Get to Know Natasha Baum
Natasha Baum began her Jewish Baltimore journey as a student and active participant with Towson University Hillel. Now one of the hosts for Shabbat with IMPACT, learn a little bit more about Natasha and her Shabbat creativity!
What is your connection with The Associated, IMPACT and Jewish Baltimore?
I first learned about The Associated through my participation with Towson University Hillel, I was able to learn about the life-saving work done for the Baltimore Jewish community and was inspired. This led me to my first job out of college in The Associated’s Marketing Department! There I was able to learn even more about The Associated system, Jewish Baltimore, and become involved with IMPACT.
What is the significance of Shabbat to you? What is your background on how you celebrated Shabbat while growing up?
Growing up, with the craziness of academics, sports, etc. Shabbat was not something we did every week. The weeks I loved most, were the ones spent celebrating in synagogue on Friday nights. In college through Hillel, I found my way back to celebrating Shabbat on a weekly basis. I loved the sense of community it gave me and the ability to put aside my stresses at the end of the week and spend time with friends. Since graduating, I do my best to at least light candles every week if I can’t cook a full meal or be with others.
What 5 current songs would you include in a Shabbat themed playlist and why?
- Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra
Growing up, Frank Sinatra was someone my parents, and grandparents always listened to. I have grown up loving, singing, and dancing to him. Plus, he always sounds great a dinner party background noise! - Dancing In The Moonlight – King Harvest
Ok, I don’t just have moon songs on my playlist! This is another family favorite that I love dancing and singing in the kitchen to. Shabbat does start after sundown, so the theme is fitting. - Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
Another great one to dance and sing to with your friends! This one is a personal favorite and always puts me in a good mood. - Golden Boy – Nadav Guedj
A very different genre but this song reminds me of my time on Birthright where I spent Shabbat in Jerusalem. It was the most amazing Shabbat, and I loved my Birthright experience. - Dancing Queen – ABBA
A crowd favorite that everyone loves to dance to. My goal by the end of any get-together is to have everyone dancing and having a good time.
If you could invite one person to your Shabbat table (anyone, dead or alive) who would you invite and why?
I would love to invite the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg z”l to my Shabbat table. She was a driving force and a supporter of so many things I believe in. I truly admire her and would love to be able to ask her about her impressive life.
What is your perfect Shabbat dinner menu?
I truly believe that Shabbat meals can be whatever you feel like having! That being said, I do love a “traditional” Shabbat meal. Brisket, Potatoes, Veggies, and Matzo Ball soup are all very nostalgic to me.
Why should others join OneTable Shabbat?
Shabbat is a great time to truly relax and feel like you are able to forget about the rest of the world for a little bit. Whether you are Shabbat observant or not, I think it is a great way to give yourself a much-needed break. OneTable allows you to host Shabbat for friends or is a great way to meet new ones and broaden your sense of community!
To learn more about Shabbat with IMPACT, please visit associated.org/shabbat
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