Open More Possibilities. Join a community of donors shaping the future of Jewish life.

An Evening with Nili Margalit: Hero, Nurse, Survivor

An Evening with Nili Margalit: Hero, Nurse, Survivor
NOTE: This program is presented by Har Shalom in partnership with The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. DESCRIPTION: On October 7, 2023, Nili Margalit was kidnapped from her home on Kibbutz Nir Oz and held captive in the tunnels of Gaza for 55 days. A pediatric nurse, Nili became a lifeline to fellow hostages, caring for their physical and emotional needs under unimaginable circumstances. Join us for an evening with Nili as she shares her story of survival, resilience, and healing—and the bonds she formed with those who endured captivity alongside her. Nili will be joined by her neighbor from Kibbutz Nir Oz, Eyal Barad, whose daughter Carmel is in urgent need of our support. Carmel is a young survivor of the October 7 attack on Nir Oz. She continues to live with significant trauma from that day, and she has severe and costly health care needs. Her grandfather was murdered during the attack, and her family continues to navigate the devastating aftermath. Nili has made it her personal mission to help raise funds for Carmel and her family. Please join us to hear Nili’s extraordinary story, and, in her honor, help give Carmel the care and support she needs. Make a donation to support Carmel: https://www.jgive.com/new/en/usd/donation-targets/174927 This program is presented by Har Shalom in partnership with The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

Montgomery County Board of Education Candidate Forum

Montgomery County Board of Education Candidate Forum
Join us on Monday, October 12 at 7:00 PM in Rockville to hear from the candidates running in contested races for the Montgomery County Board of Education: Brenda Diaz and Omar Lazo are vying for an at-large seat, while Sally McCarthy and Cassandra Sung are seeking to represent District 3. The moderated discussion will focus on issues of importance to the Jewish community, including addressing antisemitism in schools, as well as broader educational topics, such as class sizes and curriculum.

Abrakadoodle Mini Doodlers: Pets & Puppies

Abrakadoodle Mini Doodlers: Pets & Puppies
Registration Opens October 27th Sundays @ 10:45 AM Dates: 11/23/25 – 2/1/26 Skip Dates: 11/30, 12/28 For ages 3–5. Doodlers love their soft, furry, feathery, purr-fect pets! It’s always a good time to learn more about pets through art! Get your pouncing paws ready to explore painting, collage, stamping, 3D art and more.

DC Tikkun Circle: Celebrating the Month of Cheshvan – Exploring the Duality of Abundance

DC Tikkun Circle: Celebrating the Month of Cheshvan – Exploring the Duality of Abundance
Join Jewish Vegan Life and the Veg Society of DC for our DC Tikkun Circle as we celebrate the Hebrew month of Cheshvan with delicious food and discussion on the fascinating duality of abundance. RSVP Here: https://jewishveganlife.org/events/dc-cheshvan How can one month represent both destruction and flourishing? And what does this teach us about the choices we make every day? 🌱 DC Tikkun Circle Celebrating the Month of Cheshvan Exploring the Duality of Abundance 📅 Sunday, October 11 🕔 5:00 PM Everyone is welcome, whether you're vegan, veg friendly, or simply curious.

DC Tikkun Circle: Celebrating the Month of Cheshvan – Exploring the Duality of Abundance

Join Jewish Vegan Life and the Veg Society of DC for our DC Tikkun Circle as we celebrate the Hebrew month of Cheshvan with delicious food and discussion on the fascinating duality of abundance. RSVP here: https://jewishveganlife.org/events/dc-cheshvan How can one month represent both destruction and flourishing? And what does this teach us about the choices we make every day? 🌱 DC Tikkun Circle Celebrating the Month of Cheshvan Exploring the Duality of Abundance 📅 Sunday, October 11 🕔 5:00 PM Everyone is welcome, whether you're vegan, veg friendly, or simply curious. Come celebrate Cheshvan with us and answer the question: What are we increasing in the world?

Tiny Explorers | September-October 2026

Tiny Explorers | September-October 2026
Our Tiny Explorers class invites little ones and their caregivers into a world of joyful discovery. Learn how to connect with your child using everyday items that you already have at home. With wiggles and giggles, caregivers get to join in the fun too! It’s a chance to step out of life’s daily rush of life and make time to bond, connect, and explore. This class will be led by Rachel Assal-Albert, Bender JCC’s Early Childhood Developmental Support Coordinator. Rachel supports the development and growth of the children in the Bender Early Childhood Center and their families.

Books & Bubbles | September-October 2026

Books & Bubbles | September-October 2026
Join us for some music, bubbles, and stories!! We will also leave plenty of free time for families to hang out and get to know each other. This class will be led by Jen Radosh, Bender JCC’s J Family Programs Director. Jen has over a decade of experience creating and teaching programs, events, classes, and playdates for families with children ages 0–5. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health, bringing both expertise and heart to every class she leads.

Music Together | September-November 2026

Music Together | September-November 2026
Build on your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement and learn the skills to support the natural process of music development. Pricing per family depends on how many children are enrolled in the class. $280 for the 1st child, $175 for the 2nd child and $90 for the third child. If you would like to register a child who is under 8 months old, please reach out to our staff at jradosh@benderjccgw.org. 10/24 will be a skip date.

Rhythm ‘N’ Ruach | August-October 2026

Rhythm ‘N’ Ruach | August-October 2026
Music helps to anchor a child’s cultural identity. Rhythm ‘N’ Ruach high energy music and movement to encourage joyful Jewish learning. Ideal for children ages 0 – 4 years old, this program encourages children and their loved ones to participate in the music with real instrument and yoga poses, creating an inspirational and educational experience. Caregivers will be required to stay for the entirety of the program.

New Mom’s Circle | Sept. – Oct. 2026

New Mom’s Circle | Sept. – Oct. 2026
Becoming a parent for the first time is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming and isolating. Join New Moms Circle at the Bender JCC to find community and connection with others who are experiencing similar milestones and challenges. This group meets weekly and offers connection, encouragement, and practical guidance from your peers as you navigate the physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes that come with caring for a new baby. Light refreshments will be served. This group is designed for first-time parents with babies aged 0–9 months.