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Creating Communities of Belonging: A Message from Gil Preuss
On a national level, it is clear we must remove structural barriers to equality. I also find myself thinking about the very local view. How can our Jewish schools, synagogues, agencies, and institutions ensure that all community members feel a true sense of belonging? Our community works hard to be welcoming and hospitable. But what if welcoming isn’t enough? While welcoming reflects an invitation in, belonging is about being a vital part of something: it is based on deep, meaningful relationships, a sense of being at home, and the feeling that it is safe to reveal one’s whole self.
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Introducing Jconnections: A Brand New Way to Connect Those Seeking Support with Those Who Want to Help
At a time when many in our Greater Washington Jewish community need more assistance and support than ever before, Federation presents Jconnections, a platform created to connect those who need support with those who want to help. Whatever your current situation, we invite you to explore the easily accessible resources, curated volunteer opportunities, and simple tools needed to create and mobilize volunteer groups in acts of loving kindness.
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Meet Local Hero Jacob Ravick
Jacob Ravick, Staff Attorney at Federation’s partner agency the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA), already knew the work he and his organization were doing was essential. But when the stay-at-home orders driven by the coronavirus pandemic began trapping victims at home with their abusers, their work has become more important than ever. Jacob helps victims receive protective orders against an abuser, an essential measure to help them regain a sense of safety and agency over their lives. Even though JCADA has closed its offices, the organization has continued to operate without interruption to provide critical services for individuals in our community during this time.
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Funding for 33 Programs Set to Propel the Jewish Community Forward
Mobilizing the many parts of our community towards comprehensive change and collective impact is at the core of Federation’s work—and remains a priority during these challenging times. This past February, our request for innovative new ideas to strengthen Jewish life was met with 71 proposals, which came to life during our second annual Pitch Night. With a renewed commitment to investing in Jewish communal innovation and impact for a second year, 33 proposals were approved on June 10 by Federation’s Board of Directors. We can’t wait to see how these initiatives strengthen Jewish life in Greater Washington this year.
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Federation's 2020 Annual Meeting Celebrates Community & Welcomes New Leaders
Like so many of our recent gatherings, Federation’s 2020 Annual Meeting looked a little different this year. But even physical distancing couldn’t stop hundreds of Jewish community members from coming together to celebrate the meaning of community, welcome our new Board members, learn from Rabbi Amy Schwartzman, and be motivated by keynote speaker Lisa Eisen. We were also thrilled to premiere our brand new video, starring many of you! Jewish Greater Washington is blessed to have so many dedicated and thoughtful individuals committed to building a vibrant Jewish future.
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