When Bonnie Ziegelstein moved from Massachusetts to Baltimore in the 1980s, it was on a whim. She had never been to Maryland before, but accepted a position in rehab medicine at Johns Hopkins and jumped right in. Decades later, Bonnie still calls Baltimore home — teaching Pilates part-time, soaking up pop culture from classic musicals to the latest streaming hits and cherishing time with her now-grown children on beach vacations filled with bike rides, great meals and connection.
A Life-Changing Trip to Israel
Bonnie’s worldview changed dramatically during her first trip to Israel with USY in 1979.
“It was a completely different experience,” she recalls. “I had never left New England — and suddenly, I realized there’s this big world out here.”
That early experience shaped her curiosity and openness to people and causes far beyond her immediate circle.
Finding Purpose with JWGF
Bonnie first heard about the Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation (JWGF) through her good friend Shelly Hendler, who described it as a meaningful, hands-on way to give back. Bonnie was especially intrigued by the site visits and the opportunity to engage directly with nonprofits who are making a difference.
