BJH: Mendel, thank you for joining us. Let’s begin at the beginning: where did you grow up, and what was your family like?
Mendel Mintz: I grew up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, in a typical Chabad family. I’m the second of eight siblings—lots of family all around the world, thank G-d. My parents run JLI, the Jewish Learning Institute, which creates curriculums and programming for Chabad centers across the globe. It’s a large network, over a thousand centers teaching and sharing the warmth of Yiddishkeit with their communities.
BJH: You were involved in many community projects in Crown Heights. Can you share some highlights?
MM: Chabad emphasizes action, so wherever there was a need, I tried to step up. I helped run the Simchas Beis Hasoeiva in Crown Heights as well as establishing a 300-foot temporary Beis Midrash during the Yomim Tovim annually—those events brought together over 10,000 people at times. I handled elements from fundraising to coordination with city officials, like the NYPD and the mayor’s office. I also did archival work—producing and organizing photos, videos, and media about the Rebbe and Chabad life. My focus was always getting things done, whatever that took.
BJH: How did these experiences prepare you for your move to Baltimore and your next stages in life?
MM: Honestly, as a Bocher, I never pictured myself living in Baltimore, or outside the Chabad world. But all those experiences—producing events, adapting, solving problems—gave me the tools to adapt and even thrive anywhere. My upbringing taught me that nothing is impossible, that we all have a spark of the infinite within us. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, and his Torah really inspired me to maintain this approach.
BJH: Let’s talk about Miriam. How did you meet, and what stood out to you about her?
MM: We met a bit over three and a half years ago through a Shadchan. What really struck me from the first date was her normalcy. Miriam had every reason to lean into being “extraordinary” in the public eye, but she just wanted to live authentically, as herself. Her normality and genuine caring for others were what inspired so many people, myself included.
BJH: Miriam was known for her dedication to children and education. Can you tell us about her work?
MM: Miriam was incredible with children—her whole reputation was built around her care for each child. She worked in TA and saw her students almost as her own kids. When we got engaged, she handwrote notes to every student along with their wedding invitation. She went far beyond what was expected to make every kid feel seen and special. She knew firsthand about overcoming challenges, and she wanted all her students to feel that adaptation and care were normal, whatever their needs.
BJH: Did your shared perspective on life contribute to your connection?
MM: Our specific challenges didn’t define us, but our outlook did. Neither of us saw the world as something to just accept passively—we believed in actively finding solutions and transforming the world around us. Every day was a new opportunity, not a problem to endure. That’s the perspective we shared and tried to live by.
BJH: You were married for just over two years. What did those years mean to you?
MM: Those two years were the best of our lives. It felt as if G-d consolidated a lifetime’s worth of marriage into just two years. We traveled together, accomplished so much, and my world expanded thanks to Miriam. She showed me how much bigger things could be. Just before she passed, we were about to start our own Chabad House in Glen Burnie. Losing her especially so sudden and tragic is obviously challenging and painful, but I’m grateful for every day I merited to be with her. Every day was a Bracha.
BJH: How do you continue to draw inspiration from Miriam?
MM: Every day is a new battle, but Miriam changed me. Our deep conversations during our marriage prepared me, somehow, to move forward. She taught me that, no matter how difficult, the alternative to getting up and pushing forward simply isn’t an option.
BJH: You’re creating Miriam’s Library in her memory. What is your vision for that?
MM: Miriam’s Library isn’t just a memorial—it’s a living legacy. It will be a resource center in Baltimore offering after-school programming, special-ed tutoring, a resource room for teachers, and more. We want it to be a place where Miriam’s passion for education and individual care lives on, helping every child and educator reach their full potential.
BJH: How can the community get involved?
MM: We’re closing on a building soon—over 14,000 square feet—and we’re launching a capital campaign November 18–20. The community’s support will help make this vision a reality, creating something enduring for Baltimore and beyond.
BJH: Any closing thoughts?
MM: Just gratitude. Baltimore’s community has been so welcoming. This library is our way of saying thank you—and of opening new doors for every child, parent, and teacher who walks in. We don’t just break ground—we cut ribbons and celebrate new beginnings, in Miriam’s spirit.
To donate now to the campaign, please visit charidy.com/miriam.
