Check out these Jewish communal events coming up in the DMV, including preparation for Rosh Hashanah. It’s time for apple picking, shofar blasts and challah galore!
FRIDAY, SEPT. 4
CHALLAH SHABBAT
Join Chabad East DC for family-friendly challah making, followed by Shabbat songs and family Shabbat dinner. Adults are invited to attend a Kabbalat Shabbat service and separate Shabbat dinner. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Chabad East DC Jewish Center, 406 8th St. SE, Washington, D.C. chabadeastdc.com/tools/events/register_cdo/eventid/23377.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 5
SELICHOT & HAVDALAH SERVICE
Join Temple Micah for a contemplative evening as we officially begin the High Holy Day season. This is an opportunity to prepare for the Jewish New Year. Open to all; no advance registration required. 8-9:30 p.m. Temple Micah, 2829 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. templemicah.org/events/selichot-service.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 6
APPLE PICKING
Pozez JCC’s Growing Jewish Families is heading to the farm for a day of apple picking, farm fun and community connection in the Blue Ridge foothills. Great Country Farms offers apple and pumpkin picking, a corn maze, farm animals, a jump pillow, slides, wagon rides and more. There’s something for every age from the littlest one to grandparents and everyone in between. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Great Country Farms, 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, VA. Free for children ages 3 and younger; $15. thej.org/event/apple-picking.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 8
REMEMBER & RETURN: SARAH, HANNAH & THE WORK OF BECOMING
Join Rabbi Anna Wolfe, the Den Collective’s new community rabbi, for an intimate evening of Jewish learning and conversation exploring Sarah and Hannah’s stories as a lens into the deeper work of teshuvah. Together, consider Rosh Hashanah as a moment not only of return, but of creation and re-creation: an invitation to nurture what is emerging within us, release what has kept us stuck and imagine who we are still becoming. 7-9 p.m. Northwest D.C. Register by Sept. 4 at thedencollective.org/online/remember-return-sarah-hannah-work-of-becoming-september-2026.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9
SHOFAR BLAST 5787
Join the EDCJCC community as it sounds the shofar to awaken us for the Jewish New Year. Enjoy treats such as apples and honey and bubbly beverages for all ages to toast to a sweet new year, and participate in a reflection activity to consider your hopes for the year ahead. Bring your own shofar if you have one. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Edlavitch DCJCC. edcjcc.org/calendar/shofar-blast-5787.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9
ROSH HASHANAH CHALLAH BAKE & LEARN
Welcome the sweetness of the New Year with an evening of baking, learning and community with the Den Collective. Together, mix, braid and bake your own challah while exploring Jewish teachings and engaging in thoughtful conversations inspired by the themes of the High Holy Days. The Den’s programming is geared toward Jewish adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s. 6-8:30 p.m. in Bethesda. $20. Register by Sept. 4 at thedencollective.org/online/rosh-hashanah-challah-bake-learn-september-2026.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 10
NEW YEAR’S EREV ROSH HASHANAH BASH
Ring in 5787 with Jewish community, festive attire and a celebration worthy of the sweetest new year yet. Join Luv With Lev on Erev Erev Rosh Hashanah for a one-of-a-kind Jewish party borrowing all the fun of a classic New Year’s Eve celebration to welcome the Jewish New Year. For single attendees, Luv With Lev is partnering with the Hooked app so you can see who else attending is single, express interest and start conversations. 7-10 p.m. in Washington, D.C. $18-$45. tinyurl.com/NewYearsErevRoshHashanah.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 11
ROSH HASHANAH EVE COMMUNITY DINNER
Start the High Holidays with meaning and melody. Enjoy an Erev Rosh Hashanah communal dinner with Rabbi Yossi and Chanie Kagan of Chabad Clarksburg and Germantown. 7 p.m. at Chabad Clarksburg and Germantown, 17 Diller Court, Clarksburg. jewishupcounty.com.
