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03 January 2025
I hope your new year is off to a great start. Many thanks, again, to all of you who gave to Federation’s Annual Campaign. I’ll have updated numbers to share in the coming weeks, but I can confirm it was another successful year. Special gratitude, as well, to my colleagues and the volunteer leaders who do so much to ensure our work can continue.
The attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day and other incidents of tragic and senseless violence underscore just how much work we have ahead. As Jews, we must be co-creators of a better world. I’m motivated to help our communities heal, create, and build. I know you are too.
More below — and much to come.
- Like many of you, I was saddened by the sudden passing of Rabbi Matthew Bellas, z”l, Lower School Principal of Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School. Rabbi Bellas was the kind of leader we all need. His warmth, compassion, and dedication benefited not only his young students and colleagues, but the entire community. May Rabbi Bellas’ memory be for a blessing.
- Next week, Keren Waranch joins our team as Federation’s new Chief Development Officer. Keren is returning to Federation after 17 years as Chief Development Officer for Americans for Ben-Gurion University and other impressive roles. She’ll be focused on elevating our fundraising strategy, building relationships, and fostering a culture of philanthropy across the community. I’m excited for you to meet her.
- ICYMI during Chanukah, my colleague Rusty Rosenthal, Federation’s Executive Director of Community Security, recently spoke with NBC4 Washington about how our JShield security division works with local organizations to address security concerns. A timely message as we look ahead, too.
- Flagging a new offering from Project Shema: a 1-hour LinkedIn Learning course about understanding and supporting Jewish colleagues at work that’s free through the month of January. The course is designed to address antisemitism in school, government, and corporate settings – an important resource to share with your networks.
- A reminder to mark your calendar for Federation’s Cornerstone event on March 3rd at the Waldorf Astoria. I’m looking forward to celebrating our honorees Alma Gildenhorn, Carol and Gary Berman, Sophie and Bradley Buslik, and Rachel and Pete Federowicz. The event will benefit our Cornerstone Fund – investing in our next generation and helping them grow into leaders who embody Jewish values and have the confidence and skills to respond to challenges during these critical times. I hope to see you there.