Tag: maryland

After our Tikkun Olam (Repair the World) Assembly, children, teens, and adult helpers will make Earth balls filled with native plant seeds to increase bird, bee and butterfly populations. Children will also create puddlers to help sustain butterfly populations while learning more about these important topics. We will work with Blankets of Hope to provide free blankets and cards for our local homeless shelter residents. Each activity will include a learning component. Community members (age 3 and up) welcome. RSVPs encouraged to oseheddirector@gmail.com.

Come join B'nai Israel Young Professionals for a night of flavor, fun, and authentic Mimouna magic - you won’t want to miss it! Get ready for a festive night full of vibrant Israeli Mizrahi music, freshly made moufleta and sfenj, and delicious Moroccan treats. Add a touch of artistry with our henna artist creating stunning designs, and raise a glass of arak as we celebrate luck, joy, and community.

Welcome to singles, interfaith families, LGBTQ+ families, and families of every shape and story! Service will be conducted by Rabbi Allison Kobey and soloist Deborah Sternberg. April 2, 2026, 6:30 (doors open at 6:00 pm). Buffet dinner - vegetarian option available upon RSVP request. $50 per adult, $25 per child 6-12, $15 per child 2-5. RSVP and payment due by March 23rd. Contact Susie to RSVP at sussruss2002@gmaill.com; payment can be made by check or PayPal.

Congregation Or Chadash (COC) has three activities for fighting food insecurity in Maryland. 1. We have received $1,000 microgrant from The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington to purchase food for Afghani refugees. COC partners with and interfaith refugee group New Neighbor Interfaith Alliance (NNIA). Afghani refugees often come with little resources. This microgrant will provide funding to buy halal meat, milk, fruit, and rice for the neediest families in our community. 2. COC will be providing a dinner for Stepping Stones Shelter. Stepping Stones is a family shelter that provides emergency shelter for up to six families at one time. 2. We are also currently holding a canned food drive that will end on April 12th. The food we collect will go to Manna Food Center whose mission is to fight hunger in Montgomery County, Maryland. Fighting Food Insecurity is presented by Congregation Or Chadash in partnership with The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the generous support of The Sara and Samuel J. Lessans Good Deeds Day Fund.

Join the Bender JCC and BBYO for an informative and empowering conversation designed for parents of pre-teens and teens to address the urgent realities of today’s digital landscape. We’ll discuss how to recognize online red flags, set healthy boundaries with your child, and better understand the real impact and risk of cyberbullying and digital exploitation. Walk away with practical tools and greater confidence to support your child’s safety and emotional well-being in a connected world. This program is best suited for parents and caregivers. Light refreshments will be served. Moderator Meghan Leahy On Parenting columnist for The Washington Post and Certified Parenting Coach Featured Speakers Caren M. Schiffman Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia Adam J. Pletter Child & Adolescent Psychologist Drew Fidler Senior Director of the BBYO Center for Adolescent Wellness

Join us for a warm, welcoming Second Night Seder that blends tradition, conversation, and community. Together we’ll retell the story of the Exodus through ritual, song, and shared reflection—making space for questions, multiple perspectives, and meaningful connections to our lives today. Whether this is your first seder or your fiftieth, all are welcome at the table. We’ll enjoy a festive, vegetarian meal, explore themes of freedom and responsibility, and create a seder experience that is thoughtful, inclusive, and engaging for adults and families alike. Come as you are, bring your curiosity, and help us build a night of learning, laughter, and liberation. We will be reading from The Promise of the Land: A Passover Haggadah by Rabbi Ellen Bernstein.

NextUp presents: Havdalah on the Rocks Join us on Saturday evening, February 7, at 6:30 pm for an Israeli-inspired cocktail experience. Gather with other Jewish young professionals (20s & 30s) for a spirited Havdalah and an interactive demonstration led by an Israeli mixologist. Enjoy an evening of rich conversation, expertly crafted drinks, and community centered on the joy of L’chaim! *This program is free, but please register.

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.

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

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*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.

Special Accommodations We’re committed to building an inclusive community. If you need accommodations to participate meaningfully, please contact us in advance.

Calling all folks in their 20s and 30s! Join Rabbi Adam Rosenwasser of Temple Emanuel in Kensington, Maryland and the Reform Alumni For Israel (RAFI) fellows for a FREE delicious dinner on Sunday, February 1st at 6pm at Zaytinya in Washington, DC. We'll schmooze, do a little learning, eat, drink, and be merry. Feel free to bring friends but sign up NOW because space is limited. If you have any questions or if you are interested in joining this year's RAFI fellows- which includes a FREE trip to Israel this summer, be in touch with Rabbi Adam, arosenwasser@templeemanuelmd.org. RSVP HERE: https://partiful.com/e/R19FXih0M6YAuzmLQ02F?

Join us on Sunday, August 30, 2026, for JSSA Family Wellness Day, a fun-filled afternoon where you, your family, and friends can engage in more than 35 interactive activities to boost your mental, physical, and social well-being. Don’t miss our petting zoo, inflatable obstacle course, face painters, sports, games, performances, and more. We hope to see you rain or shine for a beautiful afternoon in Bohrer Park.