israel

By Dalia Bauman

Sitting atop Masada at sunrise, my friends and I just stared. We stared at the rising sun after accomplishing one of the hardest physical challenges of our lives.

We woke up later than originally planned so we had to rush to make it to the top of the mountain before sunrise. When we reached the top, the sun was just peeking over the mountains of Jordan. I will never forget how I felt. I had a feeling of weariness but also accomplishment, pride and most of all, love. The love I felt for Israel was a feeling I had never experienced.

Since I was a child, I was taught to appreciate Israel. I lived there when I was younger and visited almost every year after we moved to the U.S. It was practically in my DNA to feel a connection to the homeland. However, after my experience on an Israel program this past summer, my love for Israel blossomed into a deep connection with the land and its people. I can’t pinpoint what it was exactly, but my feelings for Israel were different this time – it could have been the breathtaking nature, the amazing culture, the spiritual and historical context or just the fact that as a teenager, I was finally able to understand the importance of Israel. Regardless, I knew my connection was stronger than ever.

After returning to Baltimore, I was searching for activities that would help fulfill my newly formed relationship. An opportunity arose to sit on the Baltimore Israel Coalition as the teen representative of the Jewish Volunteer Connection, an agency of THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore — I accepted enthusiastically.

This past summer, the Coalition decided that it was important to bring our community together to celebrate Israel’s 65th birthday. Much of the work of the Coalition these past several months has been ensuring that this celebration will include everyone in our community. During each meeting, we share new and exciting developments which are then open for feedback so that each organization can share their ideas and contribute to the overall planning. As details are beginning to come together, enthusiasm is starting to grow.

Tasked with the responsibility of co-chairing the teen committee, my job is to ensure that teenagers are part of the celebration. We put together a committee of my peers with the intention of helping raise Israel awareness amongst the teen community. We share ideas and facilitate the overall planning of the teen-focused activities for the 65th birthday celebration.

Although working out such critical details presents some challenges, I know that what I am doing is essential. Most teens do not have the love and passion for Israel that I would hope — it is vital for all Jews that Israel remain in the minds, hearts and souls of the younger generation. Through Israel65. Celebrate!, and the work of the Baltimore Israel Coalition, I know the seeds will be planted firmly so that my peers will grow their love for and appreciation of our homeland.

Daila serves as co-chair of the teen committee for the Baltimore Israel Coalition. The Coalition is a consortium of 24 local organizations, working to support Israel though education, advocacy and community-building. For more information about the June 2 festivities, including a Matisyahu concert, and the Baltimore Israel Coalition, visit www.baltimoreisraelcoalition.org.

Super Sundays at the JMM

By Rachel Cylus
Program Manager
Jewish Museum of Maryland

The Jewish Museum of Maryland has been super busy since our new exhibit, ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books, 1938-1950, opened at the end of January. On President’s Day weekend, over 200 people visited the Museum for tours, rides in the batmobile and Superhero Costume-Making. On Sunday our younger visitors designed their own capes, masks and shields – the results were a whole new crew of costumed crime-fighters, powerful enough to scare away any villain.
If you still haven’t seen the new exhibit, never fear!  It runs through August 18th, and with it we have a full schedule of programs and activities. Join us for three SUPER SUNDAYS in March.

On Sunday, March 10th we’ll have a special screening of The New Adventures of Wonder Woman at 2 p.m. including the feature film-length pilot of the hit 1970s TV show starring Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman and her alter ego Diana Prince. 

On Sunday, March 17th at 2 p.m. meet the author of Up, Up, and Oy Vey: How Jewish History, Culture, and Values Shaped the Comic Book Superhero. Rabbi Simcha Weinstein is an internationally known speaker and best-selling author who has appeared on CNN and NPR and has been profiled in the New York Times, Miami Herald, and London Guardian. He writes for the Jerusalem Post, JTA (Jewish Telegraphic Agency), the Royal Shakespeare Company, Condé Nast, and many other agencies. Rabbi Weinstein chairs the Religious Affairs Committee at Pratt Institute, the renowned New York art school. He was recently voted “New York’s Hippest Rabbi” by PBS affiliate Channel 13.

We’ll be holding a family day on Sunday, March 31st.  Sign up the kids for the Create Your Own Comic Book Workshop from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Illustrator Lisa Perrin will lead participants through the process of writing and illustrating their own comic book and superhero.

At 2 p.m., children’s book author Marc Tyler Nobleman will give a talk entitled, Jewish Superhero Creators, Jaw-Dropping Backstories. Nobleman is the author of Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman and Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman. He will reveal the startling bombshells he uncovered during his research, including one that may change pop culture history. The talk will address everything from the Superman/Moses parallel to the Hebrew meaning of Superman’s Kryptonian name. 

Head down to 15 Lloyd Street and be a part of our Super Sundays this spring.  Check out http://www.jewishmuseummd.org/ to find out more about the JMM and out upcoming programs or contact rcylus@jewishmuseummd.org /410-732-6400 ext. 215.

 

 

Learning That A Loved One is LGBTQ

By Lauren Carpenter
Access Services
Jewish Community Services
With the recent passage of Marriage Equality legislation in Maryland, more dialogue about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning (LGBQT) issues is taking place in the media, in the workplace and in many homes. However, the very personal moment when a loved one tells you that he or she is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender for the first time can still feel challenging.

Imagine this scenario: Your son is home from college for the weekend and he says he has something important to tell you. You take him out to lunch, and over the course of the meal, he tells you that he is gay. The moment he tells you, you may be at a loss for words. You love your son, but you may not know what to say.

Feeling a wide range of emotions, such as surprise, fear, anger, sadness, confusion or relief, is totally natural and can even be healthy. Your culture, religion, political views and family history can add another layer of complicated feelings to the situation. Regardless, if you want to preserve the relationship you have with this person, you will want to work through these emotions so that you can come to a place of acceptance, understanding and compassion.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Remember that your loved one is confiding in you because he or she loves and trusts you, and wants to share this important piece of his/her life with you. Also remember that it has probably taken a lot of courage for this person to be able to talk with you about it.
• Get support from someone who has been there.
• Educate yourself about what it means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered.
• Try not to let labels like “gay” or “homosexual” color how you now see this person. Remind yourself that this is the same person inside, with the same personality, quirks, and strengths she or he had before revealing this new information.
• Remember that you are not alone. One in four families has an immediate family member who is LGBTQ, and most people have at least one LGBTQ individual in their extended circle of friends and family.
• If it is not possible for you to come to a place of acceptance or understanding, at least try to find a way to maintain a civil and respectful connection with the person. Doing your best to keep the lines of communication open can do a lot for your relationship.
• Consider professional help if you are having a hard time coping. Speaking with a therapist at Jewish Community Services (410-466-9200) is a good way to start processing this new information.

 

And, check out these resources:

• “Open Doors” – This is a program for LGBTQ teens that meets on the second Tuesday of each month and features speakers, discussions and activities based on the interests of the participants. For information, visit http://www.jointeens.org, email sarafeldman@jcsbaltimore.org or mliebeskind@jcc.org or call 410-581-9388.
• Parents of LGBTQ – This group for Jewish parents of LGBTQ children meets at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC.  For information, email Melissa Berman at mberman@jcc.org or call 410-559-3593.
• The Keshet Parent and Family Connection – This program is part of the Keshet national grassroots organization that works for the full equality and inclusion of LGBTQ Jews in Jewish life. A local group called The Parent Connection serves parents in the Baltimore/Washington DC area. Trained Jewish parent mentors are available to provide confidential peer support to other parents whose children have identified as LGBTQ. To access this service, log on to https://www.keshetonline.org/program.support-families/ and fill out the required forms. The Keshet program will then make the match with local parents. For information, email Joan Cohen, Senior Manager, Access Services at jcohen@jcsbaltimore.org or call 410-843-7317.
• JQ Baltimore – This is a community-wide organization for Jewish LGBTQ individuals, their families and friends. The group is dedicated to making the Jewish community more welcoming and inclusive. For information, visit http://www.facebook.com/JQBaltimore, email jqbaltimore@gmail.com or call 443-300-8996.
• PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) – PFLAG has a chapter in Baltimore that holds monthly meetings for parents. For education materials, visit http://www.pflag.org. To speak with a parent of an LGBTQ child who can provide support and advice, call the hotline at 443-255-1484.
• JCS – For local and national resources for Jewish LGBTQ individuals and their families, visit http://www.jcsbaltimore.org /Resources/JCS Information and Referral On-Line Database.

 

It may take time to fully process the news and you might have a lot of questions. That’s ok. Just don’t forget to continue to assure your loved one that you still love and care about him or her. Each person’s experience will be unique, but these suggestions will help guide you on your journey to understanding something new about the person you love.