Tag: network

The future of Jewish leadership doesn’t start in boardrooms—it starts in moments of connection, clarity, and conviction. Earlier this month, thirteen young leaders from Greater Washington traveled to Denver to join more than 300 of their peers at the National Young Leadership Cabinet retreat. Over four days of learning and exchange, they discovered not just new ideas, but how deeply their local efforts are woven into a powerful collective shaping Jewish life across North America and beyond.

What Is Cabinet?

Cabinet, an initiative of Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), identifies, trains, and inspires leaders ages 30–45 to strengthen Jewish life locally and globally. Many participants go on to serve in prominent roles—on Federation’s Board of Directors, including as President, and on the boards of other leading Jewish organizations.

When the Impact Gets Personal

For Alexa Brown, Cabinet co-chair for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the retreat underscored how local work connects to a larger movement. “This experience helped me zoom out and see just how connected our work at home is to the broader Federation network,” she said.

That collective impact became especially personal for Alexa when she learned that Federation dollars are helping to rebuild Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva—where her grandmother is a patient. “Knowing that our community is directly supporting the hospital caring for her was incredibly emotional,” she reflected. “Hearing firsthand about the renovations left me overwhelmed with gratitude—not just for hospital staff, but for everyone in our Federation family who gives so generously.”

Finding Strength in Connection

For her co-chair, Britney Wambold, the most meaningful moments came from building deeper relationships. “Meeting in a more intimate setting and sharing our personal ‘why’ for being involved with Federation was incredibly powerful,” she said. “Their stories reminded me of the depth of passion in our community and inspired me to keep pushing forward in my own leadership journey.”

Both Alexa and Britney pointed to the energy that comes from being part of a national network. “There was an unspoken understanding among us—that we’re not just here to lead but to show up for one another,” Alexa shared. “It gave me peace knowing there’s a whole network of leaders who care deeply and have each other’s backs.” Britney agreed: “The retreat reminded me how impressive and diverse this group is, and how much we can learn from one another.”

From Retreat to Reality

For the Greater Washington delegation, Denver wasn’t just four days away—it was a chance to see the bigger picture, to feel the impact of global Jewish philanthropy in deeply personal ways, and bring home renewed energy for strengthening our community. Alexa and Britney returned new tools and ideas, and deeper pride in Federation’s work and in the generation of leaders shaping the Jewish future.

“I’m excited to see what this group of young leaders goes on to do here at home to strengthen our local Jewish community in the years to come,” reflected Jeremy Frisch, Federation’s Assistant Director for Donor Engagement, who also attended. “Watching them learn and grow leaves me feeling very hopeful about what that future looks like.”

And that’s the heart of Cabinet: cultivating leaders who will guide our community through real challenges and seize opportunities to enrich Jewish life across Greater Washington. Today’s investment develops the leaders our community will count on for decades to come.

To learn more about the National Young Leadership Cabinet or to get involved, contact Jeremy Frisch at jeremy.frisch@www.shalomdc.org.

“Our greatest resource is community.” – Albert Small

At Federation’s Real Estate Breakfast on Tuesday morning, that message landed with power and purpose.

More than 100 Jewish real estate professionals filled the room—and it wasn’t just for the strong coffee. It was a morning of insight, connection, and momentum. The energy was unmistakable. Conversations flowed, handshakes turned into new relationships, and across the room, one thing was clear: this community shows up.

Marc Duber and Dana Jacobsohn, two of the industry’s most respected voices, shared reflections on career growth, luxury development in their field, and the power of mentorship. And again and again, the conversation returned to relationships—the people you trust, who show up when it matters, who help you build something lasting.

Their foundation, they shared, has always been the Jewish community.

That idea—community as a constant—resonated well beyond the stage. You could hear it in the conversations around every table.

The morning also marked the launch of the Builders Society, a new giving level for Jewish professionals in real estate. With its first dinner set for later this month and strong interest already building, it’s clear this isn’t just a network. It’s a movement.

There were plenty of firsts in the room: first-time Federation participants, first-time donors, first-time conversations that sparked new ideas. And behind all of it? A growing belief that being in the room—and showing up together—matters.

The message was clear: This community creates real opportunity. Professional, personal, and philanthropic.

Thanks to the vision and leadership of Jenna Jacobson, Albert Small, and the Real Estate Committee co-chairs, the morning delivered not just a conversation, but a clear step forward for this community of builders, leaders, and changemakers.

Want in? Contact Sarah Green at sarah.green@www.shalomdc.org to learn more.

That’s the question we posed to our esteemed panel at our first-ever Northern Virginia-focused Federation Network event for Jewish business professionals on Friday, March 28. Set against the backdrop of Northern Virginia’s rapidly growing landscape, nearly 50 local professionals gathered to explore what it truly means to build spaces where community can address the challenges we face today.

The following panelists joined us to frame the conversation and provided valuable insights into the intersection of business growth, community engagement, and the challenges we face:

• Katie Cristol, CEO of Tysons Community Alliance
• Stacy Bell, AVP for Business Development & Real Estate at Inova Health Systems & Professor at George Mason University
• Dahlia Palchik, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Solving for Loneliness

Katie Cristol, CEO of the Tysons Community Alliance, shared her unique perspective on community development, describing it as a “third leg of the stool” when it comes to land use and economic development. Cristol emphasized that community development isn’t just about solving the housing crisis or tackling the climate crisis—it’s also a vital solution to the growing loneliness epidemic that many are experiencing. “What does community development help us have to say about our cities as solutions?” Cristol posed. “Not just for the housing crisis and the climate crisis, but also the loneliness epidemic that we’re experiencing?”

Her words sparked a deep reflection on how our cities and neighborhoods can serve as not only economic centers but also as hubs for connection, support, and belonging.

Touch Points That Build Community

Stacy Bell, an adjunct professor at George Mason University, brought a personal and practical perspective to the discussion. Bell spoke about how community development revolves around the connection points between people.

“It can be sports, it can be hobbies, it can be a book club,” she explained. “For me, community development is about the touch points, how to create them.”

Bell stressed that how we connect with others often depends on life stages—whether it’s through work, children’s activities, or hobbies—and that fostering those connection points is key to strong community development.

The idea of connection resonated with many in the room, as Bell underscored that community isn’t just about physical spaces, but the emotional and social ties we form with others.

Beyond the Building: Where Community Comes to Life

A particularly thought-provoking moment came from a reflection by Dahlia Palchik, who serves on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She highlighted the importance of built spaces like synagogues, schools, and community centers.

“A lot of it is the people, the food, the culture. But then as we think about those built spaces, whether it’s a formal space like the J(CC) or a shul, or whether it’s a school, how do we raise our families and build?”

As both a civic leader and anthropologist, Supervisor Palchik, reminded the audience of the role physical spaces play in bringing our values to life. These conversations left a lasting impression, reinforcing that community development is not just about creating infrastructure or economic growth; it’s about creating spaces—both physical and social—where people can thrive together.

Thank You to our Hosts and Leaders

Federation is grateful to David Schneider and Joel Regignano, who co-chaired this event, and to Holland & Knight and Lerner for their hospitality in hosting this wonderful networking event.

Want to Get Involved?

If you’re a Jewish business professional in Northern Virginia and want to participate in these meaningful conversations, we invite you to join our Federation Network. Visit our website or contact Sarah Green, Director of Donor Engagement, for more details.