The Connector
Welcome to the October 19 edition of The Connector -- a link to the agencies and programs in our community that you care about most. You are a key part of our community -- join us! Stay informed each month with The Connector. Get involved, donate and volunteer at: shalomdc.org. 

The Countdown Ends! 
As Gilad Shalit’s family welcomes him home after five harrowing years of captivity by Hamas in Gaza, we join our voices with those across Israel and the free world welcoming Gilad home at last.
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Building Joy
When you think of fall, you think of children jumping in piles of leaves, apple cider and carving pumpkins. But thanks to Congregation Beth El’s Build the Joy program, the fall season is taking on a whole new meaning for its students. Now in its 13th year, Build the Joy was developed as a way to engage children in the traditions and meaning of the Sukkot holiday. Last weekend, over 350 students and their families joined together to make paper chains, design stained glass ushpizin windows, read stories and sing songs while helping build and decorate sukkot at their classmates' homes. For more information, please contact Elisha Frumkin.

Chunky Monkey. Chubby Hubby. The Network.
What do these three things have in common? Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, will be joining The Federation on November 16 for the must-attend networking event of the year for business professionals. The Network Event is designed to take your networking to the next level, with business leaders from some of the largest companies in the area attending! And the Cherry (Garcia) on top? Jerry will be discussing his unique business philosophy, which can easily transfer to your life and career.
Register Here

Join JCRC in Support of Israel
If you are looking for grassroots political activism, pro-Israel training, coordination among agencies and synagogues, Israel programming and interfaith outreach and alliance building, then the Israel Action Center has something for you! The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington is pleased to announce the establishment of the Israel Action Center. The center's goal is to transform Greater Washington into the most active, pro-Israel region in America, while serving as a model for Jewish communities around the nation. 
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Opportunity is Knocking
Open the door for the chance to change the world. A few weeks ago we announced the launch of the ConnectGens Fellowship, where ten Jewish social entrepreneurs will be paired with the tools and connections they need to transform their big ideas into reality. Don’t miss out on the incredible opportunity to make your impact on this community!
Applications are now being accepted.

A Piece of Community History
Provided by the Jewish Historical Society
Did You Know...
Giant Food, started by Nehemiah Cohen and Samuel Lehrman, celebrated its 75th birthday this year and its history will be featured at the Jewish Historical Society’s annual meeting in November.
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Around Town
Jconnect.org - Events • Resources • News
Don’t be left out of the loop! Become a registered user on Jconnect.org; and gain access to everything Jewish in the Greater Washington area! Choose your interests and receive emails about:

• Professional opportunities
• Social and networking events
• Rewarding volunteerism for you and your family
• Congregational life
• And much more

With just a click of a mouse, you can give you and your family a 360 degree layout of Jewish life in the Greater Washington metro area.

What are you waiting for? Visit Jconnect.org TODAY!

Groundbreaking Ceremony - Come Out and Support
We all know someone who has been affected by Alzheimer’s, a heartbreaking disease. It has touched thousands of lives here in the Greater Washington community. Join us on October 25 for the new Cohen-Rosen House groundbreaking ceremony at Charles E. Smith Life Communities campus. This new Alzheimer’s facility will be a wonderful and much needed addition to our great Jewish community.
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Pay Tribute to Our Lost Service Members
Come honor the memories of 14 Jewish Chaplains who died in service to the United States on October 24 at 1:00 p.m. at the Jewish Chaplains Memorial Dedication Ceremony.
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Vote Today for Our Community's Jewish Heroes
You have one. We all have at least one. A Hero. That special person who inspired you, spoke to your values and encouraged you to be the best you can be. Heroes come from all walks of life - a teacher starting a school, a neighbor running synagogue bake sales, an entrepreneur donating their services. Help support our local heroes by casting your vote today! 
Vote here

For a full listing of Jewish community events, please visit the community calendar.