| This week, Israel commemorates two important holidays that are both distinct and interconnected. From Monday night to Tuesday night is Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day), a somber day to pay tribute to those who gave their lives fighting for the State of Israel. Immediately afterwards, beginning Tuesday night, is Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day), a festive occasion to celebrate Israel’s statehood. We commemorate these holidays on back-to-back days because without the sacrifice of the soldiers who lost their lives, there would be no Israel to celebrate. Despite our present circumstances, we can still come together to mark these important days on the calendar. Local and global communities are coming up with so many creative and engaging Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut programs. Our community shlichim (Israeli emissaries) are organizing a variety of online events, including celebrations of Israeli cooking and music. Mark your calendars with these events and join Jews from around the world to celebrate Israel’s 72nd birthday.
| |
|
FEATURED EVENTS & RESOURCES
| |
| | Worldwide Celebration of Israel’s Independence Day
Jewish Federations of North America
Help make history by joining the largest virtual global event celebrating Israel’s 72nd Independence Day! Livestream this one-hour, star-studded event and be sure to stay tuned in. You won’t want to miss a minute of the day’s festivities – all planned by top organizations from across North America and around the world on the theme of “What Israel Means to Me. What Israel Means to Us.”
» Wednesday, April 29 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
| | |
| | Israeli Cooking Sessions
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
Some say Israel has the best food in the world. Are you ready to try it? Join the DC area shlichim (emissaries) in celebrating Yom Ha’Atzmaut at virtual Israeli cooking sessions! The shlichim will showcase food from various communities in Israel and tell the stories behind the recipes. All participants will receive a cookbook.
» Wednesday, May 6 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
| | |
|
VIRTUAL LEARNING: CONNECT WITH PURPOSE
| |
Zikaron Packets - Personal Stories of Israel's Fallen Soldiers
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
To create a personal and meaningful connection to the wider DC community in observance of Yom HaZikaron, the Community Shlichim Program has developed zikaron packets. Each digital packet is personalized for an IDF soldier who gave their life in defense of the State of Israel and includes a song about the soldier. This project is powered by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Community Shlichim Program and created by Netta Asner Minster of B'nai Israel Congregation.
| |
Community Webinar: Federation's Response to COVID-19
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
Join Federation CEO Gil Preuss for a webinar about our community’s needs and the actions Federation is taking to protect vulnerable individuals and vital institutions. The discussion will focus on what Federation is doing to navigate our community’s rapidly changing reality, from our emergency fundraising response effort to the many ways we are working to keep our community connected even as we are physically distancing.
» Thursday, April 30 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
| |
Virtual JCADA 5K & Wellness Day
Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA)
Pull up JCADA's special Spotify playlist, get active, record your activity, and tune in for the Facebook Live event.
» Sunday, May 3 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
| |
Weaponizing White Supremacy during COVID-19
National Council of Jewish Women
White supremacists and far-right extremists are taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to peddle disinformation and hate online – and plan real-world terror. The panel will discuss the current landscape of hate and teach how to identify disinformation and push back against bigotry.
» Tuesday, May 5 | 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
| |
Israeli COVID-19 Vaccine Developments Webinar
Maryland/Israel Development Center
The world awaits a coronavirus cure. Might it come from The Startup Nation? Learn how Israel has mobilized its scientific and technological talents to overcome this modern-day plague.
» Wednesday, May 6 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
| |
Limmud eFestival
Limmud North America
Enjoy leading educators, thought-leaders, and change-makers teaching about the most interesting Jewish ideas today. Connect with Jewish community, cultivate your curiosity, and expand your horizons, all virtually.
» Sunday, May 24 | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
| |
|
RESOURCES FOR THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
| |
The Jewish Federation’s Emergency Response Committee has allocated funds to increase the assistance to individuals and families from the following organizations. Please contact them directly if you have a personal financial need during this time of crisis.
Adel Fund provides support for short-term basic needs such as mortgage and rent payments, and medical support. Please call: 240-621-0770 or visit them online.
Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) provides a screening line for all services related to mental health, special needs, and senior care. Please call MD: 301-816-2633 or VA: 703-896-7918 or visit them online.
Rabbi Emergency Fund offers funding for rabbis to support members of the community who are in need during times of crisis. Please contact your local congregation.
Yad Yehuda offers support for programs like Tomchei Shabbos and the Capital Kosher Pantry, and provides emergency cash and food assistance to individuals. Please call: 301-842-7135 or visit them online.
| |
|
VOLUNTEER & BE A FORCE FOR GOOD!
| |
Learning Ally
Help Learning Ally create audiobooks. Volunteer opportunities include narrators (reading stories), listeners (listening to stories), or quality assurance (listen to books and provide feedback about their experience).
| |
TeensGive
Tutor Children Virtually With TeensGive. Sessions are delivered via laptops and even phones and are all recorded to ensure quality and safety. The students receiving tutoring often attend after-school programs in underserved communities and are attending Title 1 schools and performing well below grade level.
| |
DONATE TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY DURING CORONAVIRUS & BEYOND
| |
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and Federation's United Jewish Endowment Fund are engaging our donors, volunteers, and partners to support the critical and immediate needs of the most vulnerable among us. As circumstances change quickly and the impact of the pandemic is felt more deeply across our community, our ability to respond quickly is more important than ever.
| |
|
|
|
|
