Carol & Gary Berman

Carol and Gary’s philanthropic impact spans sectors and generations of Jewish community, healthcare community, and education in the US and Israel. 

Gary has been involved with the The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington for almost 50 years. Serving in many roles including as past president. The Jewish Federation has allowed him the opportunity to impact many areas of our community and lead multiple initiatives. 

Carol’s philanthropy in Jewish education has impacted thousands of local children and teens, including by spearheading the Initiative in Congregational Education adopted by 43 synagogues throughout the Washington Metro Area and the Family Life Education Grants. This partnership and her leadership are credited for reenergizing congregation-based education. Intergenerational challah baking and Torah learning for Jewish values have been a highlight. In the area of adult learning, she founded with Karen Simon a group of dedicated women Torah learners who some have been studying continuously for thirty-four years. Many of these women are leaders in the Jewish community. 

Together, Carol and Gary focus on Jewish education for all ages, in the DC Metro Area and Israel. They have supported both financially and with their time our day schools, synagogue nursery, supplemental schools and adult education, special needs programs, youth groups, day and overnight camps, JCCs, Next Gen groups and programming, and college campus Jewish programing especially Hillels. In Israel: Birthright, Schechter, Hartman, and several Yeshivas. 

In addition, hospitals, cancer research, Jewish and secular homeless programs, youth programs, and food initiatives benefit from their philanthropy.  

Carol earned her BA and MA in speech and language pathology from the University of Maryland.  She is a certified regression therapist, teacher, and artist. 

Professionally, Gary is a partner at Berman Enterprises and received a BS from Dartmouth College.  

The Bermans’ inspiring philanthropic journey is rooted in the incredible values they have shared over their fifty-year marriage and shaped by each generation of their family: three sons, three daughters-in-law, and ten grandchildren. They are so grateful for their family and the impact the next generation is making in our community.