News & Updates

“Well-meaning people used to say that a Jewish state would be an answer to all Jewish questions. In truth, however, the State of Israel is a challenge to many of our answers. To be involved in the life of Israel is to be in labor.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel, Israel: An Echo of Eternity As

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, and our Greater Washington Jewish community are angry and horrified by yet another senseless, violent, antisemitic attack on an American synagogue, this time at the Chabad in Poway, California. One person has been killed and three others, including a child, have been

A Reflection from Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath, Senior Program Officer, Federation’s Jewish Education Department On Sunday, April 10, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) hosted the graduation ceremony for the 10th and 11th cohorts of the Margo & Yoram Cohen Family Israel Engagement Fellowship (IEF). IEF is one of The

Secure Community Network Partnership Enhances Security at Area Synagogues, Day Schools and other Facilities To better protect the 300,000 members of the Jewish community who worship and attend area synagogues, day schools and other facilities in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington announced today it has established a new partnership

Two weeks ago, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Congregational Shlichim Program was honored by The Jewish Agency for Israel. The program, which places Israeli young adults in schools, synagogues, and summer camps, was recognized as one of the most effective efforts of its kind in helping local community members learn from and connect with

“I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks.” – William Shakespeare I want to say thank you. Thank you for being an integral part of our community. This year, Jewish Greater Washington welcomed new members with open arms and sustained those who call this area home. We helped

Chanukah is a holiday of many lessons. It reminds us to persevere despite the odds and to stand up for what we believe in. It also reminds us that when we each contribute to a shared goal, we can accomplish great things. Here in Greater Washington, that means coming together to build a strong, vibrant,

Chanukah is the Festival of Lights, when we celebrate the miracle of the Jewish people overcoming tyranny in the Land of Israel. One of the central ideas of Chanukah is something called “pirsumei nisa.” This phrase, which literally translates as “publicizing the miracle,” constitutes one of the core observances of Chanukah—along with the lighting of

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is pleased to welcome Shari Merrill to our professional team as our new Chief Impact Officer. We sat down with Shari to learn more about her background and what she’s looking forward to accomplishing in her new role. Tell us about your background and what attracted you to the

“How strange we are in the world, and how presumptuous our doings! Only one response can maintain us: gratefulness for witnessing the wonder, for the gift of our unearned right to serve, to adore, and to fulfill. It is gratefulness which makes the soul great.”- Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel This has been a challenging season.