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.