The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

08/28/2026

Maternal health isn't something we carry alone. When mothers struggle, whole families and neighborhoods feel the impact.

Join the Jewish Community Foundation on September 1st for a virtual conversation with Dr. Aza Nedhari of Mamatoto Village and Rachel Faulkner of the Foundation's Fund for Women and Girls for a conversation anchored in a simple truth: maternal health is a universal experience, and collective care is everyone’s responsibility.

Register now:

Maternal health isn’t an individualized concern; it’s a community one. When mothers struggle, entire families and neighborhoods feel the impact. Join Dr. Aza Nedhari of Mamatoto and Rachel Faulkner with the Fund for Women and Girls at the Jewish Community Foundation for a conversation anchored i...

08/27/2026

We're proud to share that Vanessa Sax, our Senior Director of Strategy & Community Building for Northern Virginia, has been selected for the Leadership Fairfax, Inc. 2026 cohort.

LFI is the region's premier civic leadership program, developing visionary leaders who make a meaningful impact across Fairfax County and Greater Northern Virginia. Vanessa's selection reflects her deep commitment to strengthening community — here at Federation and well beyond it.

Mazal Tov, Vanessa!

08/24/2026

"Our humanity is ours to wield in real life."

Federation CEO Gil Preuss recently reflected on the power of small, in-person moments: two dads at camp drop-off, one sharing news of his mother's passing, the other closing the distance to comfort him before he even had the words.

It's everyday encounters like these—a check-in with a neighbor, an invitation to Shabbat dinner, or a chat in a parking lot—that weave a real sense of community and Jewish continuity in ways the internet simply can't replicate.

Read Gil's full reflection: https://mailchi.mp/shalomdc/gil-friday-message-081426?e=6853100990

08/19/2026

August is Make-a-Will Month, a fitting moment to think about the Jewish community our children and grandchildren will inherit.

Leaving a legacy gift to Federation is possible at any age or income level. It can take many forms: a line in your will, a beneficiary designation on a retirement account, a gift of stock. Federation is here to walk you through every option to ensure your legacy goes to what you care about most.

Take the first step toward a Jewish future that stays vibrant, resilient, and connected for generations to come.
https://www.jcfgw.org/make-an-impact/legacy-giving/

08/18/2026

Looking for ways to connect this month?

Federation and our partners are bringing the community together through programs, gatherings, learning opportunities, volunteer experiences, and events for every age and stage.

Whether you are easing back into fall routines, preparing for the High Holidays, or simply looking for something meaningful to add to your calendar, the Community Calendar is a great place to start.

Explore upcoming events and find your next way to connect: https://www.shalomdc.org/news-and-events/community-calendar/

08/17/2026

As students and families prepare for a new school year, Jewish connection is part of what helps make this season meaningful.

Across Greater Washington, Federation partners with organizations that support Jewish learning, identity, leadership, and belonging at every stage, from day schools and youth groups to campus Hillels helping students find community away from home.

These partners are part of the local Jewish ecosystem Federation helps sustain, creating opportunities for young people and families to learn, lead, celebrate, and stay connected to Jewish life throughout the year.

Explore Federation’s partners and find resources for the school year ahead: https://www.shalomdc.org/about/our-partners/

08/14/2026

Jewish Heritage Night is coming to Audi Field ⚽

Next Wednesday, August 19, D.C. United is hosting its first-ever Jewish Heritage Night, celebrating Jewish and Israeli culture in the DMV.

Israeli forward Tai Baribo will be taking the field, and a special ticket block has been reserved for the Jewish community. Tickets purchased through the reserved link include access to an exclusive post-game meet-and-greet with Baribo!

Join our community for this special evening: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Jewishheritage810

08/13/2026

Last week, 20 representatives from Greater Washington joined more than 300 Jewish leaders from across North America for the Jewish Federations of North America National Young Leadership Cabinet Retreat in Minneapolis.

Over three days, Cabinet members heard from speakers like Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and dug into sessions on philanthropy, security, Israel and global Jewry, and how to talk across differences. Cabinet Co-Chair Britney Wambold said she left energized to bring what she learned back to Greater Washington, and the retreat reminded her of why she keeps investing in a community that shows up for each other.

Through Federation's Cabinet cohort, local leaders build the relationships and skills that strengthen Jewish life here at home and around the world.

See how you can get involved: https://www.shalomdc.org/get-involved/next-gen/

08/12/2026

As Israelis head to the polls this October, Federation and JCRC of Greater Washington are cohosting a 2026 election series to help educate the community on Israel’s electoral system, the major parties, and more. Join the first webinar of the series on August 25: https://www.shalomdc.org/event/israeli-2026-election-series-part-1/

Israelis will go to the polls on October 27th for the first time since 2022. We are organizing a series of online and in-person programs to break down the electoral process, the major issues for voters and what's at stake.

Register now for the first webinar on August 25, led by three Israelis who will unpack how the electoral system works, who the major political parties are, how governments are formed, and more.

https://www.jcouncil.org/events/israels-2026-elections-three-part-educational-series

08/11/2026

Keeping our Jewish community safe takes public investment, donor support, and a coordinated, community-wide approach.

Through JShield, Federation works with government agencies, law enforcement, and communal partners to strengthen security across Jewish organizations in Greater Washington. In 2025 alone, JShield helped local institutions secure more than $5.25 million in federal and state security funding, and a new nearly $180,000 Maryland grant will help build on that work.

Government funding helps offset critical costs, but donor support makes it possible for Federation to sustain and expand JShield’s work and provide expert security services at no cost to Jewish organizations.

Make your gift today to help build a safer, more prepared Jewish community: https://www.shalomdc.org/public-investment-strengthens-community-security-across-greater-washington/