Month: August 2025

This month, we’ve been spotlighting legacy giving through stories like Marilyn & Ira Polon’s commitment to Jewish continuity and Natalia’s work guiding individuals and families as they imagine how their values can live on for generations. These aren’t just stories of gifts. They are stories of promises: that Jewish life will remain strong long after we’re gone.

But those commitments don’t just sit in a vault—they take shape through The Jewish Community Foundation of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. The Foundation is Federation’s philanthropic arm, providing the expertise, heart, and reach that allow donors to bring their visions for positive change to life—intentionally, personally, responsibly, and with lasting impact. Through the Foundation, donors give Jewishly, practice effective philanthropy, and work together to build a more connected, inclusive, and enduring future.

And legacy is just one part of the story.

Endowments: Building a Thriving Community for Generations

Some donors want their commitments to last beyond their lifetime. Through the Foundation, those commitments become endowments—long-term funds that not only preserve their gift but also actively strengthen the health of our community. Endowments help create the conditions for a community that is safe and deeply connected, proud of its identity and heritage, grounded in Jewish meaning, and committed to building a better world for the future.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Flexible and Meaningful Giving

A donor-advised fund at the Foundation gives donors the freedom to do all their giving in one place—flexible, tax-smart, and handled with care and transparency. With a DAF, you can support Jewish education, urgent relief in Israel, your local JCC, your synagogue, a hospital, an arts program—or all of them. With the convenience and flexibility to give across causes and communities, whenever and however you choose, it’s giving made simple, while keeping your values at the center.

Collaborative Funds: Creating Opportunities, Changing Conditions

And sometimes, a donor feels compelled to act on a cause so personal it can’t be carried alone: mental health, women and girls, Jewish learning, community security. Collaborative funds are created when donors with shared commitments come together through the Foundation. These funds don’t just respond to problems; they create opportunities to strengthen Jewish life in unique ways, while also tackling some of the most complex challenges our community faces. By pooling vision and resources through the Foundation, donors can change the conditions that shape our future and open the door to a more vibrant, resilient community. Each fund is driven by donors’ deeply personal intentions and made stronger through the power of collective action.

What Sets the Foundation Apart

What makes the Foundation unique is that every gift is both personal and communal. Because it is part of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington—an institution trusted for generations—donors know their giving is grounded is anchored in Jewish values and connected to something larger. Unlike other financial institutions, fees at the Foundation support Jewish programming at the Foundation and Federation that strengthens the fabric of Jewish life locally, nationally, and globally. Donors also gain access to philanthropic learning, expert advisement, and the ability to make their giving visibly Jewish, even when supporting a secular nonprofit. Together, donors experience philanthropy that is both effective and deeply meaningful.

What Every Gift Has in Common

Whether through an endowment, a DAF, or a collaborative fund, every gift at the Foundation begins with a donor’s intention. Federation helps inspire these commitments. The Foundation ensures they are honored with care—and, grounded in an institution donors know and trust, they are brought to life in the most impactful, personal, and deeply Jewish way possible.

Behind every connection to Federation is a story—a reason why.

In a recent conversation with my team, I asked a simple question: What motivates you?

The answers were honest and deeply personal. Some spoke about the impact of loss—like a family member killed on 9/11 or a battle with cancer. Others shared the grounding role of friendship, family, or the meaning they find in being a parent. For me, it was my own childhood diagnosis with type 1 diabetes—an experience that continues to shape how I approach challenges, relationships, and my commitment to community.

What struck us most was not just the variety of answers, but the openness with which they were shared. The conversation reminded us that motivation is rarely abstract. It’s lived. It’s personal. And it’s often tied to experiences that stay with us.

That same truth guides how we engage with our community. Just as each of us is motivated by different life experiences, so too are the individuals and families who give so generously to Federation. Some of you may be driven by urgent needs. Others by legacy. Still others by the vision of a vibrant Jewish future.

We can only discover these motivations if we take the time to ask—and then to listen.

I hope we hold fast to what’s at the core of this work—the work of strengthening our Jewish future: connecting with one another, honoring each person’s why, and building a stronger Jewish community—together.

So, we’ll leave you with the same question we asked ourselves:

What motivates you?

In classrooms across Greater Washington, antisemitism isn’t abstract. It shows up in hallway slurs, social media posts, and in the hard questions students bring to class. Teachers are on the front lines of these conversations—often without the necessary tools to respond.

This is more than a challenge; it’s a turning point. If we want to shape Jewish life and protect our community, we have to start where prejudice takes root: in education. This summer, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington helped bring Facing History and Ourselves (FHAO) back to DC for its first in-person Holocaust education seminar since before the pandemic.

Responding to an Urgent Need

At the University of the District of Columbia, more than 20 middle and high school educators from public, private, and Jewish day schools came together for four days of intensive learning. Using FHAO’s Holocaust and Human Behavior curriculum, they examined how propaganda spreads, how restrictions accumulate, and how silence allows hate to grow—lessons with chilling relevance for today’s classrooms.

They also practiced strategies to create trust and build classroom environments where difficult questions aren’t avoided but explored. “If teachers don’t believe they can do it, they won’t,” explained Jeremy Nesoff, FHAO’s Senior Director for District Partnerships. “Our goal is to give them the confidence, strategies, and resources to guide their students toward empathy and responsibility.”

Impact That Multiplies

Each teacher reaches dozens of students every year. Multiply that across a classroom, a school, a district—and one Federation investment this summer could change how thousands of young people learn to recognize and confront antisemitism. The impact doesn’t stop in one room; it spreads into every hallway and community those students touch.

For the teachers, the effect was immediate:

“The work that’s being done here will transform not only my community but all of our schools across the country.”

“This seminar allowed me to grapple with my own understandings and will allow me to grow as an educator and an individual.”

According to survey responses, every participant left better prepared to address antisemitism; 95% said the experience deepened their commitment to teaching; and all reported greater confidence in responding to antisemitism in their schools.

A Catalyst for Change

This summer seminar was more than just bringing FHAO back to DC—it created momentum for what comes next, laying the groundwork for district-wide training in Loudoun County and sparking conversations with DC Public Schools. FHAO is also exploring expansion into Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, and Prince William counties. “Working with knowledgeable expert partners, like Federation, who are plugged into the community is such a key for us,” said Nesoff. “Federation helped us open doors.”

Joel Frankel, Federation’s Senior Director of Community Capacity, added:

“Our funding for FHAO is one example of how we’re supporting parents and students in the fight against antisemitism in schools. Next year, we plan to bring together all our partners in this space—including FHAO, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), American Jewish Committee (AJC), and Anti-Defamation League (ADL)—to build on the relationships they’ve developed over time.”

Preparing Students for More Than Academics

Students in the DMV are returning to more than math and reading. They’re also navigating questions of belonging, justice, and identity. Thanks to your support, nearly two dozen teachers now have resources like FHAO’s Back to School Toolkit to create classrooms where every student feels safe to learn and engage.

In a moment when antisemitism feels more present than ever, we’re ensuring teachers—and the thousands of students they reach—are ready not just to teach but to help young people think critically and stand up to hate.

For Taylor M, a congregation administrator in Ashburn, the start of the school year and High Holidays once felt overwhelming. “These sessions are basically a checklist of the best ways to keep people safe during this time when they have other things on their mind,” Taylor shared.

This past Sunday in Fairfax, Taylor joined dozens of others in person and online from across Northern Virginia (and even as far as Blacksburg!) for one of JShield’s annual security trainings.

Northern Virginia is one of the fastest-growing centers of Jewish life in Greater Washington. But with congregations and schools spread across a vast geography, keeping everyone connected and secure comes with unique challenges. JShield’s presence in Northern Virginia brings tailored support, with a dedicated Community Security Advisor, meeting leaders where they are, ensuring no one face security concerns alone.

The back-to-school and High Holiday seasons are among the busiest for Jewish institutions across our community. These annual JShield trainings are just one of the ways JShield shows up as a thought partner, trusted resource, and expert guide—helping make even the most overwhelming scenarios feel manageable.

As Bob Green, Security Committee Member at Temple Beth Torah in Chantilly, explained:

“JShield has already vetted the tools and resources, and I can leverage them instead of starting from scratch. It’s a centralized repository of truth.”

Empowering Leaders Through Expertise

Taylor had no background in security or grants. But with JShield’s guidance, she successfully completed a Nonprofit Security Grant application. “I probably would not have lasted in my job as long as I have without JShield,” she said. Over time, repeated trainings became part of her preparation routine—especially before the High Holidays.

Together, We Are Prepared

For our community, safety is not a one-day effort. JShield’s year-round work gives leaders in Greater Washington the confidence to open their doors without hesitation, knowing they have the training, expertise, and community behind them. In an era of rising antisemitism, that shared strength makes all the difference.

Join JShield for the Final Back-to-School and High Holidays Training Session

Our final training of the season will be held on Thursday, September 7, in Washington, DC. This session will equip you with practical tools and peace of mind—so that you and your organization can face the future with strength and confidence.

Can’t make it to this final training, but have questions for our security experts? JShield is here 365 days a year.

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.

When Jamie Blicher drops off her 7-year-old twins, Ethan and Bennett, at Lessans Camp JCC each morning, she breathes a sigh of relief.  Many of the day-to-day stresses of raising twins with disabilities disappear, and her kids get to just be kids at a place where they are seen, valued, and fully included.

From swimming to arts and crafts, even the rock wall, they participate side-by-side, just like all the other 7-year-olds. The only difference is that they each have their own dedicated counselor, who is there to offer the additional support they need so they can thrive alongside their peers.

Inclusion isn’t just part of the mission statement for Lessans Camp JCC—it is truly at its core. Not only does the camp work to make sure that all activities are accessible to all of its campers, counselors, and staff, but it also looks at inclusion from a broader sense.  The camp is open to people of all backgrounds, nationalities, and faiths.

For Jamie, the difference is profound.

“Everywhere I go, I’m constantly looking for ramps, special doors, and other ways to make sure spaces are inclusive,” she says. “Here, I don’t have to worry about any of that. My kids feel like all the other kids. They feel important, they feel special—and they’re not defined by their disabilities here.”

This is the Blicher family’s third summer at Lessans Camp JCC, a program of the Bender JCC, one of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s core partners. Our funding plays a critical role in making this experience possible—helping to cover the cost of dedicated counselors so that children like Ethan and Bennett can participate fully in camp life.

Jamie says that support is life-changing.

“Medical bills are incredibly expensive … The fact that camp is funded for them to have their own counselors takes such a weight off our shoulders. Having something this inclusive and affordable is such a gift!”

Through the partnership between The Jewish Federation and the Bender JCC, Lessans Camp JCC isn’t just a place for sports, games, crafts, and songs—it’s a place where inclusion is in action every single day. It’s a place where children form strong Jewish identities, build friendships, and feel truly at home.

As Jamie puts it, “Here, my kids aren’t defined by what they can’t do—they’re celebrated for everything they can.”

This impact is made possible through the generosity of our community. Your support of Federation ensures that Ethan, Bennett, and every camper can join every activity, every friendship, and every joyful moment of Jewish summer camp.

How Natalia Straus is helping Greater Washington’s Jewish community plan for the future—with heart, humor, and purpose.

Natalia Straus has always been a planner.

“As a kid, I’d write a to-do list that started with ‘write a to-do list,’” she laughs. “My family still teases me that I can’t get through breakfast without saying, ‘Let’s make a list.’”

That love of structure—and her deep sense of purpose—make Natalia the perfect person to lead legacy giving at The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

A Natural Fit for the Future

Now serving as Federation’s Senior Director of Legacy Giving, Natalia is revitalizing a community-driven legacy program in partnership with the Jewish Community Foundation.

Her goal? To make it easier—and more meaningful—for community members to plan for the future and leave a lasting impact on Jewish life in Greater Washington.

“Legacy giving is about intention,” she says. “It’s asking: What values do I want to carry forward? What kind of world do I want to help build—even after I’m gone?”

And there’s no better time to start. August is National Make-A-Will Month—a timely reminder that creating or updating your will is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to secure your future impact.

Legacy gifts—like naming Federation in your will, trust, or retirement plan—are simple to set up and have a lasting effect. These gifts sustain the programs, services, and values that shape Jewish life: from youth education and senior care to Jewish identity, emergency response, and beyond.

Two Decades of Legacy Leadership

Natalia got her start in legacy giving at the Osher Marin JCC through Federation’s “Leave a Jewish Legacy” initiative. Since then, she’s helped organizations from Spirit Rock Meditation Center to California State Parks Foundation build and strengthen their legacy programs.

She recalls one moment that solidified her passion: a longtime donor reached out to confirm their gift shortly before passing. “They told me it brought them peace,” she remembers. “That conversation reminded me—this work isn’t about paperwork. It’s about people, their stories, and their hopes.”

A Personal and Professional Passion

For Natalia, planning a legacy isn’t just a job—it’s how she moves through the world.

“Creating a plan is one of the most generous things you can do. For your family. For your community. For yourself. It’s an act of hope.”

That same outlook shaped her leadership in Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy program over the past three and a half years. “It’s been an incredible experience building this community,” she says. “I’m proud to leave it in the hands of amazing leaders like Becca Ginns, Jordan Kaufman, and our Women’s Philanthropy chairs and changemakers.”

Ready to Write Your Next Chapter?
Your legacy is already in the making. Let’s make sure it tells the story you want to be remembered by.

Reach out to Natalia at natalia.straus@shalomdc.org or 301.230.7279