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Women’s Philanthropy Spring Community Gatherings – DC
Join us for our Women’s Philanthropy Gatherings where passion meets purpose and community comes alive.
We will come together in neighborhoods across Greater Washington to connect on our shared values and welcome new women to our vibrant sisterhood. And we will hear firsthand from Federation’s JShield about our efforts to keep our community safer and more secure, in light of the current conflict in the Middle East.
Register for one of three options in DC, MD, or VA.
Sunday, March 22
Bethesda, MD 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Hosted by Helene Weisz* Foggy Bottom, NW, Washington, DC 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Hosted by Karen Lehmann-Eisner* Register by Monday, March 16Sunday, May 17
Arlington, VA 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Hosted by Gabrielle Witkin* Register by May 15 Light kosher bites and drinks provided. Questions? Contact Federation's Women's Philanthropy team. *These intimate gatherings will take place at private homes across Greater Washington. For security purposes, the location and street address will be emailed to each guest prior to the event, using the email address provided at registration. [jotform id="260363658711156" title="Women’s Philanthropy Spring Community Gatherings "] Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Abby Cherner, Vice President, Women’s Philanthropy Sophie Buslik, Assistant Vice President, Women’s Philanthropy Paula Shoyer, Ruby Lion Chair Marianna Ashin, Lion of Judah Chair Ilana Rothberg, Pomegranate ChairWomen’s Philanthropy Spring Community Gatherings – Virginia
Join us for our Women’s Philanthropy Gatherings where passion meets purpose and community comes alive.
We will come together in neighborhoods across Greater Washington to connect on our shared values and welcome new women to our vibrant sisterhood. And we will hear firsthand from Federation’s JShield about our efforts to keep our community safer and more secure, in light of the current conflict in the Middle East.
Register for one of three options in DC, MD, or VA.
Sunday, March 22
Bethesda, MD 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Hosted by Helene Weisz* Foggy Bottom, NW, Washington, DC 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Hosted by Karen Lehmann-Eisner* Register by Monday, March 16Sunday, May 17
Arlington, VA 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Hosted by Gabrielle Witkin* Register by May 15 Light kosher bites and drinks provided. Questions? Contact Federation's Women's Philanthropy team. *These intimate gatherings will take place at private homes across Greater Washington. For security purposes, the location and street address will be emailed to each guest prior to the event, using the email address provided at registration. [jotform id="260363658711156" title="Women’s Philanthropy Spring Community Gatherings "] Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Abby Cherner, Vice President, Women’s Philanthropy Sophie Buslik, Assistant Vice President, Women’s Philanthropy Paula Shoyer, Ruby Lion Chair Marianna Ashin, Lion of Judah Chair Ilana Rothberg, Pomegranate ChairMeet Vanessa Sax
Bringing people and organizations together across Jewish Northern Virginia.
We’re excited to introduce Vanessa Sax, who joined The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington in December to focus on strategy and community building in Northern Virginia.
A former Northern Virginia resident herself, she’s excited to reconnect with the community she came to know well. In her role, she’ll work with partners across Northern Virginia’s Jewish community to strengthen relationships, expand leadership opportunities, and build on the strong momentum already underway across the region.
“As someone who lived in Northern Virginia for seven years, I understand firsthand the opportunities this community has to offer.” Vanessa shared, “My goal is to continue strengthening a sense of connection and belonging for Jews living in Northern Virginia, both in their micro-communities and across the broader Northern Virginia Jewish community.”
Vanessa brings a strong background in community building. She was the first employee of Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, helping establish it as a hub for arts, ideas, and Jewish life in Washington, DC. She later held a leadership role at Zuckerman Gravely Management, focusing on mentorship, professional development, and complex negotiations shaping several DC real estate markets.
Her work reflects a deep commitment to building relationships, strengthening community, and helping shape the next chapter of Jewish Northern Virginia.
Federation CEO Gil shared: “One of the key takeaways from our Community Pulse Survey was the desire for greater engagement in Jewish life and community in Northern Virginia. Through Vanessa’s vision and community-building skills, we can achieve exactly that.”
Curious about our ongoing work in Northern Virginia?
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Upcounty Purim Party
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!
Going Places! ReelAbilities Closing Day Film Screening
We will meet at the JCC with our Going Places! friends for a meal before the film screening of “Lights, Camera, Friendship on the Spectrum.” The movie is an engaging new docuseries that follows a group of young adults on the autism spectrum as they step beyond their comfort zones, build meaningful friendships, and discover the power of creativity. The film’s running time is 44 minutes.
Following the screening, stay for dessert and a conversation exploring how creative spaces such as film, theater, and the arts can foster confidence, meaningful connection, and a sense of belonging for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Teens and adults
Good Deeds Day
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is proud to present Good Deeds Day, in partnership with Jewish organizations throughout Greater Washington and the generous support of The Sara and Samuel J. Lessans Good Deeds Day Fund.
Hosting a Good Deeds Day event or program? Submit it here.
[tribe_events view="list" tag="good-deeds-day" tribe-bar="false"]
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The Network’s Spring Real Estate Breakfast: Jewish Leadership and the Revitalization of Georgetown
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Real Estate Division invites you to the 2026 Spring Real Estate Breakfast for an exclusive morning of networking and engaging conversation with leaders shaping the future of Georgetown.
This program will explore the strategic revitalization of Georgetown through the perspective of local business owners and prominent real estate leaders.
The morning will open with remarks from Marco Ferrario, Co-Owner of Flor Coffee + Books, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Deborah Bilek, CEO of the Georgetown Business Improvement District. Panelists include:
Event is free for current Builders Society members. Register by Tuesday, March 24 Kosher breakfast and coffee will be provided. Business casual attire. *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.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Real Estate Division hosts a biannual, invitation-only gathering that convenes select leaders in the commercial real estate industry who share a commitment to strengthening both their professional networks and their connection to the Jewish community of Greater Washington. This highly curated event fosters candid conversation, meaningful relationship-building, and a deep sense of community, professionally, Jewishly, and personally.
- Andrew Dana, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Call Your Mother Deli
- Dan Simons, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Founding Farmers
- Kim Stein, Principal at KLNB
This event is currently at capacity. If you are interested in joining the waitlist, contact Barry Jakov.
Speakers
Event is free for current Builders Society members. Register by Tuesday, March 24 Kosher breakfast and coffee will be provided. Business casual attire. *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.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Real Estate Division hosts a biannual, invitation-only gathering that convenes select leaders in the commercial real estate industry who share a commitment to strengthening both their professional networks and their connection to the Jewish community of Greater Washington. This highly curated event fosters candid conversation, meaningful relationship-building, and a deep sense of community, professionally, Jewishly, and personally.
Leadership:
Event Co-Chairs David Duber, Max Sandler, Warren Margolies Real Estate Co-Chairs Alisa Rosenberg, Founder and Managing Partner, Junction Development Albert Small, Director, Renaissance Centro Real Estate Committee Miriam Brodie, Vice President, Senior Associate, Kimley-Horn Meg Brown, Partner, Holland & Knight Adam Ducker, CEO, RCLCO Nick Gordon, Vice President, MRP Realty Brian Gould, Managing Director, Berkadia Emily Heppen, Leasing & Asset Manager, University of Maryland Jeff Kayce, Managing Director, Bozzuto Warren Margolies, Partner, Dentons Scott Nudelman, Managing Principal, Vitrian Barbara Wachter Needle, Partner, Reno & Cavanaugh David Duber, Founder and Managing Director, District Lodging Capital Lily Goldstein, Vice President, JBG Smith Max Sandler, Managing Partner, Tidewater Mortgage Services, Inc Network Co-Chairs Brad Lackey, Managing Director, AlTi Tiedemann Global Wendy Feldman Block, Executive Managing Director, Savills Network Chair Emeriti Brad Buslik, Principal, H&R Retail Marty Janis, CEO, Atlantic Services Group, Inc. Max Sandler, Principal, Tidewater Mortgage Services, Inc. Janis Schiff, Partner, Holland & Knight Brian Schwalb, Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General for the District of ColumbiaWomen’s Philanthropy Spring Community Gatherings – Maryland
Join us for our Women’s Philanthropy Gatherings where passion meets purpose and community comes alive.
We will come together in neighborhoods across Greater Washington to connect on our shared values and welcome new women to our vibrant sisterhood. And we will hear firsthand from Federation’s JShield about our efforts to keep our community safer and more secure, in light of the current conflict in the Middle East.
Register for one of three options in DC, MD, or VA.
Sunday, March 22
Bethesda, MD 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Hosted by Helene Weisz* Foggy Bottom, NW, Washington, DC 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Hosted by Karen Lehmann-Eisner* Register by Monday, March 16Sunday, May 17
Arlington, VA 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Hosted by Gabrielle Witkin* Register by May 15 Light kosher bites and drinks provided. Questions? Contact Federation's Women's Philanthropy team. *These intimate gatherings will take place at private homes across Greater Washington. For security purposes, the location and street address will be emailed to each guest prior to the event, using the email address provided at registration. [jotform id="260363658711156" title="Women’s Philanthropy Spring Community Gatherings "] Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Abby Cherner, Vice President, Women’s Philanthropy Sophie Buslik, Assistant Vice President, Women’s Philanthropy Paula Shoyer, Ruby Lion Chair Marianna Ashin, Lion of Judah Chair Ilana Rothberg, Pomegranate ChairMusic, Masks & Smiles: A Purim Family Celebration
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.
*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:
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.