Category: Jewish Identity & Inclusion

It’s hard to describe the emotional whiplash of the past few months. We’ve witnessed horrifying acts of antisemitic violence both here at home—including the attacks in Boulder and at the Capital Jewish Museum—and abroad. The fear and pain reverberating through our community are real and raw.

I’ve found myself thinking often of Sara Milgrim z”l  and Yaron Lischinsky  z”l , and all those still recovering from the Boulder firebombing. May their memories be a blessing.

Just days before the D.C. shooting, I returned from a week-long journey to Poland organized by our partner, the American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), and 3GNY. The trip brought together third-generation descendants of Holocaust survivors and others with a familial lineage to Poland and the Holocaust, to connect with Jewish life today in Poland.

My great-grandparents were born and raised in Poland. They fled in the late 1920s and early 1930s to escape pogroms, antisemitism, and poverty, eventually landing in Cuba. They left behind their parents, siblings, and entire communities, most of whom perished in the Holocaust.

Our group visited Kraków, Warsaw, and Łódź. We walked through ghettos and cemeteries, and we spent a powerful, heart-wrenching day at Auschwitz. We listened to one another’s family stories—tales of survival and resistance, loss and love. It was heavy. And yet, it was also deeply connective.

Amid the grief, we encountered something remarkable: life. Resilience. A Jewish community in Poland that, while small, is vibrant, proud, and growing.

At JCC Krakow, we saw firsthand how Federation support is making a difference. The center is a hub of Jewish life—hosting Shabbat dinners, running a preschool and day camp, and helping Ukrainian refugees, Jewish and non-Jewish alike. We visited their distribution center, which continues to offer food, clothing, toiletries, and toys to those in need.

We also met young adults from Hillel International Krakow. Many didn’t grow up Jewish; some only recently discovered their Jewish heritage. Yet they’ve chosen to build community, connect with Jewish identity, and take part in Jewish life. Today, more than 200 young people are active in Hillel Krakow. That choice—to embrace a Jewish identity in Poland, of all places—is deeply moving.

In Warsaw, the POLIN Museum blew me away. It traces a thousand years of Jewish life in Poland—from vibrant shtetls to intellectual movements, to the devastation of the Holocaust and the rebirth that followed. It’s one of the most thoughtful and comprehensive museums I’ve ever visited.

This trip was a rollercoaster of emotions—grief, pride, hope, disbelief. But I came home feeling something I never expected: optimism. Against all odds, Jewish life in Poland is not only persisting—it is reemerging.

One person said to our group, “There’s something inherently Jewish about Poland. Polish history wouldn’t be Polish history without Jewish history.” I agree. And I’d add: Jewish history wouldn’t be complete without Poland—the good, the bad, and the unimaginable.

This experience gave me more than memories. It renewed my sense of purpose. At a time when antisemitism is rising, I’m more committed than ever to standing up for our community. But I’m also determined to celebrate us—to lift up the vibrant, diverse, and global Jewish life that continues to thrive.

Together, let’s remember. Let’s rebuild. Let’s keep showing up for one another—in grief, in strength, and in joy.

On July 23, a group of donors from The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington (JFGW) had the opportunity to witness inclusion in action at Lessans Camp JCC, located within the Bender JCC in Rockville, Maryland. For many visitors, it was their first glimpse into how their generosity is creating transformative experiences for campers and counselors alike.

Josh Bender, CEO of the Bender JCC, kicked off the visit with a warm welcome and a clear message: “Every individual has a divine spark.” That belief, grounded in Jewish values, guides every aspect of Lessans Camp JCC. It’s a place where every camper—regardless of ability, background, or identity—is celebrated for who they are.

From the rock wall to the pool and even the playground–everything at camp is designed to be accessible to all its campers.

The tour focused on three layers of inclusion: physical, programmatic, and social.

• Physical inclusion means creating spaces that work for everyone. From pathways to play structures, the camp is intentionally designed with universal access in mind. Visitors saw how infrastructure choices ensure that every child can participate fully.
• Programmatic inclusion came to life through thoughtful activities and accommodations. Whether it’s at the climbing wall, on a field trip, or during daily routines, the camp team makes deliberate choices to adapt programs and engage campers of all abilities.
• Social inclusion is perhaps the most powerful. As donors observed interactions between staff and campers, the spirit of belonging was unmistakable. Counselors help foster genuine friendships, model empathy, and encourage each camper to be themselves.

One of the unique strengths of Lessans Camp JCC is its approach to staffing. As camp leaders shared, many counselors are new to working with individuals with disabilities. What the camp looks for isn’t prior experience—it’s the right mindset. Through mentorship and daily guidance, staff grow into their roles and carry the values of inclusion well beyond the summer.

“We know they leave camp changed,” said a staff member. “Whether they come back or move into other fields, they take this experience with them.”

Throughout the visit, one theme resonated: The Jewish Federation’s support is essential to making this possible. From program funding to on-site security, Federation dollars ensure that every camper has a safe, enriching, and inclusive summer experience.

“Belonging and inclusion are at the heart of what we do at Federation—they’re essential to building a strong, vibrant Jewish community,” explains Federation’s Chief Development Officer Keren Waranch. “That’s why we continue to prioritize support for these initiatives, alongside our steadfast support for Jewish camp. Together, they shape the spaces and experiences that help define Jewish identity for generations to come. This visit to the Lessans JCC Camp brought those values to life.”

Jamie Bilcher, a parent of two seven-year-old boys who attend camp, shared what this camp experience means for her family. “I know that my kids feel like all of the other kids here, and they feel important, and they feel special, and they’re not defined by their disabilities here,” she said. “I feel like I’m constantly, everywhere I go, looking for ramps and special doors. I don’t have to worry about any of that here.”

She added, “Medical bills are incredibly expensive…The fact that camp is funded for them each to have their own counselor is huge and takes such a weight off our shoulders.”

Federation is proud to partner with Lessans Camp JCC and to support the Bender JCC’s vision of radical inclusion—a vision that extends beyond disability to encompass all backgrounds, faiths, and identities.

In a world that often feels divided, camps like Lessans Camp JCC offer a powerful reminder of what community can look like when everyone is welcomed.

Because of you, inclusion thrives.

As an advocate for disability inclusion, I have observed several pathways that organizations take as they strive to become more inclusive of individuals with disabilities.  For some, change is slow but steady, and for others, progress starts but then backslides.  Some organizations agree wholeheartedly with the goal of improved inclusivity but struggle to know where to start, while others are leaders in the field and recognized for setting a standard.

In The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell describes the moment when a new idea gains momentum and becomes widespread—when it “crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.” What does it take for disability inclusion to reach that kind of tipping point in our community?

For the past year, Federation gathered nine local Jewish organizations—Gather DC, Sixth & I, MemGlobal, OneTable, Bender JCC, Edlavitch DC JCC , Pozez JCC Northern Virginia,  B’nai Israel Congregation, and Temple Rodef Shalom—to help answer that question. Each joined the inaugural Lieberman Fellowship for Jewish Organizations Serving Young Adults, a new initiative created by Matan, a national organization that partners with Jewish communities to advance disability inclusion.

Over the course of a year, fellows engaged in a structured curriculum, received mentorship, and developed customized inclusion impact plans for their organizations. Along the way, many saw their perspectives shift.

Some began the fellowship feeling confident in their inclusion efforts, only to realize that there was much more to learn. Others started with uncertainty but emerged with new skills, clarity, and commitment. One participant reflected that she had once viewed inclusive social spaces as too complex to create, but now sees them as essential for building stronger, more connected communities. Fellows also discovered that challenges they assumed were unique were, in fact, common across institutions.

Key lessons included how to communicate effectively about accommodations, how to prioritize social and emotional well-being for all, and how to sustain momentum with support from peer accountability partners. Each fellow spoke with conviction about their organization’s next steps, and the passion was palpable.

These inclusion impact plans represent real, concrete progress. From updating facilities and technology to adding sensory kits and support roles, the work is already underway. The plans also include ongoing staff training and the integration of accessibility into everyday operations. Federation is proud to support these efforts with targeted grant funding.

“Na’aseh ve-nishma” is the Jewish concept rooted in the Torah that translates to “we will do, and then we will hear (and understand).  The Lieberman fellows took a commendable step by participating in a year-long learning experience.  By working with a mentor, learning directly from individuals with disabilities, from experts in the field, and from each other, their personal understanding evolved.

Doing and understanding are both essential components. Providing accommodations needs to become standard operating procedure.  With access, individuals with disabilities will have a seat at the proverbial table.  But access alone won’t lead to a tipping point.  Individuals with disabilities need to be seen as valuable members of the organization; everyone needs to be co-partners in forming trusting relationships, and everyone needs to agree on the shared mission of the organization.

The tipping point occurs when an organization views the inclusion of individuals with disabilities as “who they are” and not just “what they do.”

Kudos to the nine local organizations that have committed to taking the next step forward in their indivi

Sometimes, it takes stepping into a space to truly understand what our donations make possible.

I invite you to do just that through our Impact in Action series: immersive experiences that offer a firsthand look at the real lives touched by your generosity—how your philanthropy becomes belonging, community, and joy.

On July 23, we will experience the definition of Jewish joy – camp. Together, we will be visiting one of the many Jewish summer camps that Federation supports – where children of all abilities are embraced, celebrated, and empowered to embrace Jewish identity and have the time of their lives. You’ll hear from staff, meet campers, and see what it means to build a Jewish future rooted in inclusion and love. Register today.

On September 3 (save the date!), we’ll explore how your donations create and strengthen our local community’s connection with Israel and Israelis. We’ll be joined by a delegation from Hillel Israel to build bridges, dialogue and understanding.

And in November, we’ll come together with one of our partner agencies to prepare meals by the thousands for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and homelessness. It’s sacred work—hands-on, heart-forward, and grounded in our deepest values.

These are more than just experiences; these are invitations to witness your impact. Come see what we’re building—and feel the difference you make.

Your generosity makes all of this possible. And when we show up to see it in action, our commitment deepens.

Over the past year, I have had the honor of serving as the Senior Shlicha (Israeli emissary) and head of the Israeli delegation on behalf of The Jewish Agency and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington (JFGW). I relocated here last summer with my husband and our three children.

Our delegation of young Shlichim is the second-largest in North America, comprising 11 passionate and dedicated emissaries. This speaks to Federation’s deep commitment to meaningful Israel engagement and its recognition of the Shlichim’s vital role in building bridges between Israel and this vibrant local Jewish community.

Just last year, the Mishlachat (delegation) reached nearly 20,000 participants through more than 400 programs. Our Shlichim serve in congregations, JCCs, the Federation itself, and Makom, where one Shlicha works with individuals with disabilities. From Gaithersburg to Fairfax, our presence spans the region, reflecting our shared goal of connecting with and positively impacting the entire Greater Washington community. At the same time, we are committed to bringing the strength and solidarity of this beautiful community back to Israel.

As we finalize next year’s work plan and prepare to welcome new Shlichim to our delegation, I’ve taken time to reflect on the approaches we use to deepen the relationship between Israel and our local Jewish community.

Here are three moments that shaped my understanding of our role as Shlichim.

1. Commemorating October 7 – Pozez JCC

One of the most meaningful experiences I participated in was a commemoration event held at the Pozez JCC to mark one year since the deadly attacks on October 7. The evening included workshops focused on Israeli art and storytelling. I presented an Israeli art gallery titled Wrapping Memory, which explores life in the Gaza envelope region prior to the attacks.

During my presentation, I introduced the symbol of the red poppy—Israel’s national flower—and its layered meanings. The poppy symbolizes beauty, nature, connection to the land, and renewal. But it also represents loss and mourning. In Israel Defense Forces terminology, perach (flower) is used to refer to a fallen soldier.

Many in the audience had never encountered this symbolism before. But in that moment, they connected emotionally with something deeply Israeli.

Aha Moment:

This event reminded me of the unique power of cultural programming. Through music, art, literature, and language, we can foster shared understanding and invite meaningful conversation about Israel—without always centering politics. Even in the wake of tragedy, new spaces for dialogue and connection can emerge.

2. People-to-People Connection – A Grandmother’s Words

This next story comes from one of our Shlichim, Tamar, who led a B’nai Mitzvah program focused on Jewish and Israeli values. Families were invited to a final celebration. Afterward, a grandmother approached her and said:

“When you asked the kids what makes them feel Jewish, I realized—having you here, and what you represent, makes me feel more Jewish.”

Aha Moment:

That simple, powerful statement reminded me that genuine connection happens through people—not just programs. A Shaliach’s presence can become a living bridge between Israel and local Jewish life, deepening one’s own Jewish identity. Through relationships, conversations, and shared experiences, Shlichim create bonds that no one-time event can replace.

3. Facilitated Dialogue – Empowering Young Voices

A few months ago, I co-led a panel for young professionals from across the DMV. We discussed the complexities of modern Israeli discourse, the rise of antisemitism, and the overwhelming role of social media in shaping perceptions.

Many of the participants had grown up with an idealized image of Israel—Eretz Zavat Halav U’dvash (a land flowing with milk and honey)—and had little exposure to its complexities. Some expressed feeling insecure when faced with difficult conversations about Israel or antisemitic rhetoric. They felt unprepared and lacked the tools to speak up.

We discussed the value of open dialogue, approaching disagreement with curiosity and courage, and the importance of finding one’s voice. I shared that growing up in Israel, I was encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and stand for my beliefs. I told them: “You just need to be a little more Israeli.”

Aha Moment:

Empowering young adults to engage with Israel requires more than information—it requires confidence, resilience, and helping them find their voice. We must not only teach about Israel, but also support our community in learning how to speak about Israel—especially when it’s difficult. This is one of our goals for next year.

Thank you for the opportunity to share these reflections. As Shlichim, we are honored to walk alongside this community—to listen, to connect, and to build bridges of understanding in both directions.

As we reflect on the events unfolding in Israel, I truly believe we are living through historic moments. My hope for the coming year is that we will reunite to mark peace, not war, and that all the hostages will return home soon.

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.

Where does Jewish identity take root?

Sometimes it’s in a classroom. Sometimes it’s around a Shabbat table. And sometimes—unexpectedly, powerfully—it shows up in the outfield of a summer ballpark, where a Team Israel Olympian throws warm-up pitches to wide-eyed kids, and the air smells like fresh grass and kosher hot dogs.

This is Jewish Baseball Heritage Day, hosted by Bethesda Big Train in partnership with Israel Baseball, returning to Shirley Povich Field on Sunday, June 22. There will be a baseball game that evening—Big Train vs. the Olney Cropdusters—but the heart of the day begins much earlier.

It’s a day about far more than a baseball game. It’s about what happens when Jewish identity, informal learning, and connection to Israel show up outside traditional spaces—and land squarely in the heart of community life.

A Different Kind of Jewish Learning

The day kicks off with a youth clinic led by Israel Baseball coaches, including Olympian Shlomo Lipetz and longtime Major League Baseball (MLB) trainer Barry Weinberg. The coaching is hands-on and engaging, with stories that add depth and meaning to the experience. These aren’t just athletes—they’re Jewish athletes, representing Israel with pride.

In the afternoon, teens step up for their own clinic. The pace picks up, and the questions get sharper—about training, about representing Israel, about the path to professional play.

After the clinics, participants gather for a Q&A with the Israel Baseball staff, trading stories, asking questions, and making connections. An autograph session follows, full of smiles and quiet excitement as kids collect memories they’ll hold onto for a while.

From Picnic to Pride

As the evening approaches, families line up for dinner at the kosher Char Bar stand, friends reconnect in the stands, and conversations ripple through clusters of Jewish organizations and community members.

Clinic participants are honored on the field—a moment of recognition and pride for both the kids and the community that raised them.

Former U.S. Senator Ben Cardin is recognized as a Big Train Community Hero, honored for his decades of service and leadership. It’s another reminder that Jewish values aren’t just studied—they’re lived.

The Game Is the Backdrop. The Community Is the Story.

At 7 p.m., the Big Train take the field to face the Olney Cropdusters. But by then, the deeper story of the day has already been told.

It’s in the kid asking what it means to represent Israel.

In the kosher dinner shared between friends.

In the standing ovation for a Jewish public servant.

In the knowledge that Jewish pride belongs out loud—and outdoors.

A Quiet Kind of Impact

At first glance, Jewish Baseball Heritage Day might seem like just a good day out—kids on the field, families in the stands, a community enjoying summer together.

But look a little closer.

There’s identity being shaped in the dugout, where a child meets a Jewish athlete who has played on the world stage. There’s education happening in cleats and ball caps, as questions spark conversations that stick. And there’s connection to Israel—not as an idea, but through real people, real stories, and shared pride.

No speeches required. No agendas pushed. Just a Sunday that leaves something lasting.

For everyone who showed up, it was a reminder: Jewish life doesn’t just live in sanctuaries or classrooms. It shows up wherever we do. And sometimes, that’s at the ballpark.

For more information about Jewish Baseball Heritage Day, visit: bigtrain.org/israel-baseball

Earlier this month, we had the extraordinary opportunity to host participants from Kitov—a bold and visionary program from Israel’s Shaharit Institute, supported in part by a Federation Impact Grant.

Kitov brings together a uniquely diverse group of Israeli changemakers – religious and secular, Jewish and Arab, Ashkenazi and Mizrahi, progressive and traditional. Their mission? To tackle some of Israel’s most pressing and complex societal challenges through collaboration, empathy, and innovation through deep dialogue and creative problem-solving.

During their visit to Washington, DC, Kitov participants immersed themselves in the fabric of American Jewish life. From warm and lively Shabbat dinners with local families, to thought-provoking conversations about antisemitism on college campuses, to engaging visits like their stop at Mem Global (Formerly Moishe House). Every encounter sparked connection, learning, and mutual respect. These moments offered a glimpse into the vibrant diversity of Israel, and reminded us just how much we share across oceans and borders.

During the visit, I had the opportunity and privilege to meet with the group and its leader, Dr. Eilon Schwartz, together with Karen Katzman, Director of Federation’s Israel Office. In our conversations, we explored the shared challenges facing Israeli society and the American Jewish community, the opportunities ahead, and most importantly, meaningful pathways for continued collaboration between our communities.

In a time of uncertainty – across Israel, the U.S., and the world – Federation is proud to stand with initiatives like Kitov, which works to build bridges, elevate unheard voices, and strengthen the ties between people of all backgrounds. This is how we shape a more inclusive, resilient, and hopeful future for all of us.

Together, let’s keep building – toward a better tomorrow.

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.