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Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School October 7 Commemorations

Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School October 7 Commemorations
CESJDS will observe the commemoration of October 7 on Thursday, October 9 in school. At CESJDS, our approach is to mark this day with solemn testimony, special prayers, remembrance of those who lost their lives, and with a renewed commitment to fostering the next generation of proud Jews. As with all commemorations at our school, our programming will be developmentally appropriate across divisions: Lower School – We will offer special words of solidarity with the people and state of Israel before our daily singing of Hatikvah/The Hope (Israel’s national anthem) and include prayers for Israel and the hostages in our daily prayer services. Middle School – Students will welcome Col. Karni Guez, a former IDF tank commander who served for six and a half years. She will share her story of bravery and leadership, the decisions she had to make, the responsibility she carried, and her reflections on the war. High School – Students will participate in a special assembly with award-winning Israeli journalist Lee Yaron, author of 10/7: 100 Human Stories, which was named the 2024 National Jewish Book Award Book of the Year, making her the youngest author ever to receive that honor. She will speak about her book and her experience as an investigative journalist in Israel. Upper School – Special prayers will be added to Z’man Kodesh in both Middle and High School.

Sukkah of Hope Community Gathering POSTPONED

Sukkah of Hope Community Gathering POSTPONED
A note from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum:

This week, hostage families and survivors came to Washington, D.C. to mark two years since the October 7th attacks—two years since their loved ones were taken from them.

Last night, we received the news we have all been working for and praying for: a deal has been signed to bring home all 48 hostages.

Words cannot describe our gratitude, nor the overwhelming joy and anticipation felt by the families and survivors at this moment.

The families and survivors have decided to fly home to Israel to be with their families to anticipate the return of their loved ones. In light of this, we have decided to postpone tonight's event and will gather at a later date- to celebrate when they are home.

They are coming home. But our mission is not over until every hostage crosses the border into Israel.

We look forward to coming together soon in celebration, resilience, and community. Thank you so much for standing with us.

With gratitude, Hostages and Missing Families Forum US

Two years after October 7, the families of the hostages are still waiting. Still hoping. Still holding on. On Thursday, October 9, we’ll gather in a Sukkah of Hope—a sacred space of remembrance and resilience— to honor those still missing, stand with their loved ones, and affirm that they are not forgotten. Bring a friend. Bring your heart. Let’s hold hope together. Registration is required. Federation is proud to stand in partnership on this effort with the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington, Adas Israel Congregation, and American Jewish Committee (AJC).

May Their Memories Be For A Blessing

May Their Memories Be For A Blessing
Join us in honoring the memories of those we lost, praying for those we are missing, and holding each other as we honor the grief this day carries for us all. As always, come when you can, stay till you can’t. But, come. Let’s honor their memories and hold each other’s losses together. Consider bringing a candle or small light to join in marking this day. Offered in partnership with SRE Network.

Wrapping Memory Exhibition: The Beauty of the Gaza Envelope Region Before Oct 7

Wrapping Memory Exhibition: The Beauty of the Gaza Envelope Region Before Oct 7
In collaboration with the Department of Visual Communication at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, Temple Rodef Shalom is pleased to host "Wrapping Memory,” an exhibition aimed at capturing and commemorating the beauty of the Gaza Envelope region as it existed before the tragic events of October 7. Through a series of visually captivating artworks, this exhibition seeks to honor the memory of the region's rich cultural heritage and landscapes, while also serving as a tribute to the resilience and strength of its people. The exhibition will be available for viewing on:
  • Monday October 6, 2025
  • Wednesday October 8, 2025
  • Thursday October 9, 2025
  • Friday October 10, 2025
  • Saturday October 11, 2025
  • Monday October 13, 2025
  • Wednesday October 15, 2025
  • Thursday October 16, 2025
Entry is free of charge. Please check in with security upon arrival.  

Voices from Re’im: Community, Resilience, and Hope

Voices from Re’im: Community, Resilience, and Hope
The Pozez JCC is honored to welcome Zohar Livne Mizrahi, Secretary General of Kibbutz Re’im, for a moving and insightful conversation. The new partnership between Kibbutz Re’im and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is helping connect our local community to Re’im’s recovery and rebuilding efforts following October 7. Kibbutz Re’im, located near the site of the Nova Music Festival, became a place of unimaginable tragedy on that day and has since become a symbol of resilience, community, and renewal. In this special program, Zohar will share her perspective as a leader guiding her community through loss, recovery, and rebuilding. Participants will have the opportunity to hear firsthand about life in Re’im today, the challenges of moving forward, and the spirit of strength and hope that continues to define the kibbutz. Zohar's visit to the DMV is part of Federation's ongoing commitment to strengthen the bond between Greater Washington and our Israeli partner communities, fostering understanding, healing, and hope through shared stories and experiences. This event, in particular offers a unique chance to engage with stories of courage and resilience while bearing witness through both conversation and immersive technology.

Two Years: Uniting in Grief and Resolve with Run for Their Lives

Two Years: Uniting in Grief and Resolve with Run for Their Lives
Join us as we stand together, united, to commemorate October 7th; the day more than 1,200 people were murdered and the day more than 251 civilians were taken as hostages. We will walk together to recognize the plight of the remaining hostages and their families and advocate for their immediate release. The location of the walk will be announced 48 hours prior the event to those who RSVP.

Women of Valor: Commander Karni’s Journey

Women of Valor: Commander Karni’s Journey
Join us for a powerful afternoon with Commander Karni, who led the Israel Defense Forces’ all-female tank crew during the defense of a kibbutz on October 7, 2023. Karni will share her journey to becoming a tank commander, her harrowing experiences that day, and the lessons she has carried forward. Commander Karni is a trailblazer in the Israel Defense Forces, where she became one of the first women to command a tank unit. On October 7th, her all-female crew was called into action to defend a kibbutz under siege by Hamas terrorists. Over 17 hours of intense combat, her crew neutralized dozens of attackers, saving countless lives. Karni’s courage and leadership under fire demonstrated the critical role of women in Israel’s defense. Her story is not only one of military bravery but also of perseverance, resilience, and hope. Today, Karni continues to share her experiences, inspiring others with the lessons she learned on and off the battlefield. She looks toward the future with a vision of service, strength, and building bridges for the Jewish people. This event is free. RSVP required.

A Conversation with the Secretary General of Kibbutz Re’im, Federation’s New Partner in Israel

A Conversation with the Secretary General of Kibbutz Re’im, Federation’s New Partner in Israel
As part of Federation’s new partnership with Kibbutz Re’im, located adjacent to the Nova Music Festival site, we will host Zohar Livne Mizrahi, Secretary General of the kibbutz. The program will include personal storytelling about life on the kibbutz, the events of October 7, and the ongoing recovery and rebuilding process, as well as the role Federation plays in supporting this journey. The event includes an optional immersive VR workshop and discussion, Be the Witness, in partnership with Israel-Is, featuring firsthand October 7 survivor testimonies.  Interested participants will be able to register for a VR session when registering for the program. Friday, October 31 North Bethesda, MD* Conversation and Q&A: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Optional VR Session Session 1: 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM Session 2: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM Please note that this invitation is non-transferrable. Space is limited. Registration for the conversation with Zohar includes one optional VR session.  Register by Monday, October 27. Questions? Contact Udi Eitan.
Zohar Livne Mizrahi Zohar is a trained social worker and has worked for 15 years in the Israeli welfare system—first in the city of Hadera and then in Eshkol Regional Council—where she specialized in the field of special needs. She later became the deputy manager of the welfare department. Due to the security situation in Israel, she also specialized in trauma care and community crisis management and later pivoted to working with olim (immigrants) from Ethiopia in an absorption center run by The Jewish Agency. Zohar has been a member and resident of Kibbutz Re’im since 2006. She and her family were home on October 7 and she sees their survival as a “personal miracle.” For the past two years, Zohar has been "all in" with the Kibbutz Re'im community, coordinating the mental health needs of its members. In May 2024, she was elected as Secretary General of the kibbutz and has been immersed in efforts to keep the community together, and rehabilitating and managing the kibbutz. Zohar and her husband Einav are the parents of three children—two young adults and one teenager. They finally returned home to the kibbutz in August 2024. [jotform id="252684730009154" title="Conversation with Zohar Livne Mizrahi of Kibbutz Re'im "]
The location for this event will be emailed to each guest prior to the event, using the email address provided at registration. Security at Federation Events The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s security division, JShield, works closely with local law enforcement to coordinate security for all Federation-hosted events. We use every available resource to help ensure your safety and appreciate your partnership in helping us maintain a secure and welcoming environment for all. Please take note of the following policies:
  • Entry: Registration is required—walk-ins will not be permitted. A government-issued ID is required for entry.
  • Bag Policy: Backpacks, luggage, and large purses are not permitted. If possible, we encourage you to avoid bringing a bag. If necessary, please bring a small one. All bags are subject to search.
  • Additional Security Measures: Depending on the event, additional procedures such as metal detectors may be in place.
  • Social Media Protocol: To help protect all attendees, please do not post the location of a Federation event before or during the event. We ask that you wait to post until the event has ended and the site is clear.
Special Accommodations We're committed to building an inclusive community. If you need accommodations to participate meaningfully, please contact us in advance at 301-230-7200 or events@www.shalomdc.org.

Wrapping Memory Exhibition: The Beauty of the Gaza Envelope Region Before Oct 7

Wrapping Memory Exhibition: The Beauty of the Gaza Envelope Region Before Oct 7
In collaboration with the Department of Visual Communication at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, Temple Rodef Shalom is pleased to host “Wrapping Memory,” an exhibition aimed at capturing and commemorating the beauty of the Gaza Envelope region as it existed before the tragic events of October 7. Through a series of visually captivating artworks, this exhibition seeks to honor the memory of the region’s rich cultural heritage and landscapes, while also serving as a tribute to the resilience and strength of its people. The exhibition will be available for viewing on:
  • Monday October 6, 2025
  • Wednesday October 8, 2025
  • Thursday October 9, 2025
  • Friday October 10, 2025
  • Saturday October 11, 2025
  • Monday October 13, 2025
  • Wednesday October 15, 2025
  • Thursday October 16, 2025
Entry is free of charge. Please check in with security upon arrival.