BJH: You’re new to Baltimore, and our audience is eager to learn more about you. Can you share a bit about your background?
Andrew Cushnir: I moved to Baltimore a year ago, the day after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Before coming here, I spent my entire life in Los Angeles. My professional journey began in law, but I felt a strong calling to work in the Jewish communal sector. I joined the Los Angeles Federation, where I spent 20 years – half designing and implementing programs and the other half leading fundraising efforts. Two years ago, I was approached about an opportunity at The Associated, and after a thorough process, I realized what a special community this is.
BJH: Was working in the Jewish community always your passion?
AC: Yes, but coupled with a passion for civic engagement. While my career included detours into public policy and law, I was always drawn back to Jewish communal work. I’ve always felt the joy of being part of the Jewish community and have been driven by a desire to share that with others.
BJH: The Associated is well-known for its work in Jewish education. Can you explain how it supports educational initiatives?
AC: We provide significant scholarship funding for local Jewish day schools as well as scholarships for teens and young adults to study in Israel. We also support educators and families, particularly those with disabilities, making sure they can receive a Jewish education. That includes our program, SHEMESH, which provides education consulting, executive function coaching, early reading intervention and more in Jewish day schools.
BJH: What makes special education unique in comparison to standard education?
AC: We believe every individual is created b’tzelem Elokim, in the divine image. This belief drives our commitment to meeting each student’s needs with dignity and respect. Special education ensures that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential in a supportive environment.
BJH: Beyond education, The Associated is involved in advocating for state funding. Can you tell us more about that?
AC: Through the Baltimore Jewish Council, we engage in advocacy for the Jewish community. The BOOST program provides state funding to private schools, including Jewish day schools. We also advocate for security funding at the state and federal levels. Despite Maryland’s budget deficit, we successfully lobbied to double the state’s security grant funding from $5 million to $10 million for institutions at risk of hate crimes.
BJH: Security is a major concern for Jewish institutions today. How is The Associated addressing this challenge?
AC: We invest about $1.7 million annually in security initiatives. This includes funding a full-time security professional through the Baltimore Jewish Council to help schools and synagogues conduct security assessments and apply for government grants. Our advocacy ensures institutions have access to vital security resources.
BJH: Aside from education and security, what other areas does The Associated support?
AC: Many! Our work spans Jewish education, social services, Israel engagement, and global Jewish aid. We provide food assistance, mental health counseling, support for older adults – like affordable housing and Kosher meals. We also launched CHANA to address domestic abuse within the Jewish community. Additionally, we have a strong presence in Israel, particularly in Ashkelon, and maintain a long-standing partnership with the Jewish community in Odesa, Ukraine.
BJH: You recently visited Ukraine. What was that experience like?
AC: My trip to Odessa last May, alongside then-board chair Yehuda Neuberger, was deeply moving. The Ukrainian Jewish community has shown incredible resilience despite the war. It reminded me of what Israelis go through – living under uncertainty but maintaining their Jewish identity and spirit. The gratitude we received from the community was profound. They were touched that we hadn’t forgotten them. It reinforced our commitment to global Jewish responsibility.
BJH: That’s truly inspiring. As a leader in Baltimore’s Jewish community, do you have any messages for our listeners?
AC: First, I want to invite everyone to visit our newly refurbished headquarters at the Goldsmith Campus in Park Heights. It’s not just a JCC – it’s a hub for Jewish life, including celebrations, social services, and more. Second, I want to acknowledge what a remarkable community Baltimore has. The interconnectivity between different segments of Jewish life here is unique. Unlike in Los Angeles, where communities are more siloed, here in Baltimore, people across different backgrounds maintain strong connections. That is something special and worth preserving.
BJH: What do you personally love about Baltimore?
AC: The warmth of the community has been incredible. Yes, people joke about the “What high school did you go to?” question, but as a newcomer, I have felt truly welcomed. There’s a real sense of connectedness here that shouldn’t be taken for granted. It’s something worth celebrating every day.
BJH: Andrew, thank you so much for joining us. Best of luck in your role as CEO of The Associated, and we wish you much success in your work for the Baltimore Jewish community.
AC: Thank you. Wishing everyone a meaningful and joyous Passover!
