BJH: So, San Diego to Baltimore? What inspired this move? Can you introduce yourselves and how your journey with Shoresh began?
Yisroel Weiser: In a word, it’s Shoresh. The meaning of the word, roots, reflects what drew us here, along with the incredible organization Rabbi Finkelstein built.
I’m Yisroel, and together with my wife, Malka, we moved from San Diego, where we spent 20 years building community through Kiruv. We served as youth directors for 13 years and taught in the local Jewish day school for 18 years, while also working as educators, administrators, and camp directors. Building relationships and growing with families has been central to our professional and personal lives.
While Baltimore is a new community for me, it feels like a natural continuation of that work. My wife began her journey here, and we were married in Baltimore 20 years ago. In many ways, this move feels full circle.
Malka Weiser: For me, Shoresh has always been personal. I worked for Shoresh when I was single as a counselor, adviser, and volunteer, and that experience deeply impacted me. It gave me experience and a strong sense of belonging and purpose. It shaped how I think about education, outreach, and connecting with people.
Years later, I encouraged our eldest daughter to work at Shoresh because I wanted her to experience that same mission and culture.
Coming back now feels like returning to my roots. It’s not just something new; it helped shape who I am.
BJH: What specifically drew each of you to Shoresh’s mission and community?
MW: Shoresh seesthe whole person and the whole family. It’s not one-size-fits-all, it’s about meeting people where they are and helping them grow in meaningful ways. The warmth and authenticity are palpable. It’s about real relationships, not just programs.
YW: What stood out to me was its visionary consistency. Shoresh isn’t about one moment, it’s about sustained growth. Rabbi Finkelstein has cultivated something organic and enduring, where investing in individuals strengthens families and communities over time.
That deeply resonates with how Malka and I have lived our lives. We built communities rooted in Torah values like ahavas chinam, consistency, and care. Shoresh reflects that same model of year-round growth, which felt like a natural next step for us.
BJH: What are your roles at Shoresh?
MW: My role is in community engagement, creating meaningful educational and connective experiences that help cultivate relationships. I’m enthusiastic about helping people feel connected to Torah, to community, and to themselves.
I’m especially excited to bring creativity and depth to programming, creating experiences that are not just engaging, but truly lasting. I love taking big ideas and making them accessible, meaningful, and even a little magical.
YW: I focus on operations, strengthening the structure that allows Shoresh to grow. That includes expanding connections and helping ideas take root in practical ways.
What excites me most is contributing to an organization that already has both immediate impact and long-term significance. Creating spaces where people feel comfortable, inspired, and proud of their Jewish identity is something we both care deeply about.
BJH: Shoresh is known for its tagline, “From Baby to Bubby, going strong all year long.” What does that mean to you?
YW: It captures the essence of Shoresh. You plant roots and continue nurturing them. Judaism isn’t meant to be experienced in isolation. Moments become seasons, and seasons become years. Over time, those experiences build meaningful, lasting relationships.
MW: To me, it reflects the commitment of Rabbi Finkelstein and the entire Shoresh team. It’s about showing up consistently, not just at exciting moments, but all year long, building real relationships that last.
BJH: How have your roots in Baltimore shaped your ability to contribute?
MW: I began my career here, teaching in Baltimore schools. Through those relationships I became connected to Shoresh. That experience was formative in shaping how I approach connection and meaningful engagement. Many of those relationships have stayed with me over the years, and being back now feels incredibly full circle.
YW: We married in Baltimore and later built on those experiences elsewhere. My connection to the community grew through Malka and through my own experiences spending time in the Baltimore-Washington area during my youth. There’s a warmth here that’s very real, and I’m excited to be part of its continued growth.
BJH: As you begin this new chapter, how do you hope to impact the community?
YW: There’s a teaching in Taanis about a flourishing tree, that the greatest blessing is for its future to continue thriving. My hope is to build upon the strong foundation already in place, strengthening connections and helping ensure continued growth that is both meaningful and sustainable.
MW: I hope to enhance the authenticity, connection, and inspiration that Shoresh already brings. If we can help create even more meaningful moments that connect people to Torah, to community, and to their own journeys, then we are continuing something truly beautiful.
