In many ways, the past year has represented a homecoming for me.
It was a year ago that I joined the staff of the Baltimore Jewish Times as a reporter. The move allowed me to return to my roots. I grew up in Pikesville, went to Milbrook Elementary School, Pikesville Middle School and Pikesville High School (Class of 1996) and attended services at the original B’nai Jacob on Seven Mile Lane.
The past year has allowed me to reconnect with many old friends and colleagues — some of whom I hadn’t seen in 15 years — and establish new relationships within Baltimore’s dynamic Jewish community. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the same publication I often read growing up — and, coincidentally, in which I had my first-ever published article as a high school senior in 1995.
As I leave the Jewish Times this week to pursue another opportunity in the Baltimore media market, I must say that it was a difficult decision and one that was made with mixed emotions.
Over the past year, I have worked with an incredible group of reporters and a managing editor who are well on their way to re-establishing the JT as the go-to source of information for Jewish Baltimore.
In addition, I have had the chance to explore many key issues important to our community such as interfaith families, expanded gambling and the future of the former Solo Cup factory site in Owings Mills. In each of those stories, along with dozens of others, I have had the chance to speak with a diverse group of individuals, each with a unique story to tell.
There was Rena Rottenberg, who helped preserve the story of her late husband’s journey from Europe to China to the U.S. during the Holocaust. There was Cara Becker, a young woman whose life was cut short by cancer and whose family continues her dream of marketing a gluten-free snack in her honors. There was the group of Jewish NFL players, who sought to break the stereotype of Jewish athletes in pro football.
As I step away from the JT, I feel good knowing that the publication I am leaving is in better shape than when I arrived. This wonderful Baltimore institution is in great hands, and its future is as bright as ever.
The publication is one that is inclusive to all segments of the Jewish community, and each week there is something that makes for great reading, no matter your interests. From local news to in-depth analysis to the always-popular Beshert and Milestones, the JT remains the publication of record for all of Jewish Baltimore.
Baltimore is my home, and this is where my wife and I plan to raise our three children. I look forward to reading the JT as it produces top-quality journalism, and I hope others in the community do the same.
Until we meet again, shalom.
Ron Snyder’s last day at the JT was June 14. He is now a web producer at WMAR.
