June 2025 Mensch of the Month: Antoinette “Toni” Duren
Mensch means “good person” in Yiddish.
Ms. Toni fits the bill!
A Conversation with Our June Mensch of the Month!
Antoinette Duren, who we all call Ms. Toni, is a long-time neighbor of Shaarei Tfiloh and a leader in the neighborhood. She has welcomed us to the block, and we think the world of her. (Check out that photo of her on the steps of the synagogue from 50 years ago!)
Get to know Ms. Toni:
What is your connection to Third Space?
More than 50 years ago as a teenager, my friends and I would sit on the synagogue steps when we wanted to have a serious conversation or if we needed to think and have some solitude. Fast forward, as the new President of the Mondawmin Neighborhood Improvement Association (MNIA), we hold our monthly meetings at Third Space. In addition, I am a member of Building Bridges Cohort and throughout the year I attend various special events.
What was the last book you read and loved?
The Holy Bible. I am grateful for its teachings, power, discernment, understanding, and comfort.
If you could have dinner with two people, living, dead, or fictional, who would you choose?
My dinner dates would be an ancestor from my mother and father’s side of the family. The conversation would be filled with gratitude, pride, and dignity.
What is your favorite thing about yourself?
I am inquisitive and I like to be a good listener.
What do you wish people knew about you?
I love to dance, garden, write, decorate, listen to music, learn something new, attend the theatre, go antiquing, eat good food, worship with other believers, and spend time with family and friends.
What is one simple thing you do (or think others could do) that extends more kindness into the world?
I make it a priority to acknowledge individuals with respect and a smile. Learn to forgive yourself and others. I believe it’s nice to be nice but essential to be kind.
