Strengthening Jewish Life in Northern Virginia
A Vibrant, Growing Community
Our investment in Northern Virginia (NOVA) is more than funding—it’s fuel for vibrant Jewish life. With your support, individuals and families of all ages are connecting, growing, and thriving.
NOVA is home to 121,500 Jewish residents (41% of the Greater Washington Jewish population) and one of the most dynamic regions in our community. Federation focuses on empowering leaders, supporting essential institutions, and strengthening collaboration across our ecosystem to meet today’s needs and build for the future.
Fast Facts
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121,500
Jews live in NOVA
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80 %
Jewish population growth (2003 to 2017)
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24
Synagogues across NOVA
Explore What You Make Possible in NOVA
Early Childhood & Families
We support programs that help parents and children explore Jewish traditions together.
- J-Family Ambassadors and Growing Jewish Families at the Pozez JCC
- PJ Library®
- Olam Tikvah’s Birkat Habayit for young families
- Etz Hayim’s Play with Purpose
- Agudas Achim’s Young Families Outreach
- One Happy Camper incentives for first-time overnight campers
- Financial aid and camp scholarships to increase access for more families
Teens
Peer connection, leadership, and identity come together through teen-centered experiences that build confidence and belonging.
- JCADA Teen Trainings on healthy relationships
- BBYO’s Center for Adolescent Wellness
- Seven Jewish youth groups across NOVA
- Israel Quest grants to participate in immersive peer-based travel.
- One Happy Camper incentives for first-time overnight campers
- Financial aid and camp scholarships to increase access for more families
Federation Next Gen staff at Northern Virginia event.
Young Adults
Young adults are building community on their own terms—through gatherings, travel, shared homes, and meaningful Jewish exploration.
- GatherDC NOVA, which connects Jewish 20s and 30s in Northern Virginia with community, resources, and ways to live Jewishly on their own terms
- OneTable, Honeymoon Israel, and the Den Collective
- Moishe House Arlington, supported by Mem Global, which fosters inclusive, peer-led Jewish communities through shared living and grassroots programs
College & Campus
On campuses across Virginia, students are connecting through Jewish life, leadership, and learning—supported by inclusive, welcoming Hillel communities.
Adults & Older Adults
Jewish life is lifelong. We support inclusive programs that foster meaning, connection, and community for adults at every stage, including older adults navigating new chapters.
- Inclusive programs through Pozez JCC and partner synagogues
- Programs advancing belonging and equity: SEA Change, Mosaic Visions
Ready to learn more about all that Northern Virginia has to offer?
Connect with Melanie Schaeffer, Associate Director, Northern Virginia Community Outreach.
Israel & Global Jewish Connections
Federation brings Israel closer to home, helping individuals and families experience the culture, people, and values of Israel.
- Community Shlichim (Israeli emissaries) and Shinshinim (pre-army Israeli service-year participants) based in Pozez JCC, Agudas Achim Congregation, Gesher Jewish Day School, and Olam Tikvah
- Hands-on Israel workshops for families and educators
- Israel Quest travel grants for teens
Antisemitism & Community Security
With rising antisemitism, Federation prioritizes protection, education, and rapid response across NOVA.
We support:
- School outreach through American Jewish Committee (AJC)
- Teen leadership development and resilience with BBYO
- Advocacy and response by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)
- Security support for Hillels at George Mason, UVA, and Virginia Tech
- Ongoing guidance, grant support, and preparedness resources via JShield
Support When It’s Needed Most
Federation is here for our community in times of need—whether that means financial help, emotional support, or access to meaningful resources.
We provide:
- Direct financial assistance for individuals and families
- J-Caring: a confidential support line connecting callers with Jewish resources
- Yad Yehuda: emergency financial and food assistance
- Bikur Cholim: volunteer support for those experiencing illness
- Coming of Age programs for older adults at Pozez JCC and partner synagogues
Leadership & Strategic Growth in NoVA
NOVA’s Jewish community is thriving, and we’re investing in leaders and partnerships to keep it growing strong.
We provide:
- NOVA Leadership Initiative: a cohort of 16 lay leaders building skills, relationships, and strategies for the future
- Professional Convenings: gatherings of more than 100 professionals and lay leaders to spark collaboration and shared solutions
- ACCELERATE NOVA: a partnership with The Morningstar Foundation and local donors to identify new areas for community building and investment
- Northern Virginia Advisory Council: a new guiding body to shape priorities and expand our regional impact
We extend our reach through collaboration with trusted community partners, including:
- Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA): Provides counseling, special needs services, and healthcare navigation for all ages.
- Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA): Supports survivors and promotes healthy relationships through prevention and advocacy.
- Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA): Offers transportation, employment, and social programs for older adults.
- Three Makom houses and the MOST™ Program: Safe, inclusive housing and skill-building support for Jewish young adults with disabilities.
- Moishe House Arlington: A peer-led home where Jewish young adults build community through shared programs and living.
- Seven Jewish youth groups in NOVA: Inclusive spaces for Jewish teens to explore identity, build friendships, and lead.
- JCRC Advocate for Northern Virginia: Leads local policy advocacy, relationship-building, and community mobilization.
- Regional JShield Security Advisor: Provides institutions across NOVA with security guidance, grant help, and emergency support.
- Sunrise Day Camp–Greater Washington: A free summer camp for children with cancer and their siblings, hosted at Pozez JCC.
- SEA Change and Mosaic Visions: Promote equity, belonging, and inclusion across Jewish Greater Washington.
