News & Updates

Friends, There is no doubt this has been a challenging summer in Greater Washington. But I am optimistic about our future because I continue to see community members consistently and compassionately showing up to care for one another. Since Federation opened the Jewish Community Coronavirus Response Fund just a few months ago, our community has

  While many of us have been working remotely and our facilities largely closed these last few months, Federation’s security team, in partnership with Secure Community Network, has been actively addressing local safety and security needs. Regional Security Advisor, Robert Graves, and Deputy Regional Security Advisor, Chris Usher, work in close communication with federal, state,

Friends, Yesterday, we observed Tisha B’Av, a day reserved in the Hebrew calendar for solemn reflection. Traditionally, Jews spend this day fasting and mourning the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem and other historic calamities. This year, our public health and economic crisis added additional layers of meaning and personal relevance to observing Tisha B’Av.

A reflection from Master Teacher Avi West It looks like the year 2020 will be remembered as one of those pivotal points in history when the world changed. Almost every newscast, television report, or commercial advertisement begins by describing the times we’re living in as “unprecedented,” “unanticipated,” or “uncertain.” The global pandemic, economic downturn, and social upheaval

Friends, Like many in our community, I recently crossed the threshold of 100 days spent mostly at home. These have not been easy days for our community as many people have faced significant challenges arising from COVID, the economic crisis, and the continuing racism and bias in our society. At the same time, this season

  The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, JSSA, and a network of DMV Jewish human service organizations have launched a support line to help Jewish community members access resources. July 1, 2020 (Washington, DC) – In response to the COVID-19 crisis and its pervasive effects on our community, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, in

Friends, This week, my calendar reminded me to drop off my children at Jewish overnight camp. Every year, I look forward to this special ritual of taking one or more of my children to the same summer camp that shaped my own childhood and that of my parents. I see friends that I have not

A reflection from Avi West, Master Teacher, Federation’s Department of Jewish Leadership & Learning  The coronavirus pandemic has upended our very way of life as a community and unleashed a cascade of crises affecting individuals and society as a whole. Throughout the public health emergency, economic fallout, and protests for racial justice, we have all been looking for sage leadership to help

How Greater Washington’s Jewish Day Schools Kept Children and their Families Engaged & Connected During COVID-19 The month of June marks the end of a tumultuous school year and the transition to an uncertain summer for children and parents throughout Greater Washington. To pay tribute to the great work of educators, administrators, and staff members

Friends, Like many of you, I have been thinking, reading, and talking about race and racism quite frequently in recent days. Our country and communities continue to grapple with explicit and implicit prejudices that have defined our history and helped create long-standing inequalities. One question has remained at the forefront: how have we built a