Tag: leadership development

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 in public. 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.

Kibbutz Nir Oz was little-known outside certain circles before October 7, including within our local Jewish community. Now its name is a reminder of both unimaginable loss and extraordinary resilience.

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending a powerful event at the Bender JCC featuring three remarkable individuals with deep, personal ties to Kibbutz Nir Oz:

• Gadi Moses, the oldest living hostage to return from captivity, spoke about his experience of 482 days in captivity.
• Nir Metzger, whose father was murdered in captivity and whose mother was taken hostage and later released, spoke about the idyllic life on the kibbutz and how it was shattered in an instant on October 7.
• Emi Palmor, former Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Justice and now leading Nir Oz’s rehabilitation efforts, spoke about the challenging yet hopeful process of rebuilding the kibbutz, describing it as “the most important Zionist act of our time.”

Their stories were different, but the message was clear: after unbearable loss, the focus is on moving forward and rebuilding. The clearest example came with Gadi’s release from captivity, when his first message was simple and powerful: ‘I will do everything I can to rebuild Nir Oz.’ I left thinking not only about the horror of that day, but about the resilience it takes to rebuild trust, community, and a true sense of belonging from the ground up.

This conversation was part of Kesher Nir Oz, a grassroots partnership between members of our community and the survivors and leaders of Kibbutz Nir Oz, launched by lay leaders from Congregation Beth El, B’nai Israel, and Ohr Kodesh. It is heartwarming to see such busy people dedicate so much time and energy to sustaining this relationship.

Through Federation’s Local Israel Engagement work, we aim to help nurture such efforts alongside community leaders, recognizing just how powerful these people-to-people ties can be. These relationships don’t just show support—they help stitch our people back together. And that work is far from over.

We were honored to help bring a delegation from Nir Oz to visit our community last year, and now our conversations with Kesher Nir Oz continues. The potential is tremendous, and the need for healing, presence, and partnership is urgent.

If you know of (or are part of) a similar initiative between a DMV-area congregation or organization and a community or project in Israel, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at udi.eitan@shalomdc.org.

When Women’s Philanthropy set out to create a signature gathering for the Lions of Judah community, the goal was simple but ambitious: to build something that felt both celebratory and essential. A space to honor stories. A moment to deepen connections. A tradition worth beginning.

Held at the Four Seasons in Georgetown, this inaugural event on Monday, September 15, brought together more than 150 women for a morning of inspiration, reflection, and connection. More than a brunch, L’Chaim was a powerful reminder of what happens when women gather with intention. When leadership meets legacy. When stories are shared freely, and futures are shaped collectively.

From Welcome to Why

You could feel it immediately. It was a celebration of shared values, lived leadership, and the power of women’s philanthropy to shape our community.

Co-Chairs Yvonne Schlafstein Distenfeld and Irene Sherman set the tone: this wasn’t a day to sit back—it was a day to reflect, to honor, to energize.

Yvonne shared:

“There’s something truly powerful about bringing so many women together in one room—it’s inspiring every time. I’m in awe of the energy, strength, and spirit of being surrounded by such extraordinary women!”

Stories That Moved Us

Wendy Sachs, our guest speaker, took the stage with a lens into her world and her work as director and producer of the documentary, October 8, and her view of what it means to be a woman showing up in today’s world. Her stories didn’t just highlight antisemitism, they challenged us to consider how we use our voices, our resources, our courage.

Her message resonated deeply with the room. One Lion said:

“Wendy Sachs was so eloquent and inspiring and I loved hearing her speak. I was impressed how she talked about her audience being a global one (which we certainly need).”

Another Lion added:

“Wasn’t Wendy Sachs amazing? She was just as engaging and interesting as she could be.”

A Story Close to Home

Among the most moving moments of the morning came when Marianna Ashin, Lion of Judah Chair, stood to share her personal journey—from a young refugee arriving in the U.S. to a proud Jewish leader helping others write their own Federation stories.

Marianna spoke of leaving everything behind in 1989; her home, her extended family, and her familiar world in Kyiv. She recalled standing on a train platform with her parents and brother, holding only a pair of suitcases and an unwavering sense of Jewish identity.

“While we may have made a leap of faith by getting on that plane,” she said, “Federation was there to catch us when we landed at JFK.”

The room was quiet as she described how Federation gave her family not just resources, but dignity: language classes, job support, school supplies, summer camp. A kitchen full of groceries. A Jewish home in a new land.

“The Jewish Federation didn’t just help us get by. You helped us imagine what could come next, and gave us the tools to pursue.”

Her story reminded everyone in the room exactly why their giving matters.

“Without Jewish Federation. Without you. I am not here—standing in front of you. Sharing my story.”

The Strength in the Room

What made the morning unforgettable wasn’t just the speakers or the setting; it was the women who filled the room. Each one carrying a legacy of giving, each one committed to community.

“It was fun to connect with old friends and also meet new ones,” said one Lion. “What a spectacular event!”

Another reflected on what made the gathering so meaningful:

“I am so glad I came today! It was a beautiful event, and I learned so much from the stories that the women told.”

A Moment, A Movement

L’Chaim was about the quiet confidence that comes from standing shoulder to shoulder with women who believe in tikkun olam, repairing the world, and who act on that belief every day.

“This event was a huge success,” one Lion shared. “It has all the markings of a program to have every year before the holidays.”

Thank You

To all who joined us, thank you. Your stories enriched the fabric of our community. And your leadership, quiet or bold, helps move Jewish Greater Washington forward.

We are grateful to our host committee, our Women’s Philanthropy leaders, our Co-Chairs, and all who brought their time, energy, and commitment to this celebration.

If you’d like to learn more about the Lions of Judah giving society, please contact Becca Ginns at becca.ginns@shalomdc.org or (301) 230-7236.

What began as a bold idea—to bring together leaders from across Northern Virginia’s vast Jewish landscape for a morning of connection and shared purpose—came to life on Sunday, September 7.

Hosted by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington at Gesher Jewish Day School in Fairfax, the Northern Virginia Leadership Breakfast welcomed nearly 40 lay and professional leaders from synagogues and partner agencies across the region. Over coffee and conversation, participants built new relationships, deepened existing ones, and explored what it takes to lead effectively in a rapidly evolving and increasingly interconnected Jewish community.

At the center of the morning was a dynamic workshop led by Miriam Stein, Founder and Chief Strategist at Saddlerock Strategies, designed to strengthen relationships and build greater cohesion among our boards.  With thanks to longtime leaders from across NOVA who facilitated at each table, the sessions sparked candid, peer-led conversations about how to apply these insights to strengthen boards, build trust, and lead with intention.

“We’re spread out across the region, and it’s easy to feel like we’re working in silos,” said Ilana Rothberg, a member of the Board of Trustees at Gesher Jewish Day School. “Coming together helps us get to know one another, share ideas, support each other, and remember that we’re all working toward the same goal: a vibrant Northern Virginia Jewish community.”

Northern Virginia is the fastest-growing Jewish community in the Greater Washington area—and Federation is committed to helping it thrive. Through targeted investments, leadership development, and community-building initiatives like this one, Federation is working alongside partners to ensure the region’s Jewish institutions and leaders are prepared to meet current needs and shape a strong Jewish future.

“This is a growing and flourishing region,” said Ari Brickman, Federation’s Senior Director of Community Change Initiatives. “We want to ensure that Northern Virginia has the strongest leaders and the strongest institutions—and that we’re true partners in that work.”

Federation CEO Gil Preuss echoed that commitment: “We see this as a beginning. The strength of a Jewish community is really dependent on the strength of its leadership. What began as an idea is now a foundation we can grow from—together.”

More than a leadership breakfast, this was a clear step toward something bigger: a more connected, empowered, and vibrant Jewish community in Northern Virginia.

The future of Jewish leadership doesn’t start in boardrooms—it starts in moments of connection, clarity, and conviction. Earlier this month, thirteen young leaders from Greater Washington traveled to Denver to join more than 300 of their peers at the National Young Leadership Cabinet retreat. Over four days of learning and exchange, they discovered not just new ideas, but how deeply their local efforts are woven into a powerful collective shaping Jewish life across North America and beyond.

What Is Cabinet?

Cabinet, an initiative of Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), identifies, trains, and inspires leaders ages 30–45 to strengthen Jewish life locally and globally. Many participants go on to serve in prominent roles—on Federation’s Board of Directors, including as President, and on the boards of other leading Jewish organizations.

When the Impact Gets Personal

For Alexa Brown, Cabinet co-chair for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the retreat underscored how local work connects to a larger movement. “This experience helped me zoom out and see just how connected our work at home is to the broader Federation network,” she said.

That collective impact became especially personal for Alexa when she learned that Federation dollars are helping to rebuild Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva—where her grandmother is a patient. “Knowing that our community is directly supporting the hospital caring for her was incredibly emotional,” she reflected. “Hearing firsthand about the renovations left me overwhelmed with gratitude—not just for hospital staff, but for everyone in our Federation family who gives so generously.”

Finding Strength in Connection

For her co-chair, Britney Wambold, the most meaningful moments came from building deeper relationships. “Meeting in a more intimate setting and sharing our personal ‘why’ for being involved with Federation was incredibly powerful,” she said. “Their stories reminded me of the depth of passion in our community and inspired me to keep pushing forward in my own leadership journey.”

Both Alexa and Britney pointed to the energy that comes from being part of a national network. “There was an unspoken understanding among us—that we’re not just here to lead but to show up for one another,” Alexa shared. “It gave me peace knowing there’s a whole network of leaders who care deeply and have each other’s backs.” Britney agreed: “The retreat reminded me how impressive and diverse this group is, and how much we can learn from one another.”

From Retreat to Reality

For the Greater Washington delegation, Denver wasn’t just four days away—it was a chance to see the bigger picture, to feel the impact of global Jewish philanthropy in deeply personal ways, and bring home renewed energy for strengthening our community. Alexa and Britney returned new tools and ideas, and deeper pride in Federation’s work and in the generation of leaders shaping the Jewish future.

“I’m excited to see what this group of young leaders goes on to do here at home to strengthen our local Jewish community in the years to come,” reflected Jeremy Frisch, Federation’s Assistant Director for Donor Engagement, who also attended. “Watching them learn and grow leaves me feeling very hopeful about what that future looks like.”

And that’s the heart of Cabinet: cultivating leaders who will guide our community through real challenges and seize opportunities to enrich Jewish life across Greater Washington. Today’s investment develops the leaders our community will count on for decades to come.

To learn more about the National Young Leadership Cabinet or to get involved, contact Jeremy Frisch at jeremy.frisch@shalomdc.org.

We recently sat down with Marilyn and Ira Polon to talk about their decades-long connection to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington—a relationship built on community, shared values, and a lifetime of giving.

Their story began in 1971, when Ira had just completed two years of Army service and the young couple settled in Alexandria, Virginia. Not long after, a friend from Agudas Achim invited them to a Federation “Young Marrieds” event—a lively gathering that became their gateway into Greater Washington’s Jewish community. “It was such a wonderful way to meet other young Jewish couples and build connections,” Marilyn recalls.

From that first welcome, their involvement only deepened. Ira joined a Federation mission to Israel and later served on the Strategic Planning & Allocations (SP&A) Committee. “That experience gave us a deeper understanding of the community’s needs,” he says. “That’s when giving became a brand-new habit, one that felt good and meaningful. As our financial situation improved over the years, we were able to give more.” Today, their philanthropy focuses primarily on Jewish causes, especially since October 7. Marilyn adds with a smile, “And animals, too.” Ira now serves on Federation’s Board of Directors.

A Deepening Sense of Purpose

Over five decades, the Polons have watched Federation’s work evolve to meet the changing needs of the community. “The work has always been vital,” they reflect, “but it feels especially urgent now with the rise in antisemitism.”

They point to the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (JDS) as an example of how Federation-supported institutions shape identity. Both of their children, Sara and Jonathan, attended JDS, and the experience reinforced the importance of Jewish learning. “A Jewish education deepens understanding and connection to our traditions,” Marilyn says. “That sense of identity and joy is what sustains us, especially in challenging times.”

“It’s what makes us feel rooted and proud,” Ira adds.

Today, their connection to JDS continues through the next generation—their two grandchildren are current students, carrying forward the same values and traditions that shaped their parents.

Roots, Resilience, and Influence

Neither Marilyn nor Ira grew up in a “Federation family,” but both carried formative Jewish experiences into their marriage. Ira was raised in New York, where he attended Hebrew school and celebrated his Bar Mitzvah, but he describes his upbringing as “not very religious.” Marilyn grew up in Baltimore with a deeply observant father and Hebrew teachers who were Holocaust survivors.

Her father’s devotion was sometimes tempered by caution in the face of antisemitism. “He wore a hat instead of a kippah and didn’t put up a sukkah,” Marilyn remembers. “Antisemitism was present then, as it is now.”

When the couple married in December 1967, Ira was surprised when Marilyn announced they’d keep a kosher home and join the local synagogue. “Thanks to Marilyn,” he says, “my connection to Judaism is so much richer and deeper now.”

A Legacy for the Future

For Marilyn and Ira, philanthropy is about more than giving—it’s about ensuring the future of the Jewish people. “We care deeply about continuity,” they say. “We want to make sure more Jews have the opportunity to strengthen their identity and connection to our heritage.”

“We feel lucky to be able to give back,” Marilyn says. “It just feels good to do our part.”

Recently, they experienced a proud and moving moment when they learned that their children also give to Federation quietly, without ever mentioning it to their parents. For them, it was a powerful illustration of true altruism—a sign that the next generation had been inspired not by being told to give, but by witnessing their parents’ intentional actions over the years.

“That’s what legacy is all about,” they agreed—ensuring that the Jewish community they have helped strengthen will continue to thrive for generations. A legacy gift, they believe, is a mitzvah for the future of the Jewish community. It shows your loved ones what matters most to you and creates a plan to sustain it.

Join Marilyn and Ira in shaping the future of Jewish life in Greater Washington. Learn more about creating your own Jewish legacy at shalomdc.org/legacy.

On Wednesday, I had the honor of joining fellow lay and professional leaders from Greater Washington—alongside hundreds more from 100+ Jewish communities across the country—for the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)’s Emergency Leadership Mission: United for Security on Capitol Hill.

As JFNA CEO Eric Fingerhut so powerfully said, “The power of today is our unity.”

I felt that unity profoundly. It gave me strength and deepened my pride in being Jewish—and in serving our community through the work of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

Building Security Through Advocacy

Throughout the day, I met leaders from every corner of Jewish life. We come from different backgrounds, attend different kinds of synagogues—or none at all. We live in diverse communities, hold a wide range of political beliefs, and may disagree on many issues. And yet, we stood united by a shared purpose: ensuring that our Jewish communities have the security and resources to live freely and safely as Jews. To celebrate simchas (joyful Jewish lifecycle events). To attend school. To pray. To observe our holidays. To mourn. All without fear.

Together, we called on Congress to expand the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)—a vital source of support for Jewish institutions nationwide. Locally, our JShield initiative helps schools, synagogues, and other organizations apply for these funds and turn them into real-world security upgrades. It’s one of the many ways we’re investing in safety—not just through dollars, but through expertise, coordination, and partnership.

A Memorable Capitol Hill Moment

One moment captured the spirit of the day perfectly: a group of us—lay leaders and professionals from Greater Washington, Baltimore, and Annapolis—were racing to make it to our meeting with Jonathan Lord, the new national security advisor to Senator Angela Alsobrooks. The usual route was closed, so we had to get creative. After some quick coordination (and a little begging), I found a staffer named Zane who helped us access the restricted train that runs between the House and Senate buildings. Thanks to Zane, we arrived just in time. The meeting was incredibly productive, especially the conversation with Alsobrooks’s new national security advisor, Jonathan Lord, who, as it happens, is Jewish.

It wasn’t just a logistical workaround. It was a reminder that behind every policy win and funding decision is a relationship, a human moment, a door opened.

And sometimes, that connection comes with VIP access to the underground Senate train—complete with a new friend named Zane.

Strength in Collective Action

We came together with a single goal: to keep our communities safe. We showed up to tell our stories—diverse, personal, and deeply rooted in Jewish life—and to affirm our determination to live proudly and securely as Jews, even in the face of rising antisemitism and new threats unlike any we’ve experienced in the U.S., and certainly not in Washington, DC.

I’m especially grateful to Guila Franklin Siegel, one of our partners at the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington, who led many of the day’s meetings with clarity, purpose, and a deep understanding of what’s at stake. Her reflections capture the urgency and solidarity of the moment beautifully.

Why I Returned to Federation

It’s been nearly six months since I returned to Federation. I came back for many reasons. I believe in the power of philanthropy—what becomes possible when people give generously and collectively to drive meaningful change. I love the Jewish community, and I especially love the Jewish community here in Greater Washington. I moved here with purpose, like so many others, at 23 years old. Nearly 30 years later, I feel more at home here than ever.

This week gave me renewed hope that we will get through this challenging time—so long as we do it together.

Our unity is our strength. Now more than ever, it’s up to all of us to show up, speak out, and invest in the security and resilience of Jewish life—for ourselves and for generations to come.

Let’s keep moving forward—together.

A community like ours—bold, diverse, ever evolving—deserves a leadership model that reflects who we are and where we’re going.

That’s why, over the past two years, we’ve approached this work with deep intention: reimagining our governance model to reflect our values, our community, and our future. This change is the result of careful listening, learning, and collaboration across our leadership and community—rooted in where we’ve been and designed for where we’re headed.

Not just for efficiency. Not for optics. But to create a true culture of belonging—where more people have more ways to show up, speak out, and shape what comes next.

Here’s what’s new:

• A smaller, sharper Governing Board, focused on Federation’s strength and strategy.
• A new Community Leadership Council (CLC): a powerhouse group of 70–80 leaders, connectors, and changemakers bringing the voice of the community to the table.
• A renewed commitment to data-informed decision-making, gathering broad community insight, analyzing what we learn, and acting with clarity and purpose.

This is not a departure from who we are—it’s a step toward who we’re becoming.

More voices. Smarter choices. Stronger Community

A foundation built for action, not reaction.

Federation remains committed to strengthening the connective tissue of Jewish Greater Washington—fostering deeper collaboration among synagogues, agencies, and institutions to meet this moment and build what’s next. That’s how we create lasting belonging.

Because our future deserves bold ideas, shared ownership, and a leadership model that leads like our community: diverse, passionate, and deeply invested.

Curious who’s leading the way? Take a closer look at our evolving leadership team.