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Around the NoVA Jewish Community

March | April

March

The 2026 Israeli Dance Festival DC

March 8, 2026 3:30pm. Doors open 2:45pm - Berman Hebrew Academy - 13300 Arctic Avenue, Rockville, MD 20853

The 16th Israeli Dance Festival DC showcases the DC area Israeli dance troupes.
Sunday Performance

Advanced Purchase: $20 Adults, $15 Seniors, $10 Students. At the door $25 Adults, $20 Seniors $15 Students.
Tickets/information, www.israelidancefestivaldc.com, Abby Kerbel - 301-332-2733.

Rabin Lecture - an evening with Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin

Sunday, March 15, 8:00pm, at Milton Gottesman JDS

MILTON Gottesman Jewish Day School, in partnership with Washington Hebrew Congregation, is grateful to welcome Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin to Washington, DC as featured speakers for this year’s Rabin Lecture. They will engage our community for a conversation touching on Jewish education and parenting in advance of the release of Rachel’s upcoming book, When We See You Again.

Rachel and Jon were thrust into the international spotlight in October 2023 following the kidnapping of their son Hersh, z’l. Despite their devastating loss, they remained steadfast in their quest for the freedom of every hostage held by Hamas. Rachel and Jon will join us in Washington, DC; full location information and transportation guidance will be shared with ticketed participants no later than Thursday, March 12th.

Tickets to this event are $36 each and will be on sale through Wednesday, March 11th or until the event sells out. We anticipate this being a highly attended event and encourage you to purchase your tickets early. Please note that for security reasons, each ticket needs to be attached to an attendee name; if purchasing more than one ticket, you will be prompted to enter names of each ticketed attendee.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

From the Tunnels of Gaza to the Path of Healing: Evening with Nili Margalit

Thursday, March 19 at 7:30 – 9:00 pm at the Bender JCC (Rockville, MD)

On October 7, Nili Margalit was kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz and held in the tunnels of Gaza for 55 days. A pediatric nurse by profession, Nili became a lifeline for fellow hostages – managing medications, offering medical care, and providing comfort under unimaginable conditions.

Today, Nili uses her voice to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Join us for a special evening to hear her story.

Register

NoVA Shuk: Judaica and Gift Sale at the Pozez JCC

Sunday, March 22, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

NoVA Shuk brings together community partners from across Northern Virginia to transform the J into a vibrant marketplace of Judaica and Jewish inspired goods. Browse thoughtfully curated items from local organizations and vendors and discover meaningful gifts, beautiful ritual objects, and unique finds that add something special to your Passover seder and home. From classic essentials to unexpected treasures with a touch of DC flair, this is a chance to shop local, support our community, and connect with one another. Please be sure to bring your ID to enter the Pozez JCC.

Vendors include:
Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, Congregation Adat Reyim, Congregation Olam Tikvah and more!

Free admission. RSVP requested.

Register

April

Yom HaShoah – Community Observance & Author Talk

Monday, April 13, 7:00pm – 8:30pm at the Temple Rodef Shalom

Each year, Temple Rodef Shalom observes Holocaust Remembrance Day with a presentation by a prominent speaker – an author, filmmaker, musician and others who share narratives of resilience and personal perspectives on the Holocaust.

This year, Rabbi Amy Schwartzman and Cantor Michael Shochet will lead a brief observance of remembrance. Following our observance, children’s author, Maya Cohen, will share her insights into children’s literature about the Shoah and tell us about her book, The Photographer’s Son.

Temple Rodef Shalom - 2100 Westmoreland St, Falls Church, VA

Questions? Contact Cookie Mandell, Director of Congregational Engagement, Temple Rodef Shalom.

Co-sponsored by Temple Rodef Shalom, Pozez Jewish Community Center and the Israeli-American Council.

Register

J-Talks presents: “Pass the Trauma, Please” with local author Todd Diamond

Tuesday, April 14, 7:00pm – 8:15pm at the Pozez JCC

In commemoration of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day

In his forward of the memoir, former ADL national director, Abe Foxman, says “Pass the Trauma, Please” is an original, provocative, and even a bit irreverent narrative of a second-generation Holocaust survivor. Diamond writes an atypical viewpoint that demonstrates how trauma affects future generations of descendants (and others). His premise is derived from a scientific NYC hospital paper that found genetic changes in children of Holocaust survivors who survived the horrors of the Shoah. Diamond’s memoir uniquely links this past tragedy to present day (post-October 7th) global antisemitism.

Join us for an unusual and distinctive perspective on the Holocaust and trauma that weaves loss, love, laughter and legacy together. A book sale and signing will follow the event.

Fee: Complimentary. Registration required. Donations to JCC Adult Programming are appreciated.