News & Updates from Federation

Helping Possibility Take Root

Friday, June 5

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

A blooming lemon tree becomes a reflection on faith, possibility, and the future of Jewish life. As uncertainty grows, the challenge is not only to confront what is probable, but to nurture what is possible and help it take root.

Find Your People with JLive

Tuesday, June 2

Jewish life is thriving across Northern Virginia, but finding it can be challenging. Through a new partnership between the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Pozez JCC, JLive will make it easier to discover events, programs, volunteer opportunities, and meaningful community connections.

Shaping Jewish Life on Our Own Terms

Friday, May 29

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

At a time when Jewish life in the DMV is both flourishing and facing renewed antisemitism, this reflection explores the tension many Jews feel between pride and unease — and the responsibility of communal institutions to help shape a resilient Jewish future.

Coming Together to Protect our Communities

Wednesday, May 27

Hundreds of Jewish leaders gathered on Capitol Hill for The Jewish Federations of North America’s Security Fly-In, sharing deeply personal stories about rising antisemitism and advocating for stronger protections to ensure Jewish communities can gather openly and safely.

Building a Community Where Differences Are the Glue, Not the Wedge

Tuesday, May 26

Over four months, 22 local leaders came together through the Courageous Leadership Fellowship to strengthen empathy, respect, and constructive dialogue across the Jewish community, exploring how courageous leadership and meaningful conversation can help build a stronger, more inclusive future.

Not Your “Toy”, but Definitely Your Soundtrack for Decoding Israel

Tuesday, May 26

Hila, Federation Community Shlicha

From Eurovision victories to post-October 7 conversations, a Federation shlicha uses Israeli music and culture to foster Jewish peoplehood, resilience, and shared identity across Greater Washington through Hands On Israel workshops and community connection.

Navigating Change Together

Friday, May 15

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Gil reflects on life’s transitions and how Jewish community provides agency, belonging, and purpose through times of change, growth, and uncertainty.

A Vote of Confidence in Jewish Community

Friday, May 8

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

In a time of growing disconnection and hyper-individualism, this reflection explores how generosity, participation, and collective responsibility strengthen Jewish life and renew our shared sense of belonging and purpose through community.

What Our Community is Asking For

Friday, May 1

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

Federation reflects on community feedback from a recent listening tour, highlighting a strong desire for more accessible and affordable Jewish life, while advancing solutions like a new tax credit scholarship program to expand Jewish education and engagement.

Supporting Israel’s Recovery and Resilience

Wednesday, April 29

Responding in real time, Federation partners with The Jewish Agency for Israel to deliver urgent support, strengthen communities, and mobilize global Jewish solidarity amid crisis and recovery.

Expanding Access to Jewish Education

Tuesday, April 28

A new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit launching in 2027 could reshape how families access Jewish day school education, expanding scholarship funding and strengthening long-term sustainability through coordinated regional efforts.

Through Our Eyes: Jewish Teens Turn Identity into Art

Wednesday, April 22

Through Through Our Eyes, local Jewish teens transform grief, pride, and resilience into powerful artistic expression—offering a deeply personal look at identity, belonging, and what it means to be Jewish today.

Building Jewish Leadership in Northern Virginia

Wednesday, April 22

Federation’s Northern Virginia Leadership Cohort brings together diverse leaders to build skills, strengthen relationships, and move from parallel work to a shared vision for a thriving and connected Jewish future.

What We’re Hearing Across the Community and What It Means

Wednesday, April 22

Nearly 1,500 voices reveal a shared desire to connect, participate, and belong—offering a clearer picture of how people are finding their way into Jewish life and how Federation is working to make that journey easier.

A Moment to Reimagine What’s Next

Friday, April 17

Gil Preuss, Chief Executive Officer

In a time shaped by crisis, our community is reclaiming agency—balancing resilience with a renewed commitment to building Jewish identity, connection, and a strong future.

Rabbi Aderet Drucker Named Recipient of 2026 Phyllis G. Margolius Impossible Dream Award

Wednesday, April 15

Rabbi Aderet Drucker named recipient of the 2026 Phyllis G. Margolius Impossible Dream Award, honoring her leadership in building intentional Jewish community and fostering belonging for adults in their 20s–40s across Greater Washington.

Fostering a Culture of Security

Tuesday, April 14

As antisemitism rises, Federation’s JShield launches the Shield Program—free, role-specific security trainings designed to empower individuals and strengthen community-wide preparedness across Greater Washington.

Bringing Israel to Life “Hands-On”

Tuesday, April 14

Federation’s Hands-on Israel workshops bring Israeli culture, leadership, and identity to life through interactive programs led by shlichim, creating meaningful connections and conversations for learners of all ages.