News & Updates

On Monday, October 29, The Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Council hosted a communal service at Adas Israel Congregation to honor the victims of the attack in Pittsburgh. Below are the remarks shared by our CEO, Gil Preuss. Click here for the recording of the event. The deadliest act of anti-Semitism in North

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington (JFGW) and The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) are horrified and heartbroken by the despicable murderous attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood that took place this morning during Shabbat services. Words are insufficient to convey our community’s profound pain at

WASHINGTON, DC (October 15, 2018)—The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is proud to announce that Shari Merrill will become its first Chief Impact Officer. Merrill will officially begin her new role on October 29. Gil Preuss, CEO of The Jewish Federation, noted, “We are very pleased to welcome Shari Merrill as the newest member of

In a few days, we will have the opportunity to celebrate the start of a new year and once again reflect on the many ways we can narrow the gap between our actions and our values. Indeed, the High Holidays are a time to consider who we are and who we want to be. It is our chance to revisit what drives us—as individuals and

For the past eight years, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington has partnered with The Foundation for Jewish Camp’s One Happy Camper, a program that facilitates 100% Federation-funded grant distribution for first-year Jewish overnight campers. In 2018, Federation increased our One Happy Camper allocation from $54,000 to $104,000, providing $50,000 in additional grant funding for

When I was a little kid, I used to make my parents crazy because I liked to break my toys open. Sure, I played with my toys. But I inevitably became more curious about what was inside the toy than in actually playing with it in a conventional sense. I’d venture to guess that kids like

  The topics of community and responsibility come up often in my conversations and have been at the forefront of our work in defining the role Federation can and should play in the Greater Washington area. This seems especially pertinent as we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July. Growing up, July 4th was always

By Sarah Rabin Spira, Manager, PJ Library Glitter and drag queens and family Havdalah service—oh my!  The recent Drag Queen Story Time and Havdalah embodies The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s values of inclusion, education and meaningful ritual. It also represents what can happen when community organizations work together to promote purposeful social and religious

  Since last August, when I began as CEO of The Jewish Federation, I have enjoyed getting to know hundreds and hundreds of people across DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia. The dedication and passion I’ve witnessed for the future of Jewish Greater Washington is truly awe-inspiring. When I meet someone new, I like to ask

  It’s no secret that Greater Washington is home to thousands of committed, generous and passionate people – those who lead by example, who stand strong in their convictions and who care about making our society a better place for everyone to live. This Sunday, April 29, we’ll have the opportunity to live these values