Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

Temple Shalom Hosts Union for Reform Judaism's Introduction to Judaism
2026-03-10 19:00 - 2026-06-30 21:00, 2026-04-28 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Temple Shalom, 8401 Grubb Rd., Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, United States
Open to all, this course is perfect for:

Interfaith couples
Those raising Jewish children
Spiritual seekers
Individuals considering conversion
Those wanting to revisit Jewish learning as an adult

The course is designed to create a community of learners including individuals and couples from Jewish and/or various faith traditions and cultural backgrounds, those who have had no religious upbringing and those who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience.

Lion of Judah Mission to Mexico City
2026-04-26 - 2026-05-01 | Mexico City, Mexico*, Mexico City,, Mexico
Experience a meaningful journey with fellow Lions from across Greater Washington as we travel to Mexico City to explore its vibrant Jewish community. Together, we’ll meet Federation partners, learn about the challenges and successes of Jewish life in the region, and see firsthand the impact of our collective support.
This mission offers a unique opportunity to build lasting, multi-generational connections with other passionate women leaders while deepening our shared commitment to global Jewish values and community.
Thank you for your interest in the Lion of Judah mission to Mexico City. The mission is now sold out. Join our waitlist to be notified if space becomes available.
Jewish Mexico City Fun Facts:

Mexico City has one of the largest Jewish communities in Latin America, with around 40,000 people. It’s well-organized, with its own schools, synagogues, sports clubs, and social services.
The Jewish community is a mix of backgrounds, including families from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the Balkans. This diversity shows up in the city’s synagogues, traditions, and languages.
Jewish food in Mexico City is full of flavor! You’ll find kosher tacos, enchiladas, and shawarma—a delicious blend of Mexican and Jewish culinary traditions.

Trip Highlights:

Kick off the journey with a vibrant boat ride through the canals of Xochimilco—known as “Mexico’s Venice.” Participants will enjoy Kosher tacos, live mariachi music, and the beauty of floating gardens, offering a festive and authentic welcome to Mexico City.
Visit the Centro Deportivo Israelita (CDI), a hub for Jewish life in Mexico City. Hosted by The Jewish Agency, this experience includes a guided tour of the facilities and a chance to connect with local Jewish leaders and community member.
Discover the awe-inspiring Teotihuacan Pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Participants will walk among the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, learning about the rich pre-Colombian history and spiritual significance of this ancient city.
Explore Mexico City’s historic downtown, including visits to two of its oldest synagogues, Mount Sinai and Justo Sierra, and iconic landmarks like the Zócalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Templo Mayor, offering a deep dive into both Jewish and Mexican history.
Tour Frida Kahlo’s Blue House, a deeply personal museum filled with her artwork and artifacts. The day also includes a visit to the Katz Jesed Center, a reflection session, and dinner at Galea, blending art, philanthropy, and introspection.

Travel Dates: April 26 – May 1, 2026

Depart Greater Washington on Sunday evening, April 26, 2026. Transportation from the Mexico City airport to hotel is provided.
Return flight to Greater Washington on Friday morning, May 1, 2026. Depart the hotel as a group for airport drop-off.

Eligibility Requirements:

$500 deposit per traveler is required upon registration.
Residence in the Greater Washington region.
Valid passport for a minimum of 6 months from the start of the trip.
This mission is open to women who are Lion of Judah donors in 2025 (giving at least $5,000 to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s 2025 Annual Campaign) and who commit to maintaining their Lion of Judah status in 2026.
Cost includes most meals; snacks and additional food during the day are not covered.
Airfare is not included.

Pricing:

$500 nonrefundable deposit per traveler is required upon registration.
$6,000 double occupancy.
$7,850 single occupancy.

50% is due 90 days prior to arrival or January 26, 2026.
Full payment is due 60 days prior to arrival. No refund will be issued for cancellations within 60 days of the trip.
Through a generous funder, The Jewish Federation is able to provide travel subsidies for those under 40 as follows:

For those under 40, a $1,000 subsidy
For those under 30, a $1,800 subsidy

If you are interested in receiving a subsidy, please email us and we will reach out to you within two business days.
To learn more, contact Becca Ginns.
Register
This mission is open to Lion of Judah donors in 2025 (giving at least $5,000 to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s 2025 Annual Campaign) and who commit to maintaining their Lion of Judah status in 2026.
Mission Co-Chairs:
Lindsay Karr and Jessika Wellisch
Women’s Philanthropy Leadership:
Abby Cherner, Vice President, Women’s Philanthropy
Sophie Buslik, Assistant Vice President, Women’s Philanthropy
Paula Shoyer, Ruby Lion Chair
Marianna Ashin, Lion of Judah Chair
Ilana Rothberg, Pomegranate Chair
Pamela Rosenberg Gottlieb and Amy Jablin Forseter, FRD Impact Co-Chairs

Voices of Leadership
2026-04-28 18:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Bender JCC of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road,, Rockville, MD, 20852, United States
Voices of Leadership is the Bender JCC’s annual spring event honoring transformational civic leadership. Mark K. Shriver will be honored with the 2026 Benjamin Ourisman Memorial Award for Civic Achievement where he will join Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics in a conversation about leadership moderated by Andrea Mitchell, NBC News Chief Washington, and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent.
Funds raised at the event support financial assistance at the Bender JCC of Greater Washington, ensuring the Bender JCC remains inclusive and accessible.

Pathways to Jewish Education – Oseh Shalom Religious School Information Sessions
2026-04-29 12:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Oseh Shalom Religious School, 7515 Olive Branch Way, Laurel, MD, United States
Looking for a caring, dynamic school community for children and grandchildren (ages 3–18)? We provide a space for children to experience a sense of wonder in their Jewish journeys. Explore Oseh Shalom Religious School programs, including Torah, Modern Hebrew, prayer and music, Jewish cooking, arts, and tikkun olam service and justice projects. We offer a weekly Sunday program, with additional tutoring for grades 3 and up, plus creative family and tot programs.
RSVP for an information session to learn more. We welcome interfaith, diverse-ability, Jews of Color, and LGBTQ+ families.
Email educationdirector@oseh-shalom.org to RSVP (required) or schedule a convenient time.
www.oseh-shalom.org

Gaza and the West Bank: Where Does Israel Go From Here?
2026-04-29 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
Beth El’s Israel Committee and Brotherhood welcome Nadav Tamir, former Israeli Consul General to New England, senior adviser to President Shimon Peres, and current Executive Director of J Street Israel, to discuss Gaza, the West Bank, and what comes next.

Introduction to Judaism at Temple Rodef Shalom
2026-04-29 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Temple Rodef Shalom, 2100 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA, 22043, United States
Beginning Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00 PM, Introduction to Judaism offers an 18-week journey into Jewish beliefs, holidays, texts, history, and culture. Ideal for interfaith couples, spiritual seekers, those exploring conversion, and anyone eager to deepen their Jewish learning. Classes meet Wednesday evenings, 7:00–8:30 PM, at Temple Rodef Shalom, led by Rabbi Alexandra Stein and Cantor Allen Leider.
https://templerodefshalom.shulcloud.com/form/introduction-to-judaism-winter-spring-2026.html

Sulam Benefit 2026
2026-04-30 17:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | VA
The is Sulam’s annual fundraising event to support students who are neurodiverse learners in Jewish days schools. For more information, please contact office@sulam.org.

Hands-on Israel: Tikkun Olam Across Continents
2026-04-30 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Potomac, MD*, Potomac, MD*
Part of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Hands-On Israel program, this workshop is led by community shlichim (Israeli emissaries) and hosted at a local Jewish institution.
Learn more.

Cocktails & Conversation with Federation’s Ben-Gurion Society and The Network
2026-04-30 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Arlington, VA*, Arlington, VA*

CESJDS Board Meeting
2026-04-30 19:30 - 22:00 UTC | Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, 1901 E. Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD, 20852, United States
