Local Hillel directors share updates

Over Sukkot, my family and I had the pleasure of hosting Federation leaders to hear from the Hillel directors of American University, George Washington University, and the University of Maryland for an intimate conversation on how we can best support students. My takeaways?

• We hear so many stories of antisemitism and anti-Zionism on campus, but the headlines don’t offer the full picture. Our Hillels are there for our kids, and the Shabbat dinners and programming are bigger than ever because more students are showing up.
• This semester feels different from last year. The protests haven’t stopped, but one of the biggest differences is that Jewish students are feeling the strength of community through Hillel even as some wrestle with complex questions about their identities as Jews and Zionists and the current campus climate.
• These challenges aren’t going away — but neither is Jewish life on campus. That’s why it’s inspiring and essential that this community keeps showing up.

It’s been an incredible week at Federation as we continue to host program after program for our big tent community. Read below to see some of the amazing ways we are meeting people where they are.

• Days before the election, we hosted an event on Jewish learning with Dr. Elana Stein Hain of the Shalom Hartman Institute, who focused on Jewish meaning, vulnerability, and political polarization — and how we stay true to our moral grounding and values. Whatever happens next week, I’ll be keeping that in mind.
• I didn’t get a chance to attend, but I’ve heard Wednesday evening’s gathering of our most generous Women’s Philanthropy donors with Nina Totenberg, NPR Correspondent and close friend of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, z”l at Ginsburg’s former home was incredible. Totenberg reflected on their friendship, how they uplifted each other as strong female leaders, and how Ginsburg led with her Jewish values. Certainly relevant today.
• Across town at Crush Bar DC, there was a high-energy vibe as our Next Gen cohort ran their first LGBTQ+-focused event, co-hosted with Keshet, Edlavitch DCJCC’s GLOE, Bet Mishpachah, and NJB+, and highlighting Capital Jewish Musuem’s upcoming exhibit on LGBTQ+ Jewish History in DC. As one attendee shared, “There was a time when [the queer community] had to be entirely self-sufficient to survive. [Now] we have the support needed to thrive, and we aren’t alone.” Other attendees remarked on the need for more spaces like this for queer Jews — I couldn’t agree more.
• Have you heard the radio spots for Stand Together? I hope you will join me in DC on November 10^th to unite with Jewish community members from across North America.
• Also, if you’ll be attending the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly (GA), join me and Federation on November 11^th for a GA participant breakfast with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. We’re co-hosting with the Forum to stand in solidarity with those still captive in Gaza and uplift their families.
• Federation was recently voted Best Nonprofit Jewish Organization by readers of the Washington Jewish Week. We were deeply honored to be recognized in this way. I know I speak for all of Federation’s lay and professional leaders when I say thank you to everyone who voted for us. Serving our community is a true privilege.