JoAnn & Rich Barnstein

Rich and JoAnn Barnstein’s Jewish journey has been one of gradual growth and deepening connection. Married for 26 years, they raised their two sons, Hershel and Izzy, in Baltimore. Rich, an optometrist involved in his family’s real estate business, grew up at Baltimore Hebrew, while JoAnn, who has a background in theater costuming, grew up at Liberty Jewish Center. Today, JoAnn spends her time immersed in the study of Yiddish, music, and Jewish learning.

JoAnn first became involved with Etz Chaim after friends returned from a Momentum trip and encouraged her to try a Monday night class. She attended with a friend and quickly found herself coming back week after week, later joining Elana Pomeranz’s Wednesday morning Parsha class and a Growth Group with Dr. Moshay Cooper. Eventually, she encouraged Rich to come along as well. What began as a single hour of learning grew into a meaningful part of their lives. Rich now attends Monday night learning and the Thursday night men’s Parsha class with Rabbi Zev Pomeranz. Around the same time, their son returned from a year in Israel inspired to live a more observant Jewish life, prompting the family to grow together—including kashering their kitchen.

For the Barnsteins, Etz Chaim offers a warm and welcoming space to explore Judaism. JoAnn shares that one of her favorite experiences is celebrating Purim at the Pomeranz home, where hearing the Megillah read in such an intimate setting was something she had never experienced growing up. She describes Etz Chaim in one word: heimish—it feels like home.

Rich echoes that sentiment: “The setting is intimate and welcoming. You can come as you are, meet wonderful people, and grow in your Judaism step by step.” Grateful for the relationships and sense of belonging they have found, the Barnsteins encourage supporters to continue investing in Etz Chaim’s work—creating meaningful opportunities for Jews of all backgrounds to connect, learn, and grow together.