613 Seconds with Yona Openden, Board President of Shoresh
BJH: Would you introduce yourself, and tell us how you became involved with Shoresh and why? Yona Openden: My husband Yossi and I arrived in Baltimore 27 years ago, when I began law school at the University of Maryland and he was pursuing his MBA at Johns Hopkins. We’ve been fortunate to raise our four […]
613 Seconds with Ilana Pleeter, Program Coordinator, Living Smarter Jewish
BJH: What is your name and how did you get involved with LSJ? Ilana Pleeter: My name is Ilana Pleeter, and I’m from Baltimore. My sister-in-law thought this would be a great role for me and encouraged me to apply. Over time, I developed a real passion for helping people in the frum community and […]
613 Seconds with Rabbi Richard Altabe, former principal of Darchei Torah and HALB
Bringing Chinuch First Curriculum to Yeshiva Toras Simcha Baltimore BJH: Please tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Toras Simcha. Rabbi Richard Altabe: I recently completed my 37th year as Principal in Yeshivos throughout New York including Yeshiva Darchei Torah where I served as Dean of General studies and most recently the […]
613 Seconds with Rabbi Yaakov Wealcatch
BJH: Tell us about your role at Menucha. What brought you into this work? Rabbi Yaakov Wealcatch: When our son Eli began attending Menucha, we saw the invaluable impact the organization had on him and our family. That inspired me to get involved. I initially joined the board and currently have the privilege of serving […]
613 Seconds with Rabbi Shlomo Goldberger from The Shidduch Center of Baltimore
BJH: So, it has been a few years since we last spoke. How long have you been with The Shidduch Center now? Rabbi Shlomo Goldberger: Chasdei Hashem, it has now been 10 years in my role at The Shidduch Center. A pleasure and privilege from day one until today! BJH: Wow, a decade! Time sure […]
613 Seconds with Mendel Mintz—Building Miriam’s Legacy
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, […]
613 Seconds with Jerry Wolasky
BJH: Tell us about your roots. Jerry Wolasky: I was born and raised in the Bronx, specifically in the Riverdale section. My wife is also a New Yorker, from New Rochelle. We met while attending the State University at Albany and started our married life in New York before moving through several cities and ultimately […]
613 Seconds with Rabbi Schlomo Bochner, Founder of Bonei Olam
BJH: Please tell us a little bit about yourself? Rabbi Schlomo Bochner: I am a Bobover Chassid who lives in Boro Park with my wife Chani. I have worked in the garment industry for decades as both a designer as well as a buyer. In 1979 my wife and I got married, with the same […]
613 Seconds Interview: Avi Rosenberg, President of Shomrei Emunah
BJH: Avi, thank you for joining us today. To start, could you tell us a little about yourself and your background? Avi: It’s a pleasure, thank you for having me. I originally hail from Columbus, OH, but my journey to Baltimore started back in 1982 when I came to attend NIRC for high school. After […]
613 Seconds with Kol Torah of Baltimore
Q: What is happening at Kol Torah of Baltimore this week?A: We are thrilled to launch our Annual Campaign: “Shaping the Future,” running for just 48 hours, July 14–16, 2025. This is a crucial time for our kehilla as we raise the funds needed to support and sustain our shul. More than just a fundraiser, […]