Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake

06/17/2026

If you were impacted by recent severe weather, please visit our website for resources on what to do after the storm. Topics include:

~ Quick Tips if you have damage after a storm
~ Tips for when you need to file a claim
~ What if a tree falls on your property
~ Videos, resource cards, and more

Visit our website here: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/postDisaster.aspx

If you want to make sure you are prepared for the next storm, visit this page for pre-disaster resources: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/InsurancePreparednessNaturalDisasters.aspx

As a reminder, The Maryland Insurance Administration urges any Maryland resident affected by the severe weather to contact us with any insurance-related issues or questions. Call us at 1-800-492-6116 (toll free) or 1-800-735-2258 (TTY) or visit our website: https://insurance.maryland.gov/

06/17/2026

Crowdsourcing: What do you want in terms of programs/events/opportunities from our Federation? Please use comment section below.

06/17/2026

Huge thanks to the The Capital for this coverage! Even bigger thanks to our AAC county council!
Congregation Kol Shalom in Annapolis, MD

Synagogues applauded the addition of security funds to Anne Arundel County’s budget, a measure that once seemed unlikely to gain approval.

The fiscal year 2027 budget now includes $150,000 for a security grant pilot program for religious organizations and nonprofits at risk of hate crimes.

For Congregation Kol Shalom in Annapolis, security funding has become an ever-increasing expense at $80,000 to $100,000 a year. The synagogue has about 120 member families and a full-time, five-day-a-week preschool with 48 children.

📸: Jeffrey F. Bill, Capital Gazette

06/16/2026

We are thrilled that the national Jewish Federation system is showcasing this success as it's a model others can follow to stay safe.

The Anne Arundel County Council unanimously passed the FY27 budget Thursday, which includes investments in education, health and public safety.

06/16/2026

Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly
November 8-10, Washington, DC
The Jewish community stands at an inflection point. Rising antisemitism is reshaping civic life. Israel faces years of recovery. Jewish engagement is evolving faster than institutions can adapt. Join the most influential voices in Jewish leadership, philanthropy, and policy to address the defining challenges of our time.

Join us as we explore the future of Jewish education, philanthropy, and our community — taking the Federation Movement farther than ever before.

06/16/2026

Thank you again to every single member of the Anne Arundel County Government County Council -- Pete Smith Allison Pickard for County Executive Councilman Nathan Volke Julie Hummer, County Councilwoman District 4 Amanda Fiedler - County Council District 5 Lisa D. B. Rodvien - District 6 Councilwoman Friends of Shannon Leadbetter and everyone else who helped!

Earlier this spring, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman declined to support a budget provision that would have recommended the county allocate funding for security at vulnerable minority communities in the fiscal year 2027 budget.

06/16/2026

FREE & EXCELLENT ONLINE EVENT! On Monday, June 22, join Anne Neuberger alongside Bret Stephens to discuss her new SAPIR essay, “The Jewish Case for Public Service.” Read the essay and get ready for a great conversation! Register now.

Note - in our area we have only two Jewish elected officials - Jared Littmann, Mayor of Annapolis and School board member SchallHeim. There are a few Jewish candidates as well, including two running for Congress (not being named here as we have to be careful not to be seen as endorsing as we are a nonprofit). But there are lot of ways to help! Recently, volunteers in our Jewish community are making a big difference. This can help folks get more ideas and impact!

On Friday afternoons, as the sun descended, I would sign off from my U.S. government classified email at a secure facility and speed home t...

06/15/2026

Early voting is open. Check out our nonpartisan AAC voter guide!

The Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to strengthening civic engagement and providing voters with accurate, helpful information. While our Federation serves several counties and addresses many community issues, as a new organization ou...

06/12/2026

Great coverage by WBFF FOX 45 on the new security grant to help protect faith and nonprofit groups from hate crimes!! "While the funding was not initially included in the budget proposed by Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, County Council members made sure to include it. A big push for the funding came from the Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake, along with other organizations.

"We're thrilled that something got in," said Jody Goldsmith, the president of the Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake. "We were obviously originally asking for a more robust program that could even make much more of a difference, but we are very, very happy that, contrary to what the County Executive was first putting in, that the council members, seven council members, unanimously pushed forward for a pilot program. So, this program is only for $150,000 but it's a start, and that can be built upon after that."

With the rise of hate and antisemitism targeting different religious and community groups, the funding would help full security gaps, like for organizations that operate schools or frequently require security guards.

While the money has been allocated, many details about this program are not yet clear. During the budget meeting, County officials said they will now need to establish he grant program and the parameters of the grant program. From the start, Goldsmith said he wants this grant program to be inclusive of various religions, organizations and community groups."

The Anne Arundel County Council just unanimously passed the FY27 budget, which includes investments in education, health and human services and public safety. N

06/12/2026

Happy birthday to Jared Littmann, Mayor of Annapolis!!

Meet Annapolis Mayor-Elect Jared Littmann, a proven leader with experience as a city councilor, engineer, and business owner.