Explore some upcoming events in Jewish DMV, from a Jewish-themed classical music concert to a talk with a Korean rabbi.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
J-FIT’S 2025 ZUMBATHON
Move and groove to high-energy tunes with friends, family and the J-Fit community. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just want to have some fun, dance the afternoon away. All fitness levels welcome. This event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. at Pozez JCC, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Register at thej.org/event/j-fits-2025-fall-zumbathon.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
JEWISH CLASSICAL MUSIC
Come to the Pozez JCC for a Jewish-themed classical concert with The Friday Morning Music Club. The program will include four pieces by Jewish composers and two well-known Jewish holiday pieces: “Kol Nidrei” and “Eliahu HaNavi.” All are welcome. This free event will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. at Pozez JCC, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Register at thej.org/event/jewish-classical-music-performed-by-fmmc.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
CAPITAL J MAINSTAGE: RICHARD KIND
Beloved actor and comic voice of unease Richard Kind joins Capital J for a lively conversation about storytelling, humor and the enduring power of Jewish wit. Capital J is a new program hosting prominent Jewish voices from politics, culture, business and the arts to share their perspectives and explore what it means to be an American Jew in our present moment. This event will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529 16th St., NW, Washington, D.C. Admission is $31.50-$77. Register at edcjcc.org/calendar/capital-j-kind.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20
HISTORIC DOCUMENTS THAT SHAPED JEWISH IDENTITY: NAPOLEAN, GEORGE WASHINGTON, HERZL & OTHERS
For the past 250 years, Jews have been defined, sometimes as individuals, as a collective or not mentioned but fitted into an overall definition. This presentation by Jewish educator David Epstein will consider the consequences of each definition, then and now. Included will be texts by Napoleon, George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, Theodor Herzl and deliberate antisemitic tracts. This event will take place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. via Zoom. Register at habermaninstitute.org/events-20252026/2025/10/9/paradox.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21
JCADA’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Celebrate the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse’s 25th anniversary. Hear from investigative journalist, award-winning author and leading expert on domestic violence Rachel Louise Snyder and see the original gallery “From Trauma to Transformation: Healing Journeys Through Art.” This event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Ohr Kodesh Congregation, 8830 Meadowbrook Road, Chevy Chase. Admission is $54-72. Register at jcada.org/get-involved/25-years.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21
STRIVING TO BELONG: LGBTQ+ JEWS IN ORTHODOX COMMUNITIES
This roundtable discussion examines shifts in the Orthodox community towards greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ Jews. Panelists include Peninah Gershman, Rabbi Hyim Shafner and more. The discussion is co-sponsored by Eshel and Moment Magazine. This event will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Capital Jewish Museum, 575 3rd St., NW, Washington, D.C. Free for members; $10 general admission. Register at capitaljewishmuseum.org/events/striving-to-belong-lgbtq-jews-in-orthodox-communities.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21
ANCESTORS, ANIMALS AND ALPHABETS IN THE ‘ROYAL’ TOMBS AT UMM EL-MARRA
Join Professor Glenn Schwartz of Johns Hopkins University to learn about discoveries from an ancient Syrian tomb. Excavations at Tell Umm el-Marra in northern Syria revealed a large early Bronze Age elite mortuary complex, including tombs with human remains and objects of gold, silver and lapis lazuli. This event will take place at 7:45 p.m. at Bender JCC, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville. General admission is $10. Register at jconnect.org/event/ancestors-animals-and-alphabets-in-the-royal-tombs-at-umm-el-marra.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22
RABBI ANGELA BUCHDAHL WITH DAVID LEONHARDT
Rabbi Angela Buchdahl was born in Korea and grew up in Tacoma, Washington, the daughter of a Korean Buddhist mother and a Jewish American father. Hear from the first Asian American to be ordained as a rabbi in North America about her book, “Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi’s Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging.” This event will take place in person and virtually at 7 p.m. at Sixth & I, 600 I St., NW, Washington, D.C. Admission is $12-$40. Register at sixthandi.org/event/rabbi-angela-buchdahl.
