Meet Phyllis Shocket

March 24, 2025 | People in Our Neighborhood

From growing up in Baltimore to a career in law librarianship and nonprofit leadership, Phyllis Shocket has always been driven by connection and service. Now active in The Network’s knitting initiative and community programs, she continues to bring people together for meaningful impact. Here, she shares her journey, the power of community, and the joy of giving back.
 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Baltimore and lived with my mother, father, sister and grandmother. After graduating high school (Pikesville High). I attended Chizuk Amuno Hebrew School and Baltimore Hebrew College.

I was a student at University of Maryland College Park. B’nai Brith Hillel Foundation was the anchor of my college life.  It provided incredible meals, opportunities to make wonderful friends, and a chance to learn more about difference branches of Judaism.  I also met my husband Bobby there during my freshman year!

After completing my undergraduate degree (American Studies), I received a Masters in Library Science degree at U of MD.

I was a law librarian for 10 years until decided to help my mentor create a national non-profit – The Golden Jubilee Commission on Telecommunications.  Through this experience, I discovered that I had untapped skills. I ran two national conferences, organized to successfully  fundraising campaigns with high profile corporate executives, and edited two books for a major publisher. Most importantly – I discovered that I can engage a variety of people in conversation – sometimes called “The Art of The Smooze. I remained with The Golden Jubilee Commission until it ended its two year mission.

In the years that followed, I worked for one national and two international non-profits. I focused on working with boards, high end funders, staffed committees, and a wide range of volunteers.

 

How did you first get involved with The Network?

Lucky me – I met a Super Network Volunteer – Harriet Silverstein!!!

I was at a lecture and saw that Harriet was knitting. I asked her what she was making. Harriet then told me about her volunteer work with The Network – including handmade hats and scarves. She invited me to join a group of extremely dedicated knitters and crocheters who meet monthly,

Harriet is a volunteer rock star and has become a dear friend.

 

What have you enjoyed most about your experience with our knitting initiative?

Easily answered. First, I love the monthly meetings with the other knitters and crocheters. Second, it is a privilege to work with the incredibly dedicated The Network staff. Third, I am humbled to know that the knitting initiative ultimately contributes to our own community by being included in the Mitzvah Month gift bags.

 

You’ve helped co-create programs like the Knit Together initiative and the Casserole Baking Party for our Casserole Challenge, both geared toward adults 55+. Why are these programs meaningful to you?

Both programs have highlighted some of the growing needs in our region. I have especially appreciated it when these program include non-profit partners present “real world examples” to illustrate how working with The Network strengthens our region.

 

You have a strong existing network of connections, yet you’re also excited to meet new people. What does community mean to you, and how do you build connections in new spaces?

The core of community is relationship-building. How do you begin and then expand that process?  From what am learning about The Network is the Connector Program, this is a great way to start.

 

You’ve taken on leadership roles in so many different ways. How do you see volunteering as part of your personal growth and community impact?

I find I get energized when I volunteer – I connect with people, new ideas, and new programs. And ultimately I hopefully discover better ways to serve our community.

 

If you could invite any three people—past or present—to the next Casserole Baking Party, who would you choose and why?

I would be thrilled to invite three extraordinary women’s – who I never met.

Rebecca Adler – my husband’s great grandmother. She was born in Eastern Europe. Along with her husband, they opened a small grocery store facing Patterson Park. No one ever remembers her speaking English (only Yiddish). She was a savvy business woman and an extraordinary cook. I would love to learn more about her life in Eastern Europe and how she felt about her new life in America.  I’d also love to learn about her favorite recipes and hear stories about the Adler Family.

Ida Adler Book Rubin – my husband’s grandmother on his mother’s side. She was known as a person who loved people. I would love to learn more about her life in East Baltimore and later in Northwest Baltimore (in the 1950’s and 1960’s).

Riva Leah Shocket – my husband’s grandmother on his father’s side. She and her husband Ben Zion came to Baltimore in the early part of the 20th century. They had 5 children, but one died on the voyage to the United States. Since Riva Leah’s husband was hospitalized very often, she frequently had sole responsibility for raising their children. She had to accept charity from the Jewish Educational Alliance (the JEA was the predecessor of The Associated). I would love to learn more about her life in Eastern Europe, her voyage to America, and how she felt as an immigrant in East Baltimore.

 

As a skilled singer and performer, what is your favorite song and why?

“That’s Life” – it’s a song made famous by Frank Sinatra.

The second verse says:

I said that’s life (that’s life), and as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks stompin’ on a dream
But I don’t let it, let it get me down
’cause this fine old world, it keeps spinnin’ around

This song reflects the true nature of life – we all have ups and downs. But ultimately we just need to move forward!!!