Shari Malinow, current member of the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership transition and engagement committee, has been involved in the Baltimore Jewish community for many years. We sat down and talked with her about family, staying physically and mentally fit and remaining involved in the community she loves.
Meeting Lou Giving Back
I grew up 30 minutes from NYC in a small town called Maplewood, NJ. I met my husband, Lou, at the University of Delaware. We were each in the unique position of being the only Jewish member of our respective fraternity/sorority. On our initial date, he offered to cook me dinner. Though I’d love to say he prepared an incredibly romantic full-course meal, that didn’t happen. He cooked tater tots, burgers on the grill and frozen vegetables, but we connected and this began our lifelong journey together. We now have three wonderful kids, all thriving at different stages of life, and Lou and I will celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary soon.
I had always been involved with my children’s pre-school at the JCC as PTA President and then working as the director of Noah’s Ark, the summer camp program. When my daughter returned from her summer with Baltimore Onward Israel, she inspired me to get more involved in the Jewish community again. I connected with the The Associated through the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership. I participated on several boards and ultimately took a position as the Chair of the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership (BAP). I continue to be involved in BAP as well as serve on a committee for 4Front. It’s become incredibly meaningful for me to be a part of something bigger and to give back to the community. These committees have introduced me to so many interesting and amazing people from whom I’ve learned new skills and personally grown.
