Jewish Employees Association

The Jewish Employees Association (JEA) brings together UMB faculty and staff to foster community, professional development, mutual support, education, and meaningful participation in the University community.

About the JEA 

The Jewish Employees Association, or JEA, was formed by a group of UMB faculty and staff to foster community, professional development, and mutual support of members of the Jewish community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

The JEA provides a forum for the exchange of ideas; promotes educational programs about Judaism, Jewish history and culture, and antisemitism; and sponsors social, educational, and service activities for its members and the UMB community at large.

The JEA is officially recognized by UMB as an Employee Resource Group and is led by senior faculty and staff.   The JEA coordinates with Jewish student groups in the Schools of Medicine, Law, and Social Work and maintains regular contact with University administration to advance its aims and support the well-being of the Jewish community on campus.

Leadership Committee 

• Judith Edelman, School of Medicine
• David Gorelick, School of Medicine
• Asaf Keller, School of Medicine
• Rozalina McCoy, School of Medicine
• Andy Pollak, University of Maryland Medical System
• Ron Samet, School of Medicine
•  Donald Tobin, School of Law
• Michele Vitolo, School of Medicine

Membership

We welcome all members of the faculty, staff, and administration (Jewish and non-Jewish) who share our goals, wish to support Jewish members of the UMB community,  and strive for full and meaningful inclusion of Jewish colleagues on our campus.

Membership is free and will always be confidential. If you wish to join the JEA and subscribe to our mailing list, please email JEA-request@lists.umaryland.edu

Current Activities 

• Promote educational programming for administrators across campus about Judaism, Jewish history and culture, and antisemitism.
• Combat antisemitism and antisemitic microaggressions. 
• Maintain regular communication with administration at the campus and school levels to help ensure academic programs remain free and open to all.
• Coordinate with the Jewish Law Students’ Association and Jewish Medical Students’ Association.
• Advocate for access to kosher facilities on campus for students, faculty, and staff.
• Maintain regular communication with Jewish organizations locally, regionally, and nationally for support and resources as needed.
• Promote campus-wide participation in Jewish cultural and religious activities, including Sukkot programming at the School of Law and in the Gudelsky wing of the hospital.

If you are interested in participating in any of these activities, or have additional ones to suggest, please contact one of our officers.

Meetings 

The JEA leadership meets monthly by Zoom, with more frequent meetings called as needed. Open meetings for the entire membership will be held twice yearly.   

Calendar of Jewish Holidays (2026-2027)

Jewish holidays and observance dates for 2026-2027