DALIA First but not least. Where to begin?! I've changed so much over this year, from a bubbly baby into a strong-willed toddler. From starting to say mama (1/3), to crawling (2/25), to signing "more" (3/6), to clapping my hands (3/19), to giving my first high five (4/16), to my short lived"nana" obsession (5/1), to blowing kisses (5/11), to standing up unassisted (9/18), to taking my first steps (9/21), to saying more words like keys, shoes, socks, todah, no, baby, pie, and Dalia, I've been a busy bee! Though some things have stayed the same - I'm a pretty happy kid and a great sleeper who loves people. I continue to be showered with love by my parents, grandparents, family, friends, and La Petit's Ms. Byrd and Ms. Cookie. 

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ERIKA The year started off with a lot more time on my hands as my 9 month breast feeding journey came to an end. I sure didn't miss shlepping pumping equipment and milk to and from work!

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At work, I transitioned out of older adult research to a role in the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Dean's Office. In my position as Director of Engagement Initiatives I am doing a myriad of things - from planning the content of large school functions, to working on a new initiative advocating for better quality of life in nursing homes, and laying the foundation for a future institute on nursing leadership and policy. 

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As a Community Connector through the Macks Center for Community Connections, I hosted events like a virtual Tu B'Shevat seder, moms' yoga night, and Tot Shabbat @ the Zoo with the goal of developing community in the Greater Hampden area.

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In February, I was asked to become the board president of the Jewish Museum of Maryland starting in May 2023. I said yes, and spent the rest of the year shadowing the current president, along with my regular board and committee responsibilities. 

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While I am truly blessed, I do want to acknowledge that some combination of life led to periods of mental health challenges. I am grateful to all the family, friends, colleagues, and providers who helped me through those difficult times. With your support, I am ready to take on all that 2023 will bring.

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JON Almost three years after last writing, I still find myself fulfilled and challenged by my work at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. In January, I assumed the role of Program Director of United States Jewish grants, leading a portfolio of ~$25 million annually. I still focus most of my time on poverty in the Jewish community--what it looks like, why its important, etc.--and you can read my latest thinking on this topic here. I also lead the Foundation's work on other key issues in the Jewish community, including leadership development, racial and gender equity, and combatting antisemitism.

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In March, I began a 3-year fellowship with 14 other leaders in the North American Jewish community. The Wexner Field Fellowship includes six intensive "institutes" on leadership and Jewish learning, professional coaching, opportunities to create your own unique learning experiences, and most importantly, the opportunity to build relationships with truly fabulous cohort-mates. Oh, and remember that Master's in Applied Economics I started? I picked up the pace during COVID and finished it off at the end of 2020 (we waited for Dalia to celebrate--see 2021).

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On a personal front, I had the opportunity to celebrate weddings / bachelor parties of my brother and three close friends. And the best parts of my year were my most important titles: dad and husband. The moments I most enjoyed in 2022 were the little ones: bedtime books with Dalia, weekend mornings at the farmers market, rare moments to read a good article or a book in a coffee shop, trying a new pizza place, and precious time with family and friends. We are lucky to live in Baltimore where we are surrounded by a village of people who care about us, and we care about them. I am deeply grateful. Cheers to 2023!