It’s the last day of Hanukkah, and many Jewish Marylanders will spending time with family, exchanging presents and saying prayers by candlelight. The state has long had a strong and vibrant Jewish community, primarily centered in Baltimore. In fact, Lloyd Street Synagogue located at 11 Lloyd Street in Baltimore is one of the oldest synagogues in the United States. The temple was built by the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, who occupied the building from its opening in 1845 until 1889, when it was purchased by the St. John the Baptist Lithuanian Congregation. During the 16 years this congregation occupied the building, a bell tower was added. In 1905, the synagogue was sold to congregation Shomrei Mishmeres HaKodesh, a Jewish Orthodox sect from Eastern Europe that stayed there until 1963. The building is now managed by the Jewish Museum of Maryland. The holiday season is a great time to acknowledge the diversity of experience and background in Maryland communities. For all who celebra...