Month: March 2025

The Phyllis Margolius Family Foundation is thrilled to announce that Jennifer Scher has been named as the recipient of the 2025 Phyllis G. Margolius Impossible Dream Award. Scher was selected by the committee for her work to foster support for Israel as Vice President of the MidAtlantic Region for Friends of the IDF (FIDF).

Scher is the third recipient of the Phyllis G. Margolius Impossible Dream Award, given annually to a Jewish communal professional who echoes the character, inspiration, and determination of its namesake, Phyllis Ann Goldman Margolius. Phyllis cared deeply about strengthening the Jewish community in Washington, D.C., Israel, and around the world. Where others saw problems, she saw opportunities and solutions, pushing the needle forward and motivating those around her to do the same.

As part of the award, Scher will receive an $18,000 cash prize for her dedication to empowering Jewish identity and building meaningful connections to Israel.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Phyllis G. Margolius Impossible Dream Award,” said Jennifer Scher. “Phyllis was a dynamic and transformative leader, and I am privileged to be associated with someone who was such a champion of Jewish life, Israel, and community. Since 2006, the Greater Washington, DC community has mentored and nurtured my professional growth. I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support and guidance of my lay and professional partners, who have been by my side for nearly 20 years. On October 8, 2023, in the heartbreak of tragedy and fog of war, I told my husband, ‘I am in this job at FIDF, in this moment, for a reason, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.’”

Scher has served as the Vice President of the MidAtlantic Region for FIDF for three years, where she champions Israel’s soldiers and educates communities on Israel’s security challenges. Under her guidance, FIDF has established a strong young leadership cohort, growing young Jews’ connection to Israel. She also spearheaded the establishment of a WhatsApp group that provides ongoing updates and briefings, gathered Lone Soldier parents to support them while their children are at war, and helped organize Legacy Camp, a program bringing children from IDF bereaved families to Capital Camps.

Prior to FIDF, Scher was the Director of Community Advancement at Gesher Jewish Day School and the Director of Northern Virginia Engagement at The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. She is an active member of Congregation Olam Tikvah and a longtime parent at Gesher Jewish Day School and Capital Camps.

“In a time where community is needed, Jennifer is making a way, especially for young people to come together to help support and talk about Israel and Jewish community in a post-October 7 world,” said Selection Committee Member Josh Maxey. “When Jennifer speaks, I see a person committed to continue serving her community and ensuring we have the next generation of exemplary leaders.”

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington has been an invaluable partner in the fulfillment of this award. Phyllis devoted many hours in the work of Federation, and it is one of the many organizations in which she observed the depth of devotion and talent that Jewish professionals bring to our community.

“We are immensely proud to have Jennifer Scher as our award winner for the prestigious Phyllis G. Margolius Impossible Dream Award,” said Philip Margolius, President of the Phyllis Margolius Family Foundation. “Her achievements and dedication embody the essential qualities that this award represents: resilience, creativity, and the ability to rise to any challenge. We hope that receiving the Impossible Dream Award will further inspire Jennifer to continue her exemplary work in the field.”

Jennifer Scher will receive her award at an event to honor Jewish communal professionals on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at the Bender JCC in Rockville, Maryland. The event is co-sponsored by the Phyllis Margolius Family Foundation, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the BenderJCC.

For many older adults, loneliness is a daily struggle. A 2023 study found that one in four adults worldwide experience feelings of isolation. But a new and innovative music program in senior living facilities is working to change that—and it’s hitting all the right notes.

The Iris Music Project is transforming the lives of older adults through its Ensemble-in-Residence model. Instead of offering one-time events like concerts or trivia nights, this program focuses on building deep, lasting relationships through regular, meaningful interactions with professional musicians. By embedding musicians in senior living facilities, the project fosters ongoing connections that significantly reduce loneliness and enhance well-being, offering more than just entertainment—it’s about building a sense of community.

It All Started Here in Greater Washington

Launched in 2016 right here in Greater Washington at Charles E. Smith Life Communities in Rockville, MD, the program stands out for its commitment to consistency. Rather than offering occasional events, musicians spend extended time with residents, leading weekly rehearsals, music lectures, and engaging in one-on-one interactions. This ongoing involvement fosters meaningful connections that go beyond entertainment, creating a true sense of community and shared experience.

“When you’re there like that, building relationships and connections like that, you really see the power of working together, making music together, and the way it can transform,” Iris Music Project Executive Director Lauren Latessa recently shared during an interview with WBAL-TV. “It can really transform not just one person’s life, but the entire community.”

Beyond the Music

While the music is at the heart of this program, the Iris Music Project believes the Ensemble-in-Residence model could be a game changer in other areas as well—think visual arts, cooking, and exercise—all with the same goal: to combat loneliness and bring communities closer together.

The Iris Music Project is already working on formalizing best practices and training artists to bring this unique approach to community-building to more senior living facilities across the country.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is proud to partner with Charles E. Smith Life Communities in supporting the Iris Music Project and helping spread the joy of connection through music to our senior community.

As the impact of recent and looming federal layoffs ripple through our community, the Federation is stepping up to ensure that no one must navigate this hardship alone. Through the network of local rabbis and community leaders, individuals affected by these layoffs can now access direct financial support to help meet urgent needs.

A Lifeline in Times of Crisis

After 25 years of loyal service, a long-time community member suddenly found themselves out of a job due to the federal layoffs. With no severance and mounting bills, the weight of uncertainty began to feel overwhelming. Amid this crisis, they reached out to their rabbi for support.

His words were simple, but they felt like a lifeline: “You are not alone.”

With the help of the Jewish Federation, they received not just practical resources to manage immediate needs, but also emotional encouragement that helped them regain their footing.

“It’s not just about surviving tough times—it’s about knowing that we have people who will show up for us when we need it most.”

Facing Impossible Choices: A Mother’s Journey

For many years, a local mother balanced her career and care for her son with special needs thanks to the flexibility her government job offered—working from home, a privilege she had long before the pandemic made remote work common. She consistently received top reviews and accolades for her work, demonstrating her commitment and dedication. But when a new policy required her to commute long hours each day, leaving her son behind, she was faced with an impossible choice: stay in her job or lose the flexibility that allowed her to care for him.

With no safety net and an immediate financial burden, she turned to her rabbi for guidance.

“You are not alone,” he assured her.

The support she received from the Jewish Federation wasn’t just about meeting immediate needs—it was about offering hope for what lies ahead. With a focus on the future, they provided resources that helped her explore new career opportunities.

The Power of Community

These examples serve as powerful reminders of the importance of community support, especially during the hardest of times. In response to current challenges facing our community, the Jewish Federation has allocated $180,000 as part of the Federation’s Individuals and Families in Need initiative (IFN), $100,000 to create a new Rabbinic Emergency Fund to help rabbis meet the increasing needs of their congregations, and $80,000 to our current human service agency partners.

This initiative underscores the Federation’s commitment to supporting all community members who are facing financial uncertainty due to the layoffs. The funds are distributed across rabbis and agencies, ensuring that those impacted by the layoffs receive the immediate support they need.

The Jewish Federation, and its network, is ensuring that no one in our community faces challenges alone. Whether it’s offering financial resources or providing crucial emotional support, the Federation is there for our community in times of need.

As a local rabbi reminds us: “Abraham, our forefather, fed his hungry guests before speaking with them about G-d. Our community’s first responsibility is to care for each other in times of need, just as Abraham did. We are grateful to the Jewish Federation for leading the way in this important work.”

In moments when everything else feels uncertain, it is the strength of our Jewish community—and the unwavering support of the Jewish Federation—that provides the foundation we need to rebuild.

On March 19, 2025, more than 70 community members gathered at Har Shalom for the second event in the Combating Antisemitism series, focused on recognizing and addressing antisemitism in the workplace. The evening was full of insightful conversations, practical tools, and a shared commitment to confronting discrimination head-on.

A Call to Action: Standing Up Against Antisemitism

The evening began with Howard Reichel, leader of the Kulanu Combating Antisemitism cohort, who emphasized the importance of standing up for ourselves in the face of adversity. Rabbi Adam Raskin followed, drawing inspiration from the ancient story of Purim to highlight the relevance of bold action in today’s fight against antisemitism. He urged us: “The quickest way for others to stand up for Jews is for Jews to stand up for themselves.” His words resonated deeply, reinforcing that we all have a role in standing against antisemitism.

Tools for Combating Antisemitism at Work

Meredith Wiesel, senior leader at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), led an informative session on combating antisemitism in the workplace. She shared key tools to recognize antisemitic tropes and how to respond effectively in professional settings. Attendees walked away with practical advice and resources to empower them in their own workplaces.

The event also included an interactive “choose your own adventure” activity, allowing participants to explore various workplace scenarios. Should you ignore offensive comments, confront the individual, or report the incident to HR? This exercise sparked thoughtful discussions on the most effective ways to confront antisemitism while maintaining professionalism and respect.

On Monday, March 3rd, I had the privilege of joining many of you in celebrating seven exceptional leaders in our community: Alma Gildenhorn, Carol & Gary Berman, Sophie & Bradley Buslik, and Rachel & Peter Federowicz.

I’m always impressed by the way our community shows up to honor our leaders — and Cornerstone was no exception.

I’m also excited to share that the event raised over $1M for the Cornerstone Fund. This significant contribution will enable us to expand our commitment to developing the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the confidence, skills, and Jewish values necessary to strengthen our community for years to come.

In my remarks, I spoke at length about leadership — how it’s not just contagious, but also collective.

Now, more than ever, I urge you to stand with us and double down on our efforts. We must unite to overcome the critical challenges facing our local Jewish community and Jewish communities worldwide.

If you were unable to attend, watch my full remarks.