The Baltimore Jewish Times, published by Mid-Atlantic Media, earned two honorable mentions at the American Jewish Press Association’s 45th annual Simon Rockower Awards ceremony held in New York City on June 4, 2026. The awards recognized excellence in journalism for work published during 2025, selected from a field of over 1,050 entries.
How Editorial Writing Shapes Community Discourse
The Baltimore Jewish Times Editorial Board secured an honorable mention in the “Excellence in Editorial Writing” category. This recognition highlights the publication’s focus on complex, high-stakes topics that demand nuanced analysis. The winning entries included editorials titled “The Haredi Draft Emergency,” “Van Hollen’s Selective Moral Outrage,” and “A Senator’s Cheap Shot.”
These pieces demonstrate the role of local Jewish journalism in holding public figures accountable and framing international or national debates through a local lens. By addressing specific legislative and political tensions, the editorial board provides its readership with a structured way to process current events.
Why Personality Profiles Connect With Readers
Editor Aaron Troodler received an honorable mention for “Excellence in Personality Profiles” for his piece, “For David Rubenstein, Success Is Serendipitous.” The article profiled David Rubenstein, the philanthropist, author, and owner of the Baltimore Orioles.
Profiles like this serve as a bridge between high-profile public figures and the community. By focusing on the human element of success, journalists can provide readers with inspiration and insight into the lives of individuals who influence the regional landscape. According to Mid-Atlantic Media CEO and Publisher Craig Burke, these awards serve as a "testament to the talent we have on our team" and reflect the "tremendous efforts of each member of our Baltimore Jewish Times staff."
Did you know?
The Simon Rockower Awards are considered a benchmark for excellence in Jewish media, often highlighting investigative reports and thoughtful commentary that might otherwise go unnoticed in the broader national news cycle.
Future Trends in Jewish Journalism
The recognition of the Baltimore Jewish Times on a national stage points to a broader trend: the enduring value of hyper-local, specialized news. As digital media fragments, publications that provide deep, community-specific reporting remain essential.
Moving forward, we can expect to see:
- Increased Focus on Multimedia: As seen in the competitive nature of the 1,050 entries, outlets are diversifying how they tell stories to reach younger audiences.
- Emphasis on Accountability: Editorials that challenge political narratives, such as those recognized in this year’s awards, will likely continue to be a primary driver of reader engagement.
- Human-Centric Storytelling: Profiles that offer a personal look at local leaders and philanthropists remain a cornerstone for building loyalty and authority within the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Simon Rockower Awards?
They are annual awards presented by the American Jewish Press Association to honor the best in Jewish journalism and media.
Who won awards for the Baltimore Jewish Times in 2026?
The Baltimore Jewish Times Editorial Board won an honorable mention for editorial writing, and editor Aaron Troodler won an honorable mention for personality profiling.
How many entries were in the 2026 competition?
The 45th annual ceremony featured over 1,050 entries covering work done throughout 2025.
Where can I read the award-winning pieces?
You can find the recognized editorials and the profile on David Rubenstein directly on the Baltimore Jewish Times website.
Want to stay updated on the latest community news and award-winning journalism? Subscribe to our newsletter today to have the most important stories delivered straight to your inbox.
Keep reading
