Jewish Republicans and Democrats united for a day of bipartisan support for Israel and Zionism at the Washington Forum of the American Zionist Movement (AZM), held at the U.S. Capitol Dec. 12.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington has announced that it is relaunching Nexus, a program geared toward helping young professionals develop leadership skills and become more involved in the Jewish community.
Over 3,000 people attended the Dec. 2 National Menorah Lighting on the Ellipse, with the White House in full view. The event featured performances by the United States Army band, The Three Cantors, and the band 8th Day. The Menorah was lit by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. The National Menorah, a project of American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad), was first lit in 1979. President Donald Trump sent remarks honoring victims of the Pittsburgh shooting. “Jews today continue to face many different forms of violence, hatred, and bigotry around the globe,” he wrote in a statement, adding that the country pledges its “continued love and support” to the victims and their families for the holiday.
"'Make your own Menorah' personifies the ethos of the GW Hillel," which is centered around tool-giving and hyper-customization, said George Washington University Hillel’s Rabbi Daniel Epstein. "Everyone’s Judaism is unique and beautiful, we give you the raw materials and you make it your own."
More than 50 students from local Jewish and public schools gave it their all at a Chanukah-themed musical performance for the residents of Arcola Health and Rehabilitation Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. The event was planned by Miriam Friedman and co-sponsored by the Berman Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and Kemp Mill Synagogue (KMS).
This year, a representative from Chai Lifeline worked with Miriam Cleeman, chesed chair at Kesher Israel Congregation in Washington D.C., to match 16 Chai Lifeline families from the Greater Washington area with 25 members of the Kesher community. The generous Kesher members collected toys and games, organized, and wrapped up the presents for the Chai Lifeline families, and the personalized presents were presented to each family at the organization’s annual Chanukah party.
Yad Yehuda of Greater Washington, a local organization helping members of the community in need, has announced it is expanding its Capital Pantry Program and adding a refrigerated section.
FIDF NEXT Midatlantic, the region’s young professionals arm of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), hosted its annual sold-out blowout celebrating Chanukah and giving locals the chance to hear personal stories from Israeli soldiers. It was held Dec. 1 at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland. Chaired by Alix and Paul Bortnik and Miriam and Micha Weinblatt, the event was catered by Souk and featured live music, dancing, and a very festive atmosphere!
On Dec. 3, members of the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Post 567 joined management and staff from the Signal Financial Credit Union to light Chanukah candles and celebrate the holiday at Leisure World, a seniors community in Rockville, Maryland. The celebration was planned and executed by Signal Financial Credit Union Membership Relationship Manager Nabiha Zayat and coordinated with the officers of the JWV post based at Leisure World.
How will the move impact housing prices, job markets, and public spending?
On Nov. 13, online retail giant Amazon announced it is establishing a second headquarters in Northern Virginia. While state officials are celebrating the development, the anticipated impact it will have on the area’s housing market is eliciting varied reactions.