When Stacey Gerstenblith returned to Baltimore while pregnant with her first child, she expected community to come easily. She joined Mommy & Me classes and family programs, but the friendships she formed felt surface‑level. The turning point arrived when her son entered preschool, drawing her family deeper into school and synagogue life and prompting her to resume part‑time work as a social worker for Baltimore County Public Schools.
At that moment, The Jewish Connection Network launched its Connector Program at J Town. A Parent Connector welcomed Stacey into a close‑knit circle, and Friday mornings soon followed a comforting rhythm: a Tot Shabbat at J Town followed by a shared lunch. The program’s intentional gatherings helped Stacey move from searching for community to feeling truly part of one.
From Participant to Connector
Years later, while brunching with former Connector Amy Goldberg—now Director of Community Connections for the Network—Amy mentioned an opening with Shalom Baltimore. Shalom Baltimore, a program of The Jewish Connection Network, assists newcomers of all ages in navigating the local Jewish community. Stacey instantly recognized the fit, saying, “This is something I would be good at because I’ve lived it.”
Today, as Shalom Baltimore’s Connector, Stacey greets newcomers, learns their stories, interests, and hopes, and makes thoughtful introductions. She even curates welcome bags that include fresh challah and chocolate, believing a personal touch makes newcomers feel genuinely welcomed.
Professional Skills Meet Personal Insight
Stacey’s work as a social worker equips her with the tools to listen, assess needs, and facilitate connections. Yet she acknowledges that no training could replace the insight gained from her own journey—filling days with activities yet struggling to form deeper bonds until individual connections blossomed into community.
Now she eases that transition for others, helping families move from isolated participation to belonging. When she’s not connecting people, Stacey enjoys time with friends and family, reading, traveling, and hiking amid fall foliage—an apt metaphor for her story of putting down roots and finding beauty in community.
Building a Stronger Baltimore Jewish Community
Stacey’s story underscores the power of intentional, relationship‑focused programs like Shalom Baltimore. By pairing newcomers with seasoned members, the Connector program not only eases the challenges of relocation but also strengthens the fabric of Baltimore’s Jewish community. As more families find their place, the network grows, creating a ripple effect of support, friendship, and shared purpose.
For anyone new to Baltimore seeking a welcoming faith community, Stacey Gerstenblith and the Shalom Baltimore team stand ready to help them feel at home.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
