Remembering Paul Berger: Beloved Community Leader

With profound sadness, we share that Paul Berger, z"l, our friend, community leader, and past president of The Jewish Federation, passed away on January 4^th at age 90. Paul had a truly outsized impact on our Jewish community, and served as confidante, colleague, teacher, friend, and advisor to many. With his kindness, generosity, and quiet, humble way, Paul ensured we centered what was most important: caring for those in need and strengthening the Jewish community. His approach to leadership and continued dedication to Jewish learning, Israel, and the Jewish people will serve as a model for generations to come. May Paul’s family, friends, and loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, and may his memory be for a blessing.

In September, Paul spoke with the Washington Jewish Week about his life. Read the interview here to learn more about his indelible legacy.

Thank you for seeing our Jewish community into a new and brighter year ahead!

The Jewish Federation is grateful to all who gave generously through Federation's 2022 Annual Campaign. Your support strengthens and sustains our community, meeting today’s critical needs and building a vibrant Jewish future. Learn more about what we continue to accomplish together.

Introducing Tehom: A Unique Leadership Journey

Federation presents Tehom, a fellowship for personal growth and an unparalleled leadership journey. Tehom is designed for individuals or couples between their 30s-60s who seek to deepen their connection and personal relationship with Judaism, and serve as catalysts for change in the Jewish community and the greater world.

Watch the video and learn more

Surviving Hostage Situations

Secure Community Network

One year after the hostage incident at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, join the Secure Community Network to learn practical steps to take at the onset, duration, and resolution of a hostage situation. Panelists will include a Colleyville survivor and security professionals with backgrounds in crisis negotiations.

Register here

» Thursday, January 19 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Honeymoon Israel Applications are Now Open!

Honeymoon Israel (HMI) is open to couples of all cultural, racial, religious, gender, and sexual identities within the early years of their lifelong committed partnership who are looking to create and deepen their connection with each other and to Jewish life. Curious to learn if HMI is right for you? Join HMI for upcoming in-person and virtual info sessions. 

Learn more here

» In-Person: Thursday, January 11 | 7:00 PM

» Virtual: Monday, January 30 | 7:00 PM 

Celebrate Israel at 75!

From January - June 2023, Federation’s extended Israel at 75 community celebration will highlight a variety of Israel-focused opportunities (in-person and virtual) to connect community members of all ages and backgrounds. Stay tuned for opportunities to learn, engage, and celebrate Israel's milestone 75^th year of independence!

Sign up for updates

MLK Friday Night Shabbat Dinner and Festival

Adas Israel Congregation

Gather with friends, old and new, to recharge your spirit with uplifting prayer, joyful song, and (of course) lots of food. Join Adas Israel for happy hours for social action and community partners, young professionals, and retired professionals, as well as musical services and a special MLK Shabbat Dinner. 

Register here

» Friday, January 13 | 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

MLK Shabbat: Visions of Freedom and Justice

Sixth & I

This moving service with Turner Memorial AME Church, which worshipped in Sixth & I’s building for five decades, commemorates the spirit and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. The service will feature soul-lifting music plus words of inspiration from Rabbi Aaron Potek and Reverend Doctor D.K. Kearney. 

Register here

» Friday, January 13 | 7:00 PM

MLK Day of Service Project

Congregation Etz Hayim

Congregation Etz Hayim is proud to once again co-sponsor Volunteer Arlington’s upcoming Leadership Center for Excellence MLK Day of Service. Just as there are various ways to be civically engaged, there are a variety of civic engagement projects for this year's MLK Day of Service. You can sign up for an in-person project at Washington-Liberty High School, in-person project at other locations, and/or virtual project. 

Register here

» Monday, January 16 | 8:45 AM – 2:00 PM

MLK Family Mitzvah Day 2023

Edlavitch DCJCC

Join Federation partner, EDCJCC, for a morning of volunteer projects, story time, and advocacy to help folks around the DC area who are experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and other challenges. Activities will include dry food packaging, making Valentines, and other volunteer activities. This program is intended for children ages 5+ but everyone is welcome. 

Register here

» Monday, January 16 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Summer Camp Job Fair

Bender JCC

Get to know the local day and overnight camps and learn why you should work at a Jewish camp this summer! Stop by to meet representatives from Federation partners Capital Camps, Lessans Camp JCC, and Camp EDCJCC. 

Register here

» Thursday, January 5 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Toy Drive for Northern Virginia Family Services

Temple Rodef Shalom

Donate toys and games for the Northern Virginia Family Services Youth Initiatives Program, which runs peer support groups for at-risk youth in grades 4 through 6. Many of these children are recent immigrants with limited English; several are reunifying with family after a long separation. Visit the Amazon wish list for donation ideas. Drop off donations from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the pod located in the lower parking lot of Temple Rodef Shalom.

Learn more here

» Donate by Sunday, January 7

Sip & Schmooze + Bingo

Pozez JCC

Join Federation partner, Pozez JCC, for an informal opportunity for conversation with others. As in the past, we will sip our preferred beverage and schmooze for the first 45 minutes, and then play BINGO! Printable BINGO cards are available here. 

Register here

» Monday, January 9 | 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM

Our friends at the Washington Jewish Week are offering members of our community a free, one-year subscription. Sign up today!

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The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
6101 Executive Boulevard Suite 100 | North Bethesda, MD 20852 US