A moving evening with Kibbutz Nir Oz leaders at the Bender JCC highlighted profound stories of loss, resilience, and rebuilding—underscoring what’s possible when grassroots partnerships like Kesher Nir Oz bring communities together across continents.
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Leadership Development
A vibrant Jewish future depends on a strong pipeline of leaders
Greater Washington’s Jewish community is built on the strength of its leaders—past, present, and future. Federation’s leadership programs help emerging and seasoned leaders alike grow their skills, deepen Jewish learning, and lead with purpose.
Flagship Programs
Leadership is about more than skills. It’s about learning, reflection, and values. Through lectures, seminars, and study partnerships, Federation convenes opportunities for leaders across the community to grow together.
- Jewish Community Leaders Program: An immersive cohort for experienced leaders in Greater Washington. Participants strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and engage with the big-picture challenges and opportunities shaping Jewish communal life.
- Hartman Institute Partnership: In partnership with the Shalom Hartman Institute, Federation offers deep Jewish learning for lay and professional leaders. Together we explore Jewish values, democracy, identity, and Israel—equipping leaders to navigate complex times with clarity and courage.
Belonging
Everyone deserves to feel they have a place in Jewish life. Federation is supporting programs that help our community listen across differences, build trust, and create space where all voices matter.
Through the Matan Liberman Fellowship, we’re also helping organizations welcome and empower young adults with disabilities. By opening more doors to leadership, we’re building a community that truly reflects and celebrates all of us.
Leadership in Business
Leadership also happens in the workplace. Federation’s Network connects Jewish professionals across industries to grow relationships, give back, and strengthen our community.
Pathways for Emerging Leaders
Leadership starts early, and Federation’s Next Gen initiatives help young adults take their first steps into community leadership. From NEXUS and the Next Gen Board to the National Young Leadership Cabinet, these programs prepare rising leaders to shape Jewish life in Greater Washington and beyond.
Despite the challenges facing our community and country, Yom Kippur fills me with hope—because the Jewish people are built for these times, and our collective resilience can help us forge a brighter future.
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More than a brunch, the inaugural L’Chaim event brought together 150+ women of the Lions of Judah community for a powerful morning of storytelling, leadership, and connection—celebrating legacy, impact, and the strength of women’s philanthropy.
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Nearly 40 leaders gathered at Gesher Jewish Day School for the Northern Virginia Leadership Breakfast, forging stronger bonds and laying the groundwork for a more connected and empowered Jewish community across the region.
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In a time of rising polarization, our community is challenged to keep the tent open. Instead of drawing sharper lines, we must choose belonging over exclusion, embracing friction as the cost of true connection and growth.
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From Cambodia to Greater Washington, Hila’s journey reflects a dynamic blend of global Jewish service, cultural identity, and personal connection. As Federation’s Educational Engagement Shlicha, she’s deepening regional ties to Israel through inclusive, relational leadership.
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Strong leadership is the backbone of a strong community. Federation’s leadership agenda strengthens Jewish Greater Washington in two ways: by cultivating a diverse pipeline of volunteer leaders, and by investing in programs that inspire and equip them to lead with vision, resilience, and care. Together, we are ensuring Jewish Greater Washington will always have the leaders it needs—today and for generations to come.
Core Partnerships
Long-term collaborations with national leaders in Jewish learning and leadership development:
- Inspiring dialogue through the Shalom Hartman Institute, $200,000
- Empowering Jewish lay leaders with the Wexner Heritage Program, $50,000
Federation-Led Initiatives
Programs designed and run by Federation to grow the next generation of leaders:
- Building collective vision with the Jewish Community Leaders Program (JCLP), launching a third cohort in 2026
- Honoring our legacy and investing in the future through Cornerstone, supporting leadership at three pivotal stages:
- Teens: scaling proven initiatives that strengthen Jewish identity, confidence, and resilience
- College Students: revitalizing Hillel leadership models to meet the needs of today’s students
- Next Gen Professionals: equipping emerging leaders with skills to lead across difference and engage in nuanced conversations
Explore how you can grow your skills, find your voice, and shape Jewish life in Greater Washington.
Email Dana Bornstein