As we grow in Jewish knowledge, we become more curious and engaged members of our family and community. See how your investment in Jewish learning is enabling Jewish Washingtonians to connect to their heritage and find meaning through diverse Jewish learning opportunities.
The Margo & Yoram Cohen Family Israel Engagement Fellowship, presented by Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, is an eight-part program that teaches teen leaders to explore their connection with Israel in a meaningful way.
“There is something special about sitting with people you’ve never met and discussing a value that links you. No matter how different my opinions were, or how far-fetched my questions, I was always assured that it was okay to think differently and to question, a lesson I wouldn’t trade for the world.”
— Allie F.
is invested in our community’s Jewish education system.
Thanks to Federation’s Imagine Israel initiative, high school students at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School had the opportunity to learn with and from their peers at a Jewish Israeli school and an Arab Israeli school. The school educational partnership was facilitated by The Abraham Fund Initiatives. The students on both sides of the globe participated in a “Dialogue Through Cinema” course throughout the Spring 2018 semester, in which they explored issues of social identity.
“I saw this as a symbol of hope for a joined future. It was important to me that the students connect with one another, so they could learn from teenagers like themselves. I believe that, when we get to know each other on a personal level, we are more inclined to listen to others and have empathy, even if we do not think or see things the same way.”
— Shelli P., Hebrew Teacher, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
early childhood educators from Greater Washington Jewish schools attend Federation’s annual Early Childhood Education Conference to study acclaimed educational approaches and plan yearly curricula.
“I didn’t know Hebrew when I began studying at the Bender JCC five years ago, but I wanted to converse with my Israeli granddaughter during visits to Israel. For me, studying Hebrew has been an awakening of Jewish culture, and I have become better acquainted with my heritage.
The lessons are also meaningful as I compose music and sing in the Washington Hebrew Congregation choir, because I have always wanted to understand the words I sing and use in composition, and the spirit — the ‘Jewish soul’ — behind the language.”
— Robert N.
children are enrolled in local Jewish preschool, day schools, and congregational schools.
of children in grades K-8 are enrolled in a Jewish educational activity, including day schools, part-time schools, and private classes/tutoring.
teens have participated in Israel educational programs including Talk Israel and Israel Engagement Fellowship that equips them with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to address tough topics regarding Israel.