Open toolbar Accessibility Tools ABOUT US WHAT WE DO GET INVOLVED RESOURCES STORIES & EVENTS WAYS TO GIVE CELEBRATING 100 DONATE Creating Community and Building Jewish Identity From its very beginning, The Associated invested in the Jewish future of the community, providing educational and social opportunities that instilled a strong sense of Jewish identity. Always adapting to the needs of the community, The Associated connected the next generation to their Jewish roots, through traditional and innovative programs that resonated with them. More centennial themes THE SOCIAL NETWORK At the heart of Jewish life in Baltimore were the social organizations, precursors to the JCC, which provided a place to gather and learn. The Jewish Educational Alliance (JEA), established in 1909, was one of the original agencies of the Associated Jewish Charities (AJC). Families paid 5 to 15 cents a month for membership, depending on their children’s age. As the organization grew, it became a refuge for neighborhood residents who participated in everything from basketball leagues to music lessons — even forming an 88-piece ensemble orchestra. There was also a night school for recent immigrants. In 1935, the Young Men’s and Young Women’s Hebrew Association (YM & YWHA), joined the AJC. Their building on West Monument Street — with its swimming pool, billiards room, gymnasium, classrooms and libraries — held socials and dances where many Baltimoreans found their beshert (destiny). The JEA and YM & YWHA merged in 1951, forming the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore (JCC). In the years since, the JCC has gone beyond its original mission of youth development. Today, it encourages the physical, social and intellectual enrichment of all Jews in Baltimore. SUMMER VACATION Providing summer activities and experiences for kids — and a place to escape Baltimore’s oppressive heat — have always been one of The Associated’s goals. The Woodland Country Home, located in Catonsville, opened in 1922. Women, children and families would visit to regain their health, eat nutritious meals and enjoy the fresh air. Over the years, The Associated continued to support day camps by creating Camp Woodlands, the JEA day camp and Camp Milldale, which began in 1953 on Stevenson and Keyser Roads. When it closed, the JCC launched J Camps, offering children unique opportunities to connect with each other and with Judaism, while providing space for them to play, learn and enjoy their summer vacation. Recognizing how Jewish camp plays a significant role in impacting future Jewish identity, The Associated created the Center for Jewish Camping in 2013, partnering with area Jewish camps and helping families find the perfect fit for their children. PROVIDING A JEWISH EDUCATION In 1921, the new AJC created the Board of Jewish Education (BJE) as a central agency to coordinate the financial and educational administration of the Talmud Torah Schools — Talmud Torah Society, Isaac Davidson Hebrew School, Western Talmud Torah, Southwestern Talmud Torah, Har Zio Talmud Torahs — as well as Baltimore Hebrew College. As the needs of Jewish educators changed, the BJE adapted to include opportunities like teacher certifications to ensure a higher level of professionalism. The BJE later became the Macks Center for Jewish Education (CJE), encouraging Jewish education by providing programs, special education advocacy and professional development. Meanwhile, Baltimore Hebrew College would merge with Towson University in 2009, becoming the Baltimore Hebrew Institute at Towson University. THE JEWISH JOURNEY As the next generation of Baltimore Jews looked for new ways to express their Judaism. More than 3,000 young families receive free PJ Library books in their homes each year. CJE also created a connector program where young parents would create their own programming and invite friends and neighbors to learn about traditions and holidays. In addition, Pearlstone began offering earth-based learning on their outdoor campus, where children, families and adults could connect to their roots through food, music, hikes and more, integrating Jewish learning with the environment. 100 Years of The Associated Previous Hope for World Jewry The Associated helps revitalize communities worldwide while providing resources to ensure that the most vulnerable Jews have a chance at a better life. How Baltimore Forged a Federation Even before The Associated was formally established in 1920, its seeds were planted by devoted community leaders who abided by the obligations of tzedakah and tikkun olam. Connecting Baltimore with Israel Since before the founding of Israel, The Associated channeled Baltimore’s generosity and involvement with Israel through advocacy, fundraising, missions and innovative collaborations. Meeting the Challenges of Poverty and Despair While the needs of the Jewish community have changed over time, The Associated has continued to improve its training, resources and programming to assist individuals and families with the challenges that life presents. A Century of Generosity From its earliest days, The Associated has worked to raise funds in order to support a strong Jewish Baltimore for generations to come. Next 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Add Impact to Your Inbox Sign up for our newsletter SIGN UP Join Our Mailing List SIGN UP The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore 101 West Mount Royal Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21201 information@associated.org 410-727-4828 CAREERS FINANCIALS & PUBLICATIONS REPORT AN ANTISEMITIC OR HATE INCIDENT In keeping with our Jewish values, The Associated and its agencies support a thriving Baltimore that celebrates diversity and appreciates the unique combination of gender, race, age, religion and ethnicity, sexual orientation, intellectual and physical disabilities and special qualities that each resident adds to the fabric of life in Baltimore. We welcome everyone interested in our mission to join us. If you require accommodations, please contact us, and we will make every effort to meet your needs. 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