Author: The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

One in five adolescents faces a mental health challenge each year. This alarming statistic affects families across Greater Washington, but here’s the good news: we have the power to make a difference. The BBYO Center for Adolescent Wellness (BBYO CAW) is leading the way by providing critical tools, knowledge, and support to transform how we address teen mental health in our community. 

Since its founding in 2019, BBYO CAW has been dedicated to empowering teens, parents, educators, and professionals to recognize, respond to, and act on mental health challenges. Their work is building a network of support that spans schools, camps, afterschool programs, and community centers, ensuring that no teen faces mental health struggles alone. 

“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this program really opened my eyes. It wasn’t just information—it was something I could actually use in my life, right now.”
— Teen Participant, 11th Grade, Capital Camps 

See the difference BBYO CAW is making: BBYO CAW in Action 

In a world where teen mental health is at the forefront of national conversations, BBYO CAW’s work proves that with early intervention, education, and community support, we can save lives and empower a generation to not only survive, but thrive. 

BBYO CAW’s Impact on Our Community 

• 274 teens trained in Teen Mental Health First Aid 

• 122 adults equipped with tools for Youth Mental Health First Aid, spotting red flags, and building resilience 

• Nearly 30 organizations across Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. impacted 

Real Stories, Real Impact: BBYO CAW’s Milestones 

This year, for the first time, BBYO CAW trained the entire 10th grade and staff at Berman Hebrew Academy, bridging gaps in understanding and mental health education within the Orthodox community. 

“As a teacher, I’m now so much more aware of what to look for. This isn’t just a session—it’s something that should be happening in every school.”
— Faculty, Berman Hebrew Academy 

After completing BBYO CAW’s training, a teen recognized signs of suicidal ideation in a friend and immediately took action. This is the power of prevention and the importance of equipping teens with the right tools to act. 

“I feel like every parent needs to know this. It’s one thing to hear about mental health, but it’s another to be equipped to actually help when your child needs you most.”
— Parent, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School 

BBYO CAW’s workshops are empowering parents and educators with the tools to recognize red flags, offer support, and intervene when needed. Their work is ensuring that every adult in the community is prepared to help. 

Join the Movement: Empowering Our Community to Support Teen Mental Health 

BBYO CAW offers free 30-minute introductory assessments for youth-serving organizations, helping them design custom training programs for teens, parents, and educators. This partnership approach ensures that our community is equipped to offer meaningful support to the next generation. 

“This program made me realize just how much more we need to do for our kids. It’s so important, and I’m grateful my school took this seriously.”
— Faculty, Berman Hebrew Academy 

Together, we can make sure that no teen struggles alone—that every teen has the support, understanding, and empowerment they need to thrive. 

Your support of the Jewish Federation fuels programs like BBYO CAW to transform lives. Together, we build a stronger, healthier future. Donate today 

Photo Credit: BBYO CAW Website

“We sang, we laughed, we cried, we dug deep, and we unplugged. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect weekend or a more inspiring group of women.”

Baltimore, MD — They arrived carrying snacks, tote bags, and just a little hesitation. For many, it was their first time stepping away—from routines, from responsibilities, from the noise of the everyday—to join a retreat they weren’t quite sure how to describe.

By the end of the WOW (Women of Wisdom) Shabbat Experience, they were finishing each other’s sentences.

Held in a quiet, wooded corner of Maryland, the retreat brought together a multigenerational group of Jewish women from across the region for a weekend of reflection, connection, and leadership-building. The agenda wasn’t just about workshops or wellness—it was about making space. Space to show up, speak up, and let go of everything else for just long enough to feel present.

Thunderstorms rolled in. Laughter broke out. Tears were shared, and so were shoes. Somewhere between the circle discussions and late-night conversations, something shifted. Uncertainty gave way to something steadier: community.

The presence of seasoned professionals like Federation President Robin Hettleman Weinberg, Kerry Iris, and Wendy Feldman Block added a deeper layer to the experience. Their openness and wisdom underscored what many participants felt: that the power of WOW came not just from the setting, but from who was in the room—and how willing they were to show up for one another.

Guided by the grounded, thoughtful leadership of Rabbi Sarah Krinsky of Adas Israel Congregation and co-chairs Danielle Traub and Mollie Bowman, the retreat struck a rare balance: structured and spiritual, intentional and inclusive, and filled with Jewish learning! These leaders didn’t just organize the weekend—they joined it. Fully.

As the women packed up their bags and returned to their homes, they carried more than just takeaways. They carried new relationships. New perspective. And a shared sense that something meaningful had started—and no one wanted it to end.

The buzz is already building— email ilana.matheson@shalomdc.org to learn how to be part of what’s next.

“Our greatest resource is community.” – Albert Small

At Federation’s Real Estate Breakfast on Tuesday morning, that message landed with power and purpose.

More than 100 Jewish real estate professionals filled the room—and it wasn’t just for the strong coffee. It was a morning of insight, connection, and momentum. The energy was unmistakable. Conversations flowed, handshakes turned into new relationships, and across the room, one thing was clear: this community shows up.

Marc Duber and Dana Jacobsohn, two of the industry’s most respected voices, shared reflections on career growth, luxury development in their field, and the power of mentorship. And again and again, the conversation returned to relationships—the people you trust, who show up when it matters, who help you build something lasting.

Their foundation, they shared, has always been the Jewish community.

That idea—community as a constant—resonated well beyond the stage. You could hear it in the conversations around every table.

The morning also marked the launch of the Builders Society, a new giving level for Jewish professionals in real estate. With its first dinner set for later this month and strong interest already building, it’s clear this isn’t just a network. It’s a movement.

There were plenty of firsts in the room: first-time Federation participants, first-time donors, first-time conversations that sparked new ideas. And behind all of it? A growing belief that being in the room—and showing up together—matters.

The message was clear: This community creates real opportunity. Professional, personal, and philanthropic.

Thanks to the vision and leadership of Jenna Jacobson, Albert Small, and the Real Estate Committee co-chairs, the morning delivered not just a conversation, but a clear step forward for this community of builders, leaders, and changemakers.

Want in? Contact Sarah Green at sarah.green@shalomdc.org to learn more.

Last week, I had the privilege of joining 20 Ruby Lions—extraordinary women who contribute $10,000 or more annually to the Jewish Federation—for a day trip to New York City. The day was filled with meaningful experiences that brought Jewish life to light and deepened our connections as a community. These women, each a leader in her own right, came together to learn, share, and make a powerful impact.

We kicked off the day bright and early, bonding on the bus ride up. Conversations flowed effortlessly, and friendships blossomed between old friends and new faces alike. It was the perfect way to start a truly special day.

A Day of Inspiration at the Jewish Museum

As we approached Museum Mile on the Upper East Side, anticipation filled the air. Our first stop was the Jewish Museum, which had graciously opened its doors just for our group. We were about to embark on an exclusive private tour of the “Queen Esther in the Age of Rembrandt” exhibit, and it felt like the perfect place to begin.

For these extraordinary women, the story of Queen Esther resonated deeply. The exhibit wasn’t just an opportunity to learn about an ancient heroine—it was a chance to reflect on their own strength and leadership. It was an invitation to see themselves in Esther’s courage and to recognize the power of their own voices in shaping the future.

Real Conversations, Real Impact: Zionism and Antisemitism

After our tour, we gathered for a delicious kosher lunch at Lox, where Amanda Berman, founder of Zioness Movement, led a thought-provoking conversation about Zionism. For Amanda, Zionism isn’t a political stance; it’s a defining part of Jewish identity. Her words challenged us to think about the rise of antisemitism and how, as Jews, we must actively combat it.

She urged us to step outside of our circles, reach out to non-Jews, and have the difficult conversations needed to break down barriers and build understanding. Amanda’s message was clear and powerful: We must go beyond the walls of our community, speak up, and act. It was a call to not just talk about change, but to be the change, in our own lives and in the world around us.

Building Community, Supporting One Another

Our second stop was a visit with Martine Fleischman, a UJA New York leader, at Met Council, the service arm of UJA Federation New York. We toured their state-of-the-art online food pantry system, which serves more than 200,000 people annually. The innovative system allows individuals to choose food based on health and cultural preferences, connecting them with legal aid and other vital services. This visit was a powerful reminder that community support isn’t just about providing resources—it’s about empowering individuals to make decisions that honor their dignity and needs.

Art with Purpose: Jojo Anavim’s Commitment to Change

Next, we visited the studio of Jojo Anavim, a Persian-American Sephardic artist whose work is deeply rooted in his Jewish heritage. Jojo’s art is infused with his connection to Judaism, with each piece bearing a blessing on the back. After 10/7, Jojo generously donated all proceeds from his art sales for the first three months to support emergency relief efforts in Israel. He continues to use his platform to raise awareness about the rising tide of antisemitism and was instrumental in promoting the NOVA exhibit in NYC. Jojo’s unwavering support for Israel and his community shows how art can inspire action and foster positive change.

Strengthening Jewish Life on Campus

We wrapped up the day with a delicious kosher dinner at Malka, joined by Brian Cohen, Executive Director of Columbia/Barnard Hillel. Brian shared his commitment to supporting Jewish students at Columbia University, helping them navigate antisemitism, build strong Jewish identities, and advocate for themselves in a challenging environment. His words reinforced how essential it is to create safe spaces for young Jewish leaders, and how the work we do as a community has a direct, meaningful impact on their experiences.

A Day of Connection, Learning, and Empowerment

The trip was more than just a day away—it was a powerful reminder of the strength of community, the importance of connection, and the incredible impact we can have when we come together. These Ruby Lions, whose leadership and generosity shape our future, left the trip with a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger commitment to making a difference. Together, we’re building a brighter future for Jewish life, one action at a time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Major Chen Buchris, Deputy Commander of the Maglan Unit, was a brave and stoic warrior and leader. He dedicated his entire being to the army, and in his rare free time, he would return to his parents’ home in Ashdod. There, he trained, played guitar, and studied Mesillat Yesharim (The Path of the Just—a Jewish text on mannerisms).

Chen fell on the cursed October 7th Sabbath, during a charge he led in the battle to clear Nahal Oz of the accursed terrorists who had taken control of it.

The opening words of the book he so loved to study are: “The foundation of piety and the root of pure service is for a person to clarify and affirm what his obligation is in his world.”

After Chen’s Shiva and hearing about his pure character from his brother (who was a commander in the army—a combat officer like all the brave sons and daughters of the Buchris family), I took it upon myself to study Mesillat Yesharim in Chen’s memory.

It seems to me that there are no more precise words to describe a person to whom we all owe our lives. Chen, you will forever be, to me, the one who fulfilled his obligation in this world.

Photo Credit: Times of Israel

Guy Illouz was murdered when he was 26 years old. He was born and raised in Raanana, a town in the center of Israel. Guy was a musician; he spent most of his free time with a guitar on his lap. Guy was at the Nova Music Festival with a big group of friends. He got to his car but was not able to drive far enough before terrorists started shooting towards his car. His friend, Alon Werber, was shot while sitting next to him in the car. Guy was shot in the arm and hid in a tree, calling his parents and the police for help and saying goodbye. Guy was taken hostage, according to other hostages who returned home, was neglected in the hospital and died from his wounds.

I met Guy in high school; we both were in the same grade and we both were fans of HaYehudim. We didn’t talk that much, but we were friendly.

A couple of years later, I got off a bus and I saw Guy. He told me it was his first day in a Medics Course. Not long after that, we found out that we would be together. It was an immediate bond. We became so close that people thought we were best friends from before. We created a small group of friends for ourselves. We spent sleepless nights of laughter and practicing medical procedures and we became so close we would even spend our weekends at home together.

After the course, our group kept thriving. My friendship with Guy mostly involved being in nature and talking about music. Guy believed that music builds connections and can increase the good we see in the world. He loved his dog, George. He was a musical engineer for some of the greatest artists in Israel including Shalom Hanoch, Mati Caspi, and HaYehudim.

Since I found out that Guy was a hostage and hasn’t yet returned, some things, very simple things are just not the same. For almost three months, I had hope. I believed that Guy would come back. I hoped that he was ok. When I found out that Guy was murdered, grief took over any feeling of hope I had.

When I think about Guy I think about the music we listened to and played together. I think about the songs he wrote that I will never get to hear. I remember that he always chose joy over sadness, being with friends and talking about hard things with a smile.

Idan Reichel, an artist Guy and I loved to listen to rephrased Jeremiah 11.

רק מנעי קולך מבכי ועינייך מדמעה
כי השער יפתח לו
יבוא בו בסערה כשישובו לגבולם

Restrain your voice from weeping,
Your eyes from shedding tears;
Because the gate will open for him
And he will come in a storm when they return to their country

I met Roei during our gap year in Israel at Mechinat Rabin. We were in the same group, which basically meant we were together 24/7.

From the very beginning, Roei stood out. He was a star—everyone loved him. He always had someone to talk to, something to do, someone to help. He was a true leader—constantly stepping up, volunteering, and taking on big responsibilities without hesitation.

Even though he was incredibly popular, he somehow managed to make time for everyone. Roei had this rare gift—no matter who you were, he made you feel like you were his best friend.

He made time for me, too. That meant the world to me. He made me feel like I could talk to him about anything. He always listened, always had the right words.

I miss the little moments the most—laughing in class, our silly fights, our deep conversations. He made my day, every day.

When Roei died in the war at just 22 years old, I knew I wasn’t the only one broken by the news. That day was horrible for hundreds, maybe thousands of people—people he had touched in his city, in the Scouts, in the army, in the Mechina. He had so many people that loved him unconditionally.

Just before he went on his final mission to Gaza, he said, “If I die, please do something for youth at risk—but I’m not going to die, I’m coming back to do it myself.” I think it reflects exactly who he was.

It is a radical understatement to say that we live in interesting and challenging times. Increasing divisions and disagreements in the United States, in Israel, and around the world are creating even more significant divides. Within the Jewish community, the role and impact of diversity of thought in our community has taken on new urgency. How do we move forward knowing fellow community members have deeply held and emotionally challenging viewpoints, with which we significantly disagree and directly challenge our own values?

The wide array of opinions in this community is a source of strength. But I also know this is easy to say—it’s much harder to sit with, and even make room for, thoughts I vehemently oppose.

I flag this because when I look at how we frequently handle differences, I see us incorporating the logic of politics. In a world where there are winners and losers, we are compelled to draw sharp lines around what we believe and exclude or make offensive opposing perspectives. We focus on who is with us and who is against us, maintaining a zero-sum mentality in the pursuit of political success.

A Different Lens for Community Building

Living in Greater Washington, DC, and as part of a minority population, we recognize the importance of politics and its outcomes on our lives. But when it comes to community building, we’ve got to opt for a different lens entirely. If we are to achieve our goal of building a strong and vibrant Jewish future together, then we need to operate from a place of humility, connections, and a commitment to a collective future. Our shared history, the bonds that have held the Jewish people together for millennia, and our aspirations for the future must carry more weight than our ideological differences.

To be clear, building a community where people with diverse views can effectively engage isn’t about communal harmony. We have significant challenges and important work to do together, and the more we can bring together diverse views within a community-focused lens, the more productive we will be. Our collective Jewish future, depends on our ability to build a place where Jews of all backgrounds can come and find the wisdom and meaning of Jewish thought and tradition, the connections and relationships that ground a life and make it joyful, and the services and experiences that support and expand someone’s world.

All of this is underway, and our communal debates can serve these efforts. As President Isaac Herzog writes in Sapir, “Can diversity complicate shared living? Yes. But we cannot forget the complementary truth. Diversity, with all of the ways it complicates life, also supports it.”

We do have the right to define and maintain the boundaries of our community. But wherever we land on this complicated question, I hope it includes all those who see their personal fate tied to that of the global Jewish people. Our individual, specific viewpoints and forms of Jewish expression may change over the course of a lifetime, but it’s our connection to Jewish peoplehood and our stake in the Jewish future that can serve as the constant bond that holds us together as we build that future for ourselves and generations to come.

April 24 is Yom Hashoah, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day. We are reaching a pivotal time in Holocaust storytelling. There is an unprecedented amount of Holocaust denial and antisemitism, all while there are fewer survivors still alive to tell their own stories. There has never been a better time for younger generations to share Holocaust stories, so I recently got trained through Teach the Shoah to be a third-generation storyteller.

My grandmother, Johanna Neumann (1930-2017), escaped Nazi Germany and went to Albania. She was protected by Muslims in Albania, who hid her from the Nazis. In Albania, they live by the moral code of Besa to save the Jews. Besa translates into “the promise,” and it means to protect your guests. The Albanian government treated Jews like guests and even gave them fake documentation to make it easier for them to hide.

After the war, many of the Jews hiding in Albania ended up in Displaced Persons (DP) camps. My grandma and her family went to one in Italy, where my grandma realized how lucky she was to have been in Albania during the war. The majority of the other people at the DP camp had been liberated from concentration camps and were actively looking to reconnect with family and friends who may have survived the Holocaust with minimal success. A few months later, my grandmother and the rest of her family got visas to move to the United States.

My grandmother spent the rest of her life traveling the world to tell her story. I now tell her story too, wherever I can, to continue with the goals and lessons that she thought were the most important: the destruction hate can cause, to honor Albania for saving Jews, the importance of the Muslim Jewish and all interfaith relationships, to look out for each other, and never forgetting the Holocaust. These lessons are encapsulated in the way that my grandmother ended all of her speeches:

“Our Talmud says that he who saves a life, it is as if he saved an entire world. Hitler tried to kill me, and now I have 4 kids, 14 grandkids, and 33 great-grandkids. This is all due to the righteous people in Albania who saved my life.”

I feel this responsibility to make sure her story is not forgotten, and I continue to work on ways to carry on her legacy and the rest of the Holocaust survivors. They did not endure and survive against all odds for their stories to be forgotten.

This is my first Yom Hashoah as a trained storyteller, and I am fortunate to have so many excellent opportunities to tell my story. On Monday, I spoke at a public library with two other excellent speakers on each of our family stories. This experience was especially incredible because we have very different stories to share with the group. On Wednesday, I spoke to healthcare system employees as part of their discussion series on race and discrimination. This opportunity is unique since it will be targeted toward non-Jews and will encompass Holocaust education with the lessons of my grandmother’s story. On Thursday morning, I am speaking to a class of 6th graders. They asked me to come speak because they are currently learning about refugees, and my grandmother’s story is about the Jewish experience of being a refugee in Albania. Finally, Thursday night, I am speaking virtually – open to the public – for Teach the Shoah. This talk will be a lesson about rescuers during the Holocaust infused with storytelling.

While I am telling my own family story, I also try to find ways to encourage and empower others to share their family stories. Together, we can ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.

Below are resources to share your family stories and connect with other Holocaust survivor community members:

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a fantastic resource to build on the details of your family story that may be missing. They have three outlets to do that research:

• Holocaust Survivors and Victims Database
• Collections Search
• Connect with a Researcher (to find documentation that is not yet online)

Living Links is a national organization that offers free training for 3rd generation Holocaust survivors and has groups in many cities around the country to connect those survivors.

• 3G DC Community
• Apply for Storyteller Training

Teach the Shoah is another training program in which any generation can be trained to tell stories.

• Become a Storyteller

Jamie Neumann is also a Marketing & Communications Associate for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

As someone who is not Catholic, I nevertheless have found myself deeply moved and inspired by the leadership of Pope Francis. While I disagreed with many specific issues, his commitment to making religion more relevant and responsive to the pressing challenges of our time is something I’ve long admired. Whether addressing climate change, advocating for the poor and marginalized, or speaking out on issues of justice and human dignity, Pope Francis has consistently demonstrated the need for a moral voice that transcends religious boundaries.

His leadership has served as a powerful reminder that faith, in all its forms, can and must play a role in healing a fractured world. I have appreciated his ability to speak to the spiritual core of global issues while remaining grounded in humility and humanity. In doing so, he has helped reframe what religious leadership can look like in the 21st century—not as a force apart from the world, but as one deeply engaged in its betterment.

The papacy carries tremendous influence on the global stage, and Pope Francis has wielded that influence with courage and empathy. As the world anticipates potential transitions in the Vatican and beyond, it’s worth noting just how profound an impact his voice and vision have had—not just within the Catholic Church, but across religious and cultural divides. We are, I believe, entering a moment of change shaped in part by his legacy—a legacy of inclusion, justice, and hope.

May his memory be a blessing.

Gil