Friends of the Arts
Arts and Ideas programming illuminates the human experience through concerts, literary events, films, and visual arts. Our program fees alone do not always cover the operating costs to provide these programs.
Friends of the Arts
Therefore, we have created the Arts & Ideas giving society, Friends of the Arts, and invite you to actively support the continuation of these programs you love by becoming a member.
Your gift helps support outstanding and accessible programs all year long, engaging the community through concerts, literary events, film, and visual arts. Help keep the Bender JCC the center of the Jewish arts community in the greater Washington metro area, providing a home for you and so many others who depend on these community-building opportunities.
Our community is stronger because of you.
Program Areas
Featuring rising stars and renowned artists & exceptional musical experiences.
Thoughtfully-selected authors and speakers & Innovative events such as the Local Authors’ Fai
International films through a Jewish lens
& Engaging talkbacks and community partnerships.
Giving Levels
- Membership to Nineteen13, the Bender JCC’s signature giving circle
- EIGHT complimentary tickets to the Arts + Ideas film or literary program(s) of your choice
- Invitation to attend the annual Friends of the Arts wine and cheese appreciation reception
- Reserved seating for Lessans Family Literary Series and Cinema J programs
- Opportunity to take artists to dinner, introduce events, or enjoy private “green rooms” before the event. *Subject to availability
- Friends of the Arts donors will be recognized online and at Arts + Ideas events.
- SIX complimentary tickets to the Arts + Ideas film or literary program(s) of your choice
- Invitation to attend the annual Friends of the Arts wine and cheese appreciation reception
- Friends of the Arts donors will be recognized online and at Arts + Ideas events.
- FOUR complimentary tickets to the Arts + Ideas film or literary program(s) of your choice
- Invitation to attend the annual Friends of the Arts wine and cheese appreciation reception
- Friends of the Arts donors will be recognized online and at Arts + Ideas events.
- TWO complimentary tickets to the Arts + Ideas film or literary program of your choice
- Invitation to attend the annual Friends of the Arts wine and cheese appreciation reception
- Friends of the Arts donors will be recognized online and at Arts + Ideas events.
Polinger Artists of Excellence
- Teens (13-17), Adults (18+), Adults (65+)
- Concerts and Performances
Cinema J
- Teens (13-17), Adults (18+), Adults (65+)
Goldman Art Gallery
- Infants and Toddlers (0-5), Children (6-12), Teens (13-17), Adults (18+), Adults (65+)
Summer Book Club 2025 – The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman
- Ages 18+
- July 18 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Summer Book Club 2025 – We Would Never by Tova Mirvis
- Ages 18+
- August 15 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm