Baltimore Jewish Council

08/18/2026

The BJC is highlighting our lay leaders! First up, meet Jonathan Schwartz! 👋

1. If someone was asked to describe you in 5 words, what do you think they would be? loyal, engaged, friendly, humorous and helpful.

2. How did you get involved in the BJC? I did the Leadership Development Program almost 20 years ago and the BJC best fit with my interests.

3. What does Jewish identity mean to you? My Jewish identity means being part of a tradition of caring, just and supportive people making a positive impact both inside and outside our community.

4. What is your "why" that drives you in life? My why is servant leadership. I want to make connections between people and groups that have positive benefits for all.

5. What are you currently watching on 📺? I am very excited for the return of Ted Lasso.

08/10/2026

Last week we were joined by educators from across the region for our 3-day Holocaust Educators Institute in partnership with the Baltimore Hebrew Institue and Towson University! Participants explored the wonderful resources of Centropa, spent a day in NYC at the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, and learned about Holocaust art and art therapy. It was a powerful few days that we know will have a meaningful impact on our students!

08/05/2026

Thank you Rep. Johnny Olszewski for joining in support of this bill to address the critical security needs of our community.

07/29/2026

BJC Executive Director Howard Libit joined former Maryland State Sen. Bobby Zirkin for the latest episode of “Across the Aisle.” They talked about public policy, antisemitism, Israel, security for the Jewish community, and the importance of civil discourse.

Listen here:

Howard Libit joins Bobby Zirkin to discuss antisemitism, Israel, Gaza, Iran, public policy and the importance of civil discourse.

07/29/2026

Our Director of Holocaust and Countering Antisemitism Programs joined Jewish education and communal professionals from across the country in DC at The George Washington University's The Collaboratory : Center for Jewish Education to learn about the efforts being made nationally to help strengthen and engage Jewish learning in the K-12 space.

07/21/2026

We now have a date for the elections in Israel – October 27. What's driving Israeli voters? Dive into the Israel Democracy Index for a data-driven look at the opinions, priorities, and trends shaping this election.

https://en.idi.org.il/elections-2026/

07/01/2026

On Tuesday, Abby and Phyllis from the BJC team joined other volunteers from The Associated system to serve lunch to community members at Paul's Place in Southwest Baltimore. This nonprofit
offers free meals, clothing, case management, health services (including a nurses' clinic), job assistance, and after-school programs, and serves as a community hub for those facing poverty, homelessness, and unemployment.

06/29/2026

Last week our deputy director Sarah Mersky Miicke was honored at annual meeting as the recipient of the Community Partner of the Year Award for her legislative contributions to Chai and the members it serves. Let's give her a congrats

06/24/2026

Today our deputy director volunteered at ALA Maryland Girls State-Official along with many other lobbyists throughout Maryland. Girls State is a weeklong leadership and civic education program run by the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA).

06/19/2026