Silver Spring’s Gila Efrati Connects Jews to Hebrew and Each Other
Throughout her life, people always asked Gila Efrati, “Are you a teacher?”
She attributes that question to the way she speaks and explains things. The...
DC’s Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin Fosters Sense of Belonging at Bet Mishpachah
Through youth groups and Jewish camps, Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin discovered a type of worship that spoke to him. It was participatory, open, experimental, supportive...
Fairfax’s Sharon Sherry Broadens Gesher Jewish Day School Community
Sharon Sherry has dedicated her entire career to Jewish education, from New Orleans to Arizona — and now northern Virginia, which she calls home.
The...
Arlington’s Rabbi Esther Lederman Works Toward a More Just World
When someone first told Rabbi Esther Lederman that she should pursue the rabbinate, she laughed. There weren’t any rabbis that she liked.
“My childhood rabbis...
Rockville’s Robin London Works to Empower Women
Though she is retired, Robin London stays busy between her lay leadership with Jewish Women International and her work educating local students about teen...
DC’s Rabbi Penina Alexander Guides Networks of Jewish Educators
Raised by a pulpit rabbi father and Jewish educator mother, Rabbi Penina Alexander embodies a perfect blend of both parents’ professions.
She is the afterschool...
Shuli Tropp: Silver Spring Woman Traded Accounting For Jewish Communal World
Shuli Tropp says she became the executive director of the Hebrew Free Loan Association of Greater Washington because she was late to shul one...
Bethesda’s Natalie West is a Longtime Leader at Hebrew Home for Seniors
Natalie West has always looked up to women she deems successful — those who engage in their communities and pursue their passions.
She’s attended Jewish...
Silver Spring’s Amy Weiss Strives to Make Service Synonymous With Judaism
Growing up, Amy Weiss’ parents emphasized that Judaism is about showing up, not just studying or discussing issues.
“Service really gives people a way to...
Rockville’s Gail Shirazi Marks 50 Years in Israel/Judaica at Library of Congress
Education is in Gail Shirazi’s blood: her mother, father, aunt, daughter, nieces and nephews are all teachers. So it only makes sense that she...