Anna Stein

Anna grew up in Baltimore County and has lived in Maryland her entire life. Although both of her parents are Jewish, she says, “I was not raised very Jewish.” That began to change when she attended Towson University, where she became more engaged with her Jewish identity through the Jewish Collegiate Network (JCN), led by Rabbi Efy and Penina Flamm. Anna often attended Shabbat meals at their home and continues that tradition today. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

As she prepared to graduate from Towson, Anna worried about losing the Jewish community she had built in college. Rabbi Efy encouraged her to connect with Etz Chaim and attend Young Jewish Professionals events, and she has now been involved for over a year and a half. Through social events and Shabbat gatherings, Anna has found a strong sense of community in the city. “Growing up I didn’t have a strong Jewish community and didn’t really have Jewish friends,” she reflects. “Now I’ve met most of my friends through Etz Chaim.”

Anna participated in the Return to Learn trip to Israel with Rabbi Efy Flamm—her third visit to Israel and second time on the program. The experience allowed her to step away from the busy pace of graduate school and work and connect more deeply with the group and her Jewish identity. One of her favorite memories was visiting the Kotel at sunset. “Singing and dancing together was the best,” she says. “I can’t express how much I needed that for my own growth.”

Reflecting on her experience, Anna says the words that come to mind when she thinks of Etz Chaim are “community, togetherness, and care.” She adds, “Having a Jewish space for people in their twenties helps us connect, grow, and build friendships.”