Chanukah is a holiday of many lessons. It reminds us to persevere despite the odds and to stand up for what we believe in. It also reminds us that when we each contribute to a shared goal, we can accomplish great things. Here in Greater Washington, that means coming together to build a strong, vibrant,
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Chanukah is the Festival of Lights, when we celebrate the miracle of the Jewish people overcoming tyranny in the Land of Israel. One of the central ideas of Chanukah is something called “pirsumei nisa.” This phrase, which literally translates as “publicizing the miracle,” constitutes one of the core observances of Chanukah—along with the lighting of
Read moreThe Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is pleased to welcome Shari Merrill to our professional team as our new Chief Impact Officer. We sat down with Shari to learn more about her background and what she’s looking forward to accomplishing in her new role. Tell us about your background and what attracted you to the
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“How strange we are in the world, and how presumptuous our doings! Only one response can maintain us: gratefulness for witnessing the wonder, for the gift of our unearned right to serve, to adore, and to fulfill. It is gratefulness which makes the soul great.”- Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel This has been a challenging season.
Read moreThe Jewish Federation of Greater Washington (JFGW) and The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) are horrified and heartbroken by the despicable murderous attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood that took place this morning during Shabbat services. Words are insufficient to convey our community’s profound pain at
Read moreWASHINGTON, DC (October 15, 2018)—The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is proud to announce that Shari Merrill will become its first Chief Impact Officer. Merrill will officially begin her new role on October 29. Gil Preuss, CEO of The Jewish Federation, noted, “We are very pleased to welcome Shari Merrill as the newest member of
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In a few days, we will have the opportunity to celebrate the start of a new year and once again reflect on the many ways we can narrow the gap between our actions and our values. Indeed, the High Holidays are a time to consider who we are and who we want to be. It is our chance to revisit what drives us—as individuals and
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For the past eight years, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington has partnered with The Foundation for Jewish Camp’s One Happy Camper, a program that facilitates 100% Federation-funded grant distribution for first-year Jewish overnight campers. In 2018, Federation increased our One Happy Camper allocation from $54,000 to $104,000, providing $50,000 in additional grant funding for
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When I was a little kid, I used to make my parents crazy because I liked to break my toys open. Sure, I played with my toys. But I inevitably became more curious about what was inside the toy than in actually playing with it in a conventional sense. I’d venture to guess that kids like
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