Category: Youth & Education

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.

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.

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

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

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

This week, I had the privilege of witnessing something truly special—as I joined a group of Pre-K students from Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School on a field trip.

But this wasn’t just any field trip. Today, the group of four- and five-year-olds were reuniting with their older buddies from the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) Kensington Club, a program for adults with early-stage memory loss. Thanks to the Students Help and Reach Elders (SHARE) program, these friendships have bloomed since the fall, and the children could hardly wait to see their friends again.

A Shared Experience, A Lasting Bond

The purpose of the visit was to celebrate Passover – a Jewish holiday known for bringing multiple generations together.

The room buzzed with energy as everyone sang, colored, and shared stories about the holiday. Passover Bingo was a hit, and the Seder plate brought everyone together to try the traditional Passover foods. But what stood out most was the connection—the effortless ease with which the children and their older friends communicated, shared laughs, and celebrated.

More than Just a Visit

Although still young, just four or five years old, these kids truly care about their older friends.

Many of the children arrived with handmade cards, and they were eager to check in on their buddies.

The thoughtfulness and warmth in the room were palpable.

Jewish Joy in Action

Watching these interactions reminded me of what makes the Jewish community so powerful. It’s not just about the holidays—it’s about the connections we build along the way. In a room filled with laughter, stories, and shared moments, there was no hesitation, no walls, just Jewish joy in its simplest and most beautiful form.

The Jewish Federation is a proud partner with Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School and the Jewish Council for the Aging.