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Tag: women’s leadership

WITH PEN AND PISTOL: HEROINES OF THE HOLOCAUST

June 23, 2026
Adrienne Malickson
WITH PEN AND PISTOL: HEROINES OF THE HOLOCAUST
Presented by Dr. Lori Weintrob Professor of History, Founding Director of the Wagner College Holocaust Center, Staten Island, New York “You do not know the extent of my courage,” wrote Marianne Cohn defiantly after her arrest by the Gestapo for smuggling Jewish children to safety. Thousands of women trapped in Nazi-occupied Europe responded to persecution with extraordinary bravery and dignity. Among them were doctors, nurses, lawyers, journalists, educators, artists and resistance fighters who risked their lives to save themselves and others. This program highlights the courageous choices and powerful voices of Jewish and non-Jewish women who used pen and pistol in the fight against Nazi tyranny. Through stories of rescue, armed resistance, and moral courage, we will encounter remarkable women—including Zivia Lubetkin, Vitka Kempner-Kovner, Friedl Dicker-Brandeis, Hadassah Rosensaft, and Josephine Baker—whose actions continue to inspire us and whose legacies remind us of our responsibility to confront antisemitism, hatred, and injustice.
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MORDECAI KAPLAN’S RECONSTRUCTIONIST VISION: WHAT PANNED OUT? WHAT FELL SHORT? The Promised Land: Text, Tradition, and Interpretation

Women’s Philanthropy Spring Community Gatherings – DC

March 16, 2026
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
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 16

Sunday, 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 Chair 
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Women’s Philanthropy Spring Community Gathering – Northern Virginia Young Professionals Interfaith Seder

Women’s Philanthropy Spring Community Gathering – Northern Virginia

March 16, 2026
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
Women’s Philanthropy Spring Community Gathering – Northern Virginia
Join us for our Women’s Philanthropy Gatherings,where passion meets purpose and community comes alive. Come together to connect on our shared values and welcome new women to our vibrant sisterhood. 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. 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 Chair 
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Find Your Balance Women’s Philanthropy Spring Community Gatherings – DC

International Women Day Event

March 11, 2026
Adrienne Malickson
International Women Day Event
Think you know tahini? Love halva? Join us for a special evening with Chef Rachel Simons, founder of Seed + Mill and author of “Sesame”! Chef Rachel will teach us how to elevate our dessert tables with bold, modern sesame creations and, of course, we’ll get to taste the amazing sweets that bring people together. But that’s not all; the evening also includes more energetic, fun surprises! Beyond the tasting, we’ll explore how one ancient seed connects cultures, kitchens, and communities. For everyone connected to the Middle East, sesame carries memory: the taste of the shuk in Jerusalem, a grandmother’s recipe, a beloved dish. But food doesn’t belong to just one story. It travels. It adapts. It welcomes. Around the table, differences soften, conversations open, and connections grow. We’re especially excited to gather women from diverse backgrounds, and friends and supporters of the Israel, for an evening that celebrates culture, resilience, and shared values, through something as simple and powerful as food. DJ Grace will be on the decks, keeping us dancing until we drop in a dance party to remember. Come curious. Come hungry. Come ready to connect. This program is presented by Israeli American Council (IAC) in partnership with The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. 
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Neshome Lider: Songs of Resilience from the Holocaust Commemoration Honoring Geertruida “Truus” Wijsmuller ReelAbilities Film Festival Returns to Beth El for 10th Year with Paper Bag Plan

Women’s Philanthropy Spring Community Gatherings – Maryland

February 6, 2026
Jamie Neumann
Women’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 16

Sunday, 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 Chair 
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Talking Across Difference: An Israel Educator Workshop – Educator Session 2 The Network’s Spring Real Estate Breakfast: Jewish Leadership and the Revitalization of Georgetown

A Reflection from Israel

January 30, 2026
Robin Hettleman Weinberg, President, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
A Reflection from Israel

I stood in Hostage Square, Tel Aviv among a quiet crowd, patiently waiting. What was once a vigil site, a protest space, a place of mourning and solidarity was now the square where we were about to hear the collective sigh of a small country. At 843 days, 12 hours, 5 minutes and 59 seconds, the clock that made the abstraction of time in captivity real, was turned off. The body of Ran Gvili, the last hostage, was returned home.

Now the true healing can begin.

I am with ten amazing women from our community, on a National Women’s Philanthropy mission in Israel. Resilient is the word we keep hearing and seeing. It feels that way, and yet, you can see the cracks of exhaustion and immense sadness. The wife of a reservist said, “We are slowly starting to put our hearts together.”

Our Federation continues to work with partners on the ground.  We support the Jewish Agency for Israel, which operates Youth Futures, in response to the high levels of trauma among children. Research has found that PTSD is high among children: 15% of Israel’s children lived in communities infiltrated by terrorists, and 20% were displaced from their homes for months.

We are the initial investors in the Alin Beit Noam, Ilanot National Rehabilitation Center, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center that serves Nova survivors, bereaved families, injured soldiers and adults with special needs.

The Israelis are grateful for our commitment. A Nova survivor said, “we want to be the heroes to the heroes of October 7.” Because of you, we are a community of heroes.

This Shabbat will be the first time since October 14, 2023 that we won’t need to say a prayer for the hostages.

Am Yisrael Chai.

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Women’s Philanthropy Coffee & Conversation Bethesda

January 14, 2026
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
Women’s Philanthropy Coffee & Conversation Bethesda
Join Sophie Buslik, Assistant VP of Women's Philanthropy, for Coffee & Conversation, a listening tour across Greater Washington to get to know each other better, hear what you currently enjoy about Women's Philanthropy, address any questions, and share ideas and suggestions. Bethesda, MD*: Wednesday, February 11 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Register by Monday, February 9. Vienna, VA*: Tuesday, February 24 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Register by Sunday, February 22. Downtown Washington, DC*: Thursday, March 12 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Register by Tuesday, March 10.
Register
Questions? Contact Jordan Kaufman. These gatherings are open to all women at any giving level. *These intimate gatherings will take place at coffee shops 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.
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 Chair  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.
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Women’s Philanthropy Coffee & Conversation Washington, DC CoA Coffeehouse: From Bimah To Broadway

Women’s Philanthropy Coffee & Conversation Washington, DC

January 14, 2026
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
Women’s Philanthropy Coffee & Conversation Washington, DC
Join Sophie Buslik, Assistant VP of Women's Philanthropy, for Coffee & Conversation, a listening tour across Greater Washington to get to know each other better, hear what you currently enjoy about Women's Philanthropy, address any questions, and share ideas and suggestions. Vienna, VA*: Tuesday, February 24 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Register by Sunday, February 22. Downtown Washington, DC*: Thursday, March 12 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Register by Tuesday, March 10.
Register
Questions? Contact Jordan Kaufman. These gatherings are open to all women at any giving level. *These intimate gatherings will take place at coffee shops 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.
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 Chair  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.
BACK TO NEWS
Women’s Philanthropy Coffee & Conversation Vienna Women’s Philanthropy Coffee & Conversation Bethesda