BJH: BJSZ has been a vital part of the Baltimore Jewish community for over 100 years. Can you tell us about its impact on the community today?
BJSZ: BJSZ has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in Baltimore for over a century. We provide so much for our membership, and we service the broader Baltimore Jewish community as well. Beyond being a place to daven, we serve as a hub for essential community programs. We are proud to host organizations like WITS and Mesorah and provide use of our Shul to many other local organizations, such as Chai Lifeline, Bikur Cholim, etc. These organizations, alongside us, ensure that the needs of the community are met, whether it’s support for families in crisis or providing social services.
Additionally, BJSZ hosts important community meetings, from security briefings to public policy discussions, making sure that our members are informed and prepared. We strive to be a true community shul in every sense of the word, and the impact we have extends far beyond our walls.
BJH: This year, BJSZ is focusing on its connection to Eretz Yisrael. What prompted this focus and how does it tie into the annual campaign?
BJSZ: Our connection to Eretz Yisrael has always been at the heart of what we do, and this year, we’re proud to take that connection even further. We’ve partnered with the Kever Rachel Heritage Fund (KRHF), an organization that has been doing incredible work supporting Israeli soldiers and their families. As a shul deeply committed to supporting Jews in Eretz Yisrael, it felt natural to use this campaign as a way to help raise funds for the KRHF.
A portion of the proceeds from this campaign will be donated live at the dinner to the KRHF. This partnership underscores our commitment to both local and international chesed and our connection with Eretz Yisrael.
BJH: Can you tell us more about the Kever Rachel Heritage Fund and its role in Israel today?
BJSZ: The Kever Rachel Heritage Fund was started over twenty years ago to help secure Kever Rachel and to encourage all Jews to visit the kever of Rachel Imeinu. Since then, it has expanded in its mission, becoming pivotal in providing support to Israeli soldiers and their families during some of our most difficult times. The organization offers vital resources, education, and financial aid to families dealing with loss or hardship, especially those displaced from the south and north of Eretz Yisrael, and it provides crucial care to the soldiers who are defending our homeland.
BJH: How does this year’s honoree, Miriam Adani, tie into BJSZ’s efforts and this campaign?
BJSZ: Miriam Adani is an extraordinary individual whose relationship with our shul goes back decades. When Miriam decided to found the Kever Rachel Heritage Fund, BJSZ was instrumental in helping it begin, providing financial and logistical support to help her in her mission. That relationship has only deepened over the years, in which many of our members have developed relationships with Miriam and helped advance her work.
Miriam has also been a steadfast advocate for Kever Rachel itself, ensuring that this holy site remains accessible, even during times of conflict. Her commitment to both the land and to the soldiers who defend it is inspiring. Having Miriam as our Guest of Honor this year is truly special, as it allows us to not only raise funds for a cause that is so close to her heart but also showcase our community’s deep connection to Eretz Yisrael.
BJH: Alongside Miriam Adani, the Birnbaums are being honored this year. Can you tell us about their contributions to BJSZ?
BJSZ: Bernhard and Varda Birnbaum have been incredible pillars of support at BJSZ for many years. They have always been involved in the shul, from leading programs to helping organize events, and they are deeply committed to Eretz Yisrael.
Varda has been especially impactful in her role as the volunteer Treasurer of the Kever Rachel Heritage Fund. She has been a major force behind the organization’s growth. The Birnbaums’ dedication to both BJSZ and to Eretz Yisrael has left a lasting impact on our community, and it is a great honor to recognize them this year.
BJH: Why is it so important for BJSZ to support both local efforts in Baltimore and international causes like the Kever Rachel Heritage Fund?
BJSZ: We believe that our mission as a community shul extends beyond the local neighborhood. While we are proud of the incredible work we do here in Baltimore, our connection to Eretz Yisrael is at the heart of our shul’s identity.
Supporting organizations like the Kever Rachel Heritage Fund allows us to do more than just support our own community here – we are able to support the heroes who give so much for our people and for Eretz Yisrael. By supporting organizations like KRHF, we fulfill our responsibility to klal yisrael while reinforcing the primacy of Eretz Yisrael in our lives.
BJH: As the campaign continues, how can members of the Baltimore community get involved and make a difference?
BJSZ: We encourage everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community to participate in this important campaign. Your support is essential for helping BJSZ continue its work, both locally and in Eretz Yisrael. Whether you make a donation, attend the dinner, or simply spread the word, every effort counts. Donations can be made through bjszdinner.com.
This is a time for our community to come together and show the strength of our connection to one another and to Eretz Yisrael. Together, we can ensure that BJSZ’s impact continues to grow, both here in Baltimore and in Eretz Yisrael, where our support is always needed.
