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Civic Discourse, Not Civil War: A Message from Federation CEO Gil Preuss
With Chanukah’s approach, I’ve been giving some thought to the true origins of the holiday, and how they mirror some of the challenges we face as a society today. The holiday hoopla of dreidels, jelly donuts, potato latkes and presents masks the dark secret of the holiday’s history. While it is true that the Maccabees miraculously restored Jewish sovereignty to Judaea and cleansed Jerusalem from foreign cultural subjugation, the actual catalyst for losing Jewish independence and religious freedom was an out of control Jewish civic debate on religious/cultural identity and loyalty. Talk and debate turned into violence. Sinat Chinam, senseless internal hatred, tore the community apart and led to civil war.
Read Gil’s full message »
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Thank you for making #GivingTuesday a success!
On November 28, #GivingTuesday, more than 200 donors helped The Jewish Federation raise $122,387, making a profound statement about the extraordinary generosity of our community and its dedication to helping Jewish Greater Washington flourish. Whether your passion is fighting poverty, securing our Jewish future or connecting with Israel, know that we are honored by the trust you have placed in us to ensure your impact is felt every day.
Watch our Thank You video »
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Annual Talk Israel Conference Empowers Teens to Lead Meaningful Conversations about Israel
“Talk Israel demonstrated to me just how many young people actively support Israel! I feel more and more excited to begin Israel advocacy in the real world, knowing how many other people will be there to support me. The Talk Israel speakers were an inspired group, who instilled in me the confidence to advocate for what I believe in, unapologetically.” – Adi Golan, Talk Israel 2016 graduate.
For the third year, on Sunday, December 3, teens from across Greater Washington will take part in the one-day Talk Israel Conference, presented by The Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Council. Participants have the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops and activities on Israel advocacy and engagement, empowering them to lead meaningful conversations about Israel on college campuses and beyond. (Registration open through Saturday; walk-ins are welcome.)
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Finding True Courage (and Freedom) in the Spirit of Chanukah
On December 12, we will gather with family and friends to celebrate the beginning of the Festival of Lights. This year, as you fry your latkes and light the first candles, consider taking a closer look at the typical symbols of Chanukah. You may discover that one underlying theme of the holiday is ometz lev, or courage, and how we partner with God in making “miracles” happen. The core texts of Jewish tradition remind us how the Hasmonean family stood up to the wave of Hellenization sweeping over the Syrian Greek empire around the first century BCE. Could the heroics of the Maccabees be a model for us today—but NOT in the context of social conflict and war?
Get inspired by Federation’s Department of Jewish Life & Learning »
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