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Music, Masks & Smiles: A Purim Family Celebration

Music, 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.

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

Young Adult Dinner for Israel!

Young Adult Dinner for Israel!
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?

JSSA Family Wellness Day

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.

Comparative Religions Class

Five-session series for anyone high-school aged and older. In-depth exploration of faith traditions that surround us, including Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam. Paul Berman, who has taught comparative religion to Temple Emanuel eighth graders for over 30 years, will serve as leader. Classes will be in person only at Temple Emanuel in Kensington (10101 Connective Avenue) on Thursdays at 7pm 1/22, 2/26, 3/26, 4/23 and 5/28.

Israeli Shouk!

🇮🇱 Join Us for the Israeli Shuk at B’nai Israel! 🇮🇱 Sunday, December 7 | 12:00–4:00 PM | B’nai Israel Congregation We’re excited to partner with ESEK, a Tel Aviv–based social enterprise that brings the soul and spirit of Israel to communities around the world through its incredible small businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs. At our Israeli Shuk (marketplace), you’ll find: 🕎 Authentic Israeli crafts, art, and handmade products 💙 Inspiring stories from small business owners and artists in Israel Every purchase you make directly supports Israeli small businesses - the heart of families and communities across Israel - especially in these challenging times. Let’s come together to celebrate Israeli creativity, resilience, and community spirit! RSVP here!

Books & Bubbles

Books & Bubbles
Registration Opens October 27th for members and non-members Wednesdays @ 10:30 AM Dates: 11/19/25 – 1/28/26 Skip Dates: 11/26, 12/24, 12/31 Best suited for ages 0 – 3 years old Join us for some music, bubbles, and stories!! We will also leave plenty of free time for families to hang out and get to know each other.

2025 Annual Jewish Community Relations Council Gala

2025 Annual Jewish Community Relations Council Gala
Please join us October 29th for our 2025 Gala as we honor distinguished leaders from across the region. The JCRC is delighted to present June and David Trone with the Breslau-Goldman Award; Behnam Dayanim with the Sara and Samuel Lessans Community Leadership Award; and Eva Davis with the Distinguished Service Award. Each honoree has given years of exemplary leadership and dedicated service to our growing and diverse Jewish community in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Doors open at 5:30 PM Heavy hors d'oeuvres, dietary laws observed Business attire

Together, Rising to the Moment 

Together, Rising to the Moment 

Federation and JCRC Advance Jewish Life in Greater Washington

In a year marked by rising antisemitism, contested narratives in classrooms, and growing pressures on civic spaces, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington has been a steady force—speaking up, showing up, and strengthening the public voice of Jewish Greater Washington.

Across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, the JCRC represents more than 100 synagogues, agencies, and organizations. They advocate for a strong U.S.–Israel relationship, protect the safety and rights of Jewish institutions, challenge misinformation in schools, and build meaningful partnerships across faith and civic lines.

As Federation drives long-term investment in Jewish life across Greater Washington, the JCRC leads our community’s advocacy in the public sphere. Together, we’re advancing a shared commitment to safety, resilience, and the values that sustain Jewish life—through distinct roles, and with deeply aligned purpose.

On Wednesday, October 29 at 6:00 PM in Rockville, the JCRC will host its Annual Gala, honoring:

  • Eva Davis (Distinguished Service Award)
  • June and David Trone (Breslau–Goldman Award)
  • Behn Dayanim (Sara and Samuel Lessans Community Leadership Award)

Co-chaired by Eilleen Filler‑Corn and Bambi Kramer, the evening will spotlight leaders who model what it means to act with courage, clarity, and commitment, especially in moments that demand all three.

This is a moment for all of us to show up for the people and partnerships strengthening Jewish life and a chance to recognize the leadership guiding us through challenge and change. We’re honored to stand with the JCRC in this work, and to celebrate the impact we’re making together toward a shared vision of Jewish Greater Washington that is strong, secure, and deeply connected.

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