Jewish Agency Brings 30 Parents of Lone Soldiers to Israel
March 24, 2010
A group of 30 parents from around the world are in Israel for a week-long visit with their children serving in the IDF, as part of the Jewish Agency’s Keshet program which brings parents of lone soldiers to visit their children in Israel. More >>
Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity
January 7, 2010
Jill Alexander, Kehilat Shalom
MONTGOMERY VILLAGE – Kehilat Shalom is embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by commissioning the writing of its own brand new Sefer Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament painstakingly inked on parchment and attached to two wooden rollers. With the rich experience of facilitating scribe, Rabbi Menachem Youlus of the Jewish Bookstore in Silver Spring, and under the watchful eye of Kehilat Shalom’s own Rabbi Mark Raphael, Kehilat Shalom celebrates the commencement of its Torah Program, “Mitzvah 613: Elevating our Spirit, Energizing our Congregation,” on Sunday, January 24, 2010.
House Votes to Extend IRA Charitable Rollover Provisions
December 9, 2009
The Jewish Federations of North America
WASHINGTON – Legislation approved by the U.S. House of Representatives today would ensure individuals could continue to make charitable contributions from their retirement accounts tax-free through the end of 2010, says a leading philanthropic organization.
Specifically, the House approved legislation that would allow individuals 70 ½ and older to transfer tax-free up to $100,000 per year from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a qualified charity.
The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), which is one of the nation’s largest philanthropic networks, hailed the House vote. JFNA is an active leader in a coalition that has actively promoted the creation of an IRA Charitable Rollover for the past decade. READ MORE
Passing of Abe Pollin
November 25, 2009
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington mourns the loss of Abe Pollin, Jewish businessman, activist and philanthropist. READ MORE
Ari “Hero” Teman: The News, the Video
November 13, 2009
JTA
NEW YORK -- After weeks of deliberation and the tally of more than 600,000 online votes, the Jewish Federations of North America has named its first Jewish Community Hero -- Ari Teman, the founder of JCorps.
A panel of judges from outside the federation system chose Teman, 27, for the $25,000 Jewish Community Heroes prize after whittling down a list of more than 400 nominees.
The Jewish Federations announced the choice Tuesday at the closing plenary session of its General Assembly conference in Washingon. The contest was part of the federation system's new multimillion-dollar marketing and rebranding strategy to broaden its base of support.
Teman's organization sets up young Jews with volunteer opportunities in nine cities over three continents -- all while working on virtually no budget. READ MORE
READ ADDITIONAL GA COVERAGE
Silverman Looking Golden at First GA as Federations’ Chief
November 10, 2009
JTA
WASHINGTON -- “So what's the big story here? What's it all about?”
That was the question bouncing around the halls this week at the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America, the annual conference of the Jewish federation system.
For about two weeks leading up to the GA, held here at the Marriott Wardman Park, there was a clear-cut answer: Obama.
The U.S. president was set to make the conference of more than 3,000 lay and professional leaders of the multibillion-dollar charity system his first appearance at a Jewish event since moving into the White House. Simply, it was the biggest "get" the system could have landed and reinforced efforts to give participants a sense that theirs was still the Jewish community's most important charitable network.
Then on Saturday night -- the eve of the start of the GA -- organizers received word from the White House that the president had to cancel to attend a memorial service for the 13 killed in the shooting in Fort Hood, Texas. READ MORE
Obama, Netanyahu to Attend 2009 GA
October 27, 2009
The Jewish Federations of North America
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is pleased to announce that President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be among the leaders addressing the 2009 General Assembly (GA) in Washington, D.C.
The GA of The Jewish Federations of North America, which takes place November 8-10, will be the first Jewish communal organization event President Obama has addressed since taking office. Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to speak on Monday, November 9. President Obama is NOW scheduled to speak on Tuesday, November 10 (changed from original date).
"On behalf of the Greater Washington Jewish community, we are honored to welcome both Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Obama to the 2009 General Assembly (GA). This year's GA is sure to be an inspiration to us all," said Cathy Gildenhorn, GA Host Community Co-Chair. READ MORE
Montgomery County Seniors Stay Connected to Community Through Coming of Age in Maryland Activities and Services
October 22, 2009
JSSA
Rockville, Md. – Seniors today value living in their private homes and apartments in familiar and comfortable settings. However, this living situation, known as aging in place, can sometimes cut seniors off from the broader community as they age. To keep seniors in Montgomery County connected to the community and to promote their wellbeing, four nonprofit agencies have collaborated to create Coming of Age in Maryland (COA), a new program that brings together opportunities for recreational and professional services.
COA in Maryland is a partnership of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington (JCCGW), JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency), Premier Homecare and the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). Funding is provided by the State of Maryland, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, and the United Jewish Endowment Fund. The program welcomes all seniors living in private homes in Montgomery County to join Coming of Age in Maryland at no charge. Each month through July 2010, COA in Maryland will offer multiple programs and events.
To learn more about Coming of Age in Maryland, join the mailing list, or register for an event, please call the reservation line, (301) 348-3832 or visit www.jccgw.org.
Chef Jacques Pépin To Host Manischewitz Cook-Off
Protestors Denounce Ahmadinejad Speech
September 24, 2009
By TOM FITZGERALD/myfoxdc
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Protesters packed into D.C's Farragut Square in downtown on Thursday. They were there not to speak out against something happening here, but rather up in New York City.
That's where Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, unleashed another bitter speech against Israel, the U.S., and the Holocaust.
The message in downtown D.C. was unmistakable. About 200 protesters denouced Iran's president, its human rights record and its nuclear program.
"Ahmadinejad has made his intentions clear!" said Susie Gelman of the Jewish Federation. READ MORE
Jewish Agency and Federation Leaders Advocate for Gilad Shalit
September 23, 2009
The Jewish Federations of North America
Convened by the Jewish Agency for Israel, Federation and community leaders met with the Red Cross in Washington Tuesday to deliver postcards written to captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Leaders of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Jewish Agency for Israel delivered hundreds of postcards from the group Americans for Gilad Shalit to Gail McGovern, CEO of the American Red Cross, and Mary Werntz, the head of the delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Jewish leaders also delivered thousands of names from an online petition, calling on the Red Cross to continue demanding that Shalit receive the full rights of an abducted soldier under international law. READ MORE
Click here to see pictures from Tuesday’s event.
Senator Kennedy brought his spirit of compassion and his expertise to our community by participating in several Jewish Federation events over the years, including as a speaker at our 1997 Campaign Inaugural event. READ MORE
On August 1, 2009 the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) community in Israel experienced probably the worst tragedy in its history: a shooting at a youth meeting that left 2 dead, over 10 injured, and many others in shock. Now more than ever, we need to foster an environment of tolerance in Israel, so that such an attack could never happen again. Any contribution would go a long way to helping LGBT kids live a better life. READ MORE
MAKE A DONATION TO IGY (Israeli Gay Youth Organization)
There is an immense continuing need for funds to support our community’s most needed social services – senior care, counseling and housing assistance, in addition to living assistance subsidies for adults with special needs and scholarships and tuition subsidies for local Jewish schools and summer camps. READ MORE
Federation Press Releases
November 2, 2009
A Week You Don't Want to Miss - The Reverse Mifgash is Back!
The “Reverse Mifgash” (encounter) is back for its second year! This program began in 2008 after a young woman from the Greater Washington area committed herself to bringing Israeli participants to the U.S. following her Taglit-Birthright Israel: DC Community Trip. Both years, local Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni were charged with raising funds to make the “Reverse Mifgash” happen. This year, alumni raised $15,000 through Friendraising, an online campaign. Additional support for the program comes from The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and Birthright Israel NEXT. READ MORE
September 24, 2009
Experience the POWER OF WOMEN'S PHILANTHROPY!
Choose to Be Part of VOICES 2009
Women’s Philanthropy of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington invites you to have your VOICE heard as a part of VOICES 2009. VOICES is the largest Women's Philanthropy event of the year and celebrates the choices women make to have their VOICES heard. VOICES brings together hundreds of women from every part of our community who share the same values: generosity, responsibility to care for each other, education and improving our world. READ MORE
March 17, 2009
DC Federation and Jim Joseph Foundation partner for Emergency Action Fund
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is pleased to partner with the Jim Joseph Foundation on an emergency assistance fund to provide needs-based scholarships and tuition subsidies for metro-Washington, DC, children attending Jewish day and high schools, Jewish early childhood schools and programs, and Jewish residential summer camps. READ MORE
NEWS & MEDIA
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