The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington serves Jews in the District of Columbia, northern Virginia and Maryland. Founded over 200 years ago, the Federation aims to mobilize resources to strengthen local Jewish communities and address their needs, and to facilitate engagement in Jewish life. It supports 40 local agencies, Jewish schools and youth groups, and community service programs, reaching over 270,000 people.
Steve Rakitt is the CEO and executive vice president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Previously, he was the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, where he led the annual campaign and pioneered programs for interfaith families and individuals. Prior to his work in Atlanta, he spent 17 years at the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, serving as executive vice president for seven years. Rakitt is also a member of the executive committees of the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Jewish Federations of North America, and serves as a chair of the Jewish Federations of North America's Large City Executives Forum.
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