Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

Upcounty Purim Party
2026-02-22 16:00 - 17:15 (America/New_York) | Congregation Or Chadash, 24800 Kings Valley Road, Damascus, MD, United States
Celebrate Purim with songs, stories, crafts, and tasty treats! Perfect for kids ages 0-6 and their special grownups. Welcome to interfaith families, LGBTQ+, and households of every shape and story!

ReelAbilities Film Festival Returns to Beth El for 10th Year with Paper Bag Plan
2026-02-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
Beth El Hebrew Congregation will screen Paper Bag Plan on Sunday, February 22 at 4:00 p.m. as part of the ReelAbilities Film Festival: Greater Washington with the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia. Co‑sponsored locally by Agudas Achim Congregation and Kol Ami – The Northern Virginia Reconstructionist Community, refreshments will be provided by the Brotherhood at Beth El. Moderated discussion to follow the film. Free admission; RSVP at www.bethelhebrew.org.

From Research to Reality: Pioneering Medical Breakthroughs at Ben-Gurion University
2026-02-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Bnai israel, 6301 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD, 20852, United States
In partnership with Americans for Ben-Gurion University, B’nai Israel Congregation…
After an Iranian missile strike destroyed their own lab, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev’s (BGU) Prof. Ehud Ohana and PhD candidate Noa Yeshoshua are rebuilding their work from the ground up, leading the way forward in medical innovation. Join us to discover how BGU is shaping the future of health and healing.

RE:Israel: Reflect. Reframe. Reconnect.
2026-02-24 08:30 - 14:00 | North Bethesda, MD*, North Bethesda, MD*
Navigating Israel Education and Engagement After October 7th
Join MoEd, in partnership with The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, The Covenant Foundation, and Ohr Kodesh Congregation, for a half-day learning experience for educators, communal professionals, lay leaders, and parents seeking thoughtful, practical engagement with Israel education in this moment.
The program features presentation by Dr. Keren E. Fraiman, Dr. Ben Jacobs, Dr. Rachel Fish, and Dr. Shelley Kedar, followed by a Q&A.
*Address provided with registration to the email provided.
Cost: $20
Register by February 21.
Includes kosher light refreshments and lunch.
Questions? Contact Orna Eldor Gerling at orna@moedcommunity.org
In partnership with:

JSSA Board Meeting
2026-02-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Private, Private
All meetings are held from 6 – 9 pm. Our schedule for 2026 is:
Feb 24
April 14
June 9
September 29
November 10
December 15

Holy Yums! Cook, Taste, and Share the Flavors of Israel
2026-02-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA, 22031, United States
Learn to make Beit LaZayit — a warm, comforting bite made of an olive wrapped in flaky, golden dough. It’s the kind of small Israeli-inspired snack that is simple, cozy, and somehow always reminds you of home in a single bite.
As we prepare and bake, we’ll also talk about the flavors that return us to familiar places — how a tiny bite can spark memories, create a sense of belonging, and remind us where “home” lives inside us, even when we’re far away.
This program is free. RSVP is required.

Hate for Sale: How Instagram Helps Sellers of Hateful Merchandise Reach 1 Billion Views
2026-02-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual, Virtual, Virtual
Join Jewish Federations CEO, Eric Fingerhut, and the Center for Countering Digital Hate CEO, Imrad Ahmed, in a discussion about our joint report highlighting how Instagram and e-commerce platforms are amplifying and monetizing racism, antisemitism and “hate merch”. In this webinar, they will also discuss the current state of antisemitism on social media, and steps we’ve taken to make the internet a safer place for Jewish kids, and all kids.

Center for Jewish Belonging Presents Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month Webinar
2026-02-25 15:00 - 2026-05-22 16:00 | Virtual, Virtual, Virtual
Celebrate Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month with a moderated conversation featuring Rabbi Lauren Tuchman and Jodi Toledano, exploring accessibility, disability inclusion, and how we can shape a Jewish community that truly includes everyone.

💍 Double Take Israel – Marriage 🎬
2026-02-26 12:30 - 15:30 | Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA, 22031, United States
💍 Double Take Israel – Marriage 🎬
Thursday, February 26 | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Do you love discovering culture in a deep, meaningful way? Join us for an afternoon of films, stories, and conversations that reveal Israel through cinema — complex, emotional, funny, and real.
This February: we’re diving into weddings in Israel — from the ceremony itself to the unique tradition of a full week of Sheva Brachot celebrations.
🎥 Film: Seven Blessings (2023), directed by Ayelet Menahemi
Marie was just two years old when, according to a Moroccan Jewish tradition, her mother gave her to her infertile sister. Forty years later, she returns from France to marry the love of her life, led to the chuppah by her two “mothers.” As her family prepares a week of Sheva Brachot feasts, old secrets resurface, tensions rise, and buried truths demand to be heard. A bittersweet, funny, and deeply human story about family, forgiveness, and everything that was never said.
💡 Pre-screening talk highlights:
What is Sheva Brachot and why does it last a whole week in Israel
How wedding traditions differ across Jewish communities in Israel
The fascinating Moroccan Jewish practice of “child lending”
✨ Experience Israel from new angles — watch, talk, and see life through fresh perspectives!

Giving Jewishly: A Fireside Chat with Rabbi Aderet Drucker
2026-02-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual, Virtual, Virtual
Join the Jewish Community Foundation for a virtual fireside chat with Rabbi Aderet Drucker, Executive Director of the Den Collective, who will facilitate a community dialogue centered on the theme of giving Jewishly. During the 90-minute session, participants will surface values, stories, and perspectives and interpretations of Jewish philanthropy within the context of Jewish values.
This session has been updated to be a virtual offering to accommodate accessibility and participation for those who are not able to physically attend.
Questions? Contact Jannah Yutkovitz.

* For security purposes, the zoom link will be emailed to each guest prior to the event, using the email address provided at registration. Learn more about security at Federation events.
We’re committed to building an inclusive community. If you need accommodations to participate meaningfully, please contact us in advance.

Friends of the IDF: Bourbon and Brigades
2026-02-26 19:00 - 22:00 | MD
Celebrate the heroes of the IDF with the Northern Virginia community. Through FIDF’s Adopt a Brigade program, we have proudly adopted the IDF’s 7th Armored Brigade, forging a personal, enduring connection with its soldiers. Northern Virginia is a community shaped by leadership, public service, and civic engagement. This adoption reflects those values and reminds the soldiers that an entire community stands proudly behind them.
All additional donations made will go to the 7th Armored Brigade.
Early Bird pricing ends January 30, 2026

Purim in Oz
2026-02-27 17:00 - 21:00 | Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St, NW, Washington, DC, 20016, United States
“The Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz,” “Wicked” — these are the inspirations for this year’s Washington Hebrew Congregation Purim shpiel: PURIM IN OZ! Whether you want to dress as the Tin Man, the Wizard, Glinda, or a flying monkey (or any other costume), we’ll be heading over the rainbow for a Shabbat Purim more powerful than a Kansas twister.
This year, we’ve got something new – our Purim Carnivals will both be happening at Temple the same night! Following our Tot Shabbat & Family Dinner (5:00 pm), the little ones can try their hand at carnival games down in Munchkinland; and after Shabbat Purim@WHC (food & drinks at 6:00 pm, service 6:30 pm), kids of all ages can join in the fun. Plus, we’ll have hamantashen aplenty at our Emerald City After Party as we celebrate the holiday.

Shabbat Shabbang Family Purim Celebration 2026
2026-02-27 17:30 - 19:30 | Bender JCC of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road,, Rockville, MD, 20852, United States
Join us at the Bender JCC for an unforgettable Shabbat celebration! Come dressed in your favorite costume and get ready to welcome Shabbat with a Purim bang!
Shabbat Shabbang is a fun-filled event designed for young families, bringing together both new and old friends. The whole experience includes the special Purim celebration, challah, juice/wine, dinner (from Holy Chow), and dessert – everything you need for an amazing time!
Be sure to register each family member who will be attending. The ticket price will adjust based on the selected participant.

Shabbos Dinner!
2026-02-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA, 22204, United States
Begin your Shabbat with music, meaning, and a sense of togetherness. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed, delicious dinner and a chance to connect with others in the warmth of community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to unwind, share stories, and enjoy the simple joy of Shabbat together.
Please RSVP to let us know how many will be attending.

JShield Security Training: Security as a Culture
2026-02-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Rockville, MD*, Rockville, MD*
This training will be held on-site at a local Jewish institution as part of JShield’s community security support.
JShield helps Jewish organizations across the region stay safe, prepared, and resilient customized training sessions build awareness, confidence, and readiness to respond to potential threats. Learn more

Persia Boys - A Brand New Purim Spiel
2026-02-28 19:00 - 23:00 | Congregation Adat Reyim, 6500 Westbury Oaks Court, Springfield, VA, 22152, United States
Registration for the Purim Spiel is LIVE!!
Enjoy a nice Italian-style dinner and then rock and roll to the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons as we perform Persia Boys, written by our own Robin Gross, directed by our own Jen Rubio, with music direction by our own Mitch Bassman. Starring your favorite spiel regulars and some new faces! February 28 at 7PM.
Register at https://www.adatreyim.org/event/purim-shpiel-2026.html – with opportunities to sponsor and volunteer! Ticket price is $36 in advance and $54 at the door, so make sure to get your tickets soon!

Exhibit: Where the Light Falls with Montgomery Art Association
2026-03-01 - 2026-03-29 | Bender JCC of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road,, Rockville, MD, 20852, United States
Where the Light Falls is an exhibition that celebrates the way light shapes our world – from the warmth of a quiet morning to the bold contrast of sun and shadow, to the subtle radiance of color and reflection. Featuring artwork by members of the Montgomery Art Association, the exhibition invites viewers to linger with moments illuminated and to see the familiar anew. Each piece in the show captures a unique encounter with light – where it touches, transforms, surprises, or simply rests.

Purim Family Shpiel and Carnival at Temple Emanuel
2026-03-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Temple Emanuel, 10101 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD, 20851, United States
Family friendly Purim shpiel at 9:00am (no rsvp or tickets required) followed by carnival at 9:30 (tickets required)

Temple Shalom Chevy Chase Purim Carnival
2026-03-01 09:00 - 12:00 | Temple Shalom, 8401 Grubb Rd., Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, United States
Please join the Temple Shalom Community on Sunday, March 1, for our Purim Carnival! We’ll have a morning filled with community, food and drink, carnival-style games and prizes!
9:00am-9:30am Megillah reading in the sanctuary
9:30am-12:00pm Carnival festivities!
Please note that during the Carnival, all children in 2nd grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Adults accompanying children do not need their own wristband.
All-Access Games Wristband: $20 *(children under age 3 do not need a wristband)
Food Tickets: $1 each
Raffle Tickets: $2 each

Music, Masks & Smiles: A Purim Family Celebration
2026-03-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Rockville, MD*, Rockville, MD*
Federation’s impact reaches every corner of our community, creating warm, welcoming spaces where families can connect, celebrate, and grow together.
On March 1, in partnership with Bender JCC, we’re excited to invite families with young children to a vibrant Purim-themed morning filled with music, creativity, and joy. Enjoy an upbeat performance by Mr. Ari, an engaging PJ Library story time, and a hands-on mask-making activity that brings the holiday’s playful spirit to life.
It’s a morning designed to nurture a sense of belonging and a powerful opportunity to experience how Federation is fostering connection, supporting families, and strengthening the Jewish identity of our youngest community members.
This event is now full. Please email us to join the waitlist.
To help the Yad Yehuda food pantry, we encourage everyone to bring a non-perishable canned good with a current expiration date.
This event is best suited for families with children ages 0-5. Costumes encouraged.
Kosher snacks and treats will be provided.
Questions? Contact Jordan Kaufman
Event Co-Chairs: Staci Eichelbaum Levine and Samantha Sisisky
FRD Committee: Jill Granader, Sophie Buslik, Abby Cherner, Jeff Distenfeld, Staci Eichelbaum Levine, Wendy Feldman Block, Meg Flax, Jessie Heines Wolf, Kerry Iris, Marty Janis, Brad Lackey, Ron Paul, M.D., Rachel Shuster, Samantha Sisisky

*The location and street address for these events will be emailed to each guest prior to the event, using the email address provided at registration.
This event will include photography which can be used in Federation’s marketing materials and website. Please connect with Federation staff to opt-out of being photographed at this event.
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.

Purim Carnival at Tifereth Israel Congregation
2026-03-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Tifereth Israel Congregation, 7701 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20012, United States
Join us as we celebrate Purim with a good old-fashioned carnival! Games, entertainment, an inflatable obstacle course, prizes, and all kinds of delicious treats! Costumes are encouraged!

Celebrate Purim with Temple Rodef Shalom
2026-03-01 11:30 - 13:30 | Temple Rodef Shalom, 2100 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church, VA, 22043, United States
Celebrate Purim at Temple Rodef Shalom with two days of joyful, inclusive fun for all ages! On Sunday, March 1, enjoy a family-friendly Megillah reading and Purimshpiel at 10:30 AM, followed by a Purim Carnival and Chill-Out Room at 11:30 AM. On Monday, March 2, join us for an evening Megillah reading and Purimshpiel at 7:00 PM, then keep the celebration going at Purimpalooza at 8:30 PM with food, drinks, and schmoozing. Registration is required for Purimpalooza. Costumes encouraged—everyone welcome! Click below for all the purim information.
Purim

BEECC Open House & Purim Carnival
2026-03-01 11:30 - 13:30 | Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 Lawyers Rd, Herndon, VA, United States
If you’re looking for a preschool environment where children thrive, families connect, and everyone feels welcome, you want to learn more about BEECC!Come in costume and join us for our Preschool Open House & Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 1 at 11:30 AM. Explore BEECC, meet our nurturing faculty, and discover how we create joyful, hands-on learning experiences rooted in play and creativity. While the children play and get a taste of the fun that fills our days with some special Purim crafts & hands-on activities, you can ask questions and connect with our team. Afterwards, stop by our Annual Purim Carnival for some delicious food, exciting carnival games with awesome prizes, and even a reptile petting zoo where kids can get up close with some scaly (and surprisingly friendly!) friends.
Please register to attend at https://www.bethemeth.org/event/beecc-open-house1.html

Israel & the United States at War with Iran Special Update from Israel
2026-03-01 12:00 - 13:00 | MD
Join Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) for a special briefing on the rapidly unfolding conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran. We’ll be joined by Haviv Rettig Gur, who will provide timely analysis of the latest developments.

It’s Purim! Costume Carnevale & Purimspiel
2026-03-01 16:00 - 18:00 | Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA, 22204, United States
Come celebrate Purim with us! Bring the whole family for a fun-filled kids’ carnival and enjoy our annual Purimspiel as we honor the courage of Queen Esther and the resilience of our people.
This year, we’re excited to present an original script created by congregant Zach Schrag: Tipsy Purimspiel! It’s full of music, laughs, and surprises that you won’t want to miss.
Register today to let us know you’re coming! Come be part of this unique celebration.

Live Update from Israel
2026-03-04 08:00 - 09:00 | Virtual, Virtual, Virtual
The war with Iran is unfolding rapidly, and needs across Israel are evolving in real time.
Watch a live, firsthand update from Israel. Federation’s Israel Office Director, Karen Katzman, joined Gil Preuss on Wednesday, March 4 on Zoom. Speaking directly from Israel, Karen shared what she is seeing on the ground and what we are hearing from partners across the region.
Photo credit: Erik Marmor/Getty Image; R: Rami Slush/Reuters

Briefing: Israel & the United States at War with Iran
2026-03-04 15:00 - 16:00 | MD
Join Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) for a special briefing on the rapidly unfolding conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran. We will be joined by Col. (Ret.) Miri Eisin, who will provide a timely update on the latest developments.

Capital J Mainstage: David Wallace-Wells
2026-03-04 19:00 - 20:30 | Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC, 20036, United States
Join author and New York Times essayist David Wallace-Wells for a fascinating discussion about being at the nexus of environmentalism and Jewish identity in this moment.
David Wallace-Wells is currently a columnist and staff writer at The New York Times, where he writes a weekly newsletter on climate change, technology and the future of the planet. He’s also written widely on the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing vital reporting and analysis to the science and policy coverage. He was previously the Deputy Editor at New York magazine, where he wrote a column on climate change, and where his viral cover story “The Uninhabitable Earth” was met with widespread acclaim, paving the way for his book. Formerly the Deputy Editor of The Paris Review and a National Fellow at the New America Foundation, he was the co-host of the podcast 2038, which interrogated predictions about the next two decades.

Cinema J | Four Winters
2026-03-05 13:30 - 15:30 | Bender JCC of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road,, Rockville, MD, 20852, United States
We are excited to collaborate with the Bender JCC Men’s Club, to bring you this stunning, heartfelt story of heroism and resilience. FOUR WINTERS is a powerful documentary that tells the stories of Jewish partisans—men and women who escaped Nazi persecution and fought back from the forests of Eastern Europe during WW II. The film reveals how these young resistance fighters survived brutal winters, organized daring sabotage missions, and helped liberate their people. Directed by Julia Mintz, Four Winters honors their courage, resilience, spirit and will to fight for freedom.
English | Based on a true story | 90 Minutes | 2022

Black and Jewish America: Episode One Showing
2026-03-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Congregation Adat Reyim, 6500 Westbury Oaks Court, Springfield, VA, 22152, United States
Please join us on March 5 for a showing of the first episode of Black & Jewish America, a PBS docuseries hosted by Emmy-winning Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (known to many of us as the host of Finding Your Roots). This event is put on by Adat Reyim’s Adult Education committee. Register for FREE at https://www.adatreyim.org/event/adult-ed—black–jewish-america-screening.html
Hope to see you there!
