Explore these 14 events in Jewish DMV, from gatherings in the sukkah to a chance to hear from two brothers who survived captivity after Oct. 7.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 25

SUKKOT SHABBAT WITH SIXTH & I
During Sukkot, Rabbi Jenna and the Sixth & I musicians lead an inclusive service that blends contemporary and traditional elements, reflecting on the holiday’s themes of home and belonging. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a happy hour for adults 21-plus only. 7-8:15 p.m. at Sixth & I. sixthandi.org/event/sukkot-shabbat-2.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 27

SUKKOT PARTY

Celebrate Sukkot and fulfill the special shaking of the lulav and etrog with Chabad East DC. Hop inside the sukkah and make a blessing on some snacks. Enjoy a bubble show performance for all ages and sukkah decorations. Rain or shine. 11 a.m. to noon at Eastern Market Park. tinyurl.com/EasternMarketSukkot.

JEWS OF COLOR AFFINITY GROUP SUKKOT CELEBRATION

Join the EDCJCC’s Jews of Color affinity group to celebrate Sukkot with dinner in the sukkah, family-friendly learning with Ammud ambassador Rabbi Kelly Whitehead, crafts, mulled apple cider, and, as always, the opportunity to create community with fellow Jews of color and their families. 5-7 p.m. at Edlavitch DCJCC. edcjcc.org/calendar/jews-of-color-affinity-group-sukkot-celebration-2026.

SOUNDTRACK TO SURVIVAL

When Guy Gilboa-Dalal was taken hostage on Oct. 7, music became one of the ways he held onto hope. In “Soundtrack to Survival,” Guy — one of the last hostages to be released by Hamas — and his brother, Gal, use music, storytelling and conversation to share a deeply personal journey of survival, resilience and healing. Inspired by “MTV Unplugged,” this intimate program is one of only a handful of presentations taking place across the country. 7:30-9 p.m. at Edlavitch DCJCC, Aaron and Cecile Goldman Theater. $37-$121. edcjcc.org/show/soundtrack-to-survival-sep26.

MONDAY, SEPT. 28

LAWYERS LUNCH & LEARN: ANTISEMITISM IN US HISTORY

Though a frequent topic of discussion, antisemitism in the United States is a poorly understood historical phenomenon. In this talk, Professor Britt Tevis offers a historical lens on anti-Jewish bigotry, discrimination and violence by illuminating underappreciated and unexplored dimensions of anti-Jewish inequality from America’s past. 12:30 p.m. on Zoom. tinyurl.com/SanctionedBigotry.

KRAV MAGA TRAINING

The Community Security Service invites you to a hands-on Krav Maga training and ROAM volunteer information session. The program is designed to build confidence, situational awareness and practical personal safety skills, while introducing CSS’ mission and volunteer opportunities. 7-9 p.m. Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C. forms.gle/zL3ctdiGkV3RoUsC9.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 29

AN EVENING WITH THOMAS MALLON & SCOTT SIMON

Acclaimed author Thomas Mallon will read and discuss selections from his most recent book, “The Very Heart of It: New York Diaries (1983-1989),” which offers a personal account of his literary and romantic life in New York during the early years of the AIDS epidemic. The program will be moderated by Scott Simon, host of NPR’s Morning Edition. 7-9 p.m. at Edlavitch DCJCC, Cafritz Hall. Free for Bet Mishpachah members; $12.50 for nonmembers. tinyurl.com/4rjrhje2.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MUSEUM OF EXPLORATION

Discover wonder and adventure on a group trip to D.C.’s newly redesigned National Geographic Museum of Exploration with the Bender JCC’s Coming of Age program for older adults. Enjoy a private guided tour as you journey through discoveries, cultures and adventures that shape our planet. Lunch on your own at the cafeteria onsite. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. leaving from Bender JCC. $75. tinyurl.com/NatGeoCoA.

POTLUCK DINNER IN THE SUKKAH

Join Fabrangen Havurah for a potluck dinner in the sukkah. Bring a dairy/vegetarian dish (with a serving utensil) or a dessert to share. Challah and beverages will be served. Dress appropriately for the weather, as you’ll be dining outdoors. 6:30-9 p.m. at the Fabrangen Sukkah in Northwest D.C. fabrangen.org/events/potluck-dinner-in-the-fabrangen-sukkah.

WOMEN FOR A SWEETER WORLD: AN EVENING OF HOPE

Join Pozez JCC for an evening of film, conversation and connection exploring the power of women, collaboration and hope across communities in Israel. The evening will feature a screening of the documentary “Women for a Sweeter World,” followed by a conversation with the film’s director, Roei Levi Ymamori, the film’s founder and inspiration, Yossi Aud, and three Jewish and Arab women leaders from the Women of Honey collective. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Pozez JCC. thej.org/event/women-for-a-sweeter-world-an-evening-of-hope.

EVAN GERSHKOVICH WITH PETER BAKER

In March 2023, a year after Russia invaded Ukraine, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich met with a source at an empty restaurant 900 miles east of Moscow. Masked agents charged in, blindfolded Gershkovich and dragged him into an unmarked van. He was arrested and charged with spying. In “This Cursed Beautiful Land: A Russian-American Story,” Gershkovich recounts the events leading up to his arrest, his nearly 500 days in Russian prisons and the multi-country prisoner swap that freed him. Gershkovich will be in conversation with Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent for the New York Times. 7-8:30 p.m. Sixth & I. sixthandi.org/event/evan-gershkovich.

INTEREST CLUSTERS & FRIENDS SUKKOT MIXER

Join EDCJCC’s Interest Cluster members and friends for a mid-season mixer to celebrate Sukkot and learn more about the program. Everyone ages 21 to 50 is welcome, whether you’re part of an Interest Cluster or not. Admission includes a drink ticket. 7-9 p.m. at the Edlavitch JCC. $15. edcjcc.org/calendar/interest-clusters-friends-sukkot-mixer-sep26.

THURSDAY, OCT. 1

FOODISH STORY CIRCLE

Join the Capital Jewish Museum and FOODISH (the Jewish food initiative of ANU – Museum of the Jewish People) in the sukkah to share family recipes, culinary memories and personal stories connected to Jewish holidays and traditions. Led by local chef and culinary historian Vered Guttman, participants can contribute their own stories while discovering connections across Jewish communities and generations. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Capital Jewish Museum. $5-$10. simpletix.com/e/foodish-story-circle-tickets-291683.

GLOE UNDER THE SUKKAH

The sukkah — a temporary dwelling — reminds us of our journeys and our need for community. Join GLOE and Nice Jewish Boys+ and fellow LGBTQ+ Jews and allies together under the EDCJCC’s sukkah. Kosher options will be available, and you can bring a snack or dish to share (or just bring yourself). 7-9 p.m. at the Edlavitch DCJCC. edcjcc.org/calendar/gloe-under-the-sukkah-oct26.