Explore some upcoming events in Jewish DMV, from a shofar blowing workshop in the park to a challah bake and learn.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
SELICHOT WITH LLOYD WOLF — A JOYFUL NOISE: KLEZMER IN MOTION
Enjoy an evening of community, music and reflection as we usher in the High Holiday season, featuring a potluck dinner, Selichot prayers and a presentation by photographer Lloyd Wolf. This free event will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Kol Ami, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington. Register at kolamivirginia.org/events/havdalah-community-potluck-3.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
A MUSICAL SELICHOT WITH THE JEWISH STUDIO
Enjoy a soulful, musical evening to prepare for the High Holidays. Renowned musician and songwriter Chazzan Basya Schechter and Rabbi Mark Novak will co-lead with Rabbi Evan Krame and storytelling by Renee Brachfeld. This free event will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. at Bender JCC Pavilion, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville. Register at jconnect.org/event/a-musical-selichot.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
FOR OUR MANY TRANSGRESSIONS: EXPLORING THEMES OF THE HIGH HOLIDAYS
Join Tifereth Israel Congregation for a staged reading of the play “Pharsalia,” by Dr. Carolivia Herron, a Jewish African American novelist, playwright and educator. In partnership with the SHALEM Speaker Series, Dr. Herron will explore themes of the High Holidays alongside TI members Desiree Douglas and Tyrone Colbert. This free event will take place at 8:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel, 7701 16th St., NW, Washington, D.C. Register at tifereth-israel.org/event/selichot-2025.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
SHOFAR BLOWING WORKSHOP
Join Hazzan Asa Fradkin of Congregation Beth El of Montgomery County for a hands-on shofar blowing workshop in the park. Whether you’re preparing for the High Holidays or want to explore this powerful mitzvah, this class offers step-by-step guidance on how to blow the shofar. Please bring your own shofar; open to all ages and skill levels. This free event will take place at 1 p.m. at Greenwich Park, 8400 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda. Register at bethelmc.org/events/workshop-0914.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
‘ELIE WIESEL: SOUL ON FIRE’
The Pozez JCC, in partnership with the Edlavitch DC JCC, kicks off the JxJ Best of the Fest series with a screening of “Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire.” Told largely through his own words, this film seeks to penetrate to the heart of the known and unknown Elie Wiesel — his passions, conflicts and legacy as one of the most public survivors of the Holocaust. This event will take place from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Cinema Arts Theatre, 9650 Main St., Fairfax. Admission is $15. Register at thej.org/event/jxj-best-of-the-fest-elie-wiesel-soul-on-fire.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
THE EMPEROR AND THE DIVINE BETWEEN DIOCLETIAN AND CONSTANTINE
Explore the shifting ground of religious change between the old gods and Christianity in the reigns of the emperors Diocletian and Constantine, and ask the very old question of exactly what Constantine intended for the state at this lecture by a professor of European history. This event will take place from 7:45 to 9 p.m. at the Bender JCC, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville. Admission is $5-$10. Register at jconnect.org/event/the-emperor-and-the-divine-between-diocletian-and-constantine.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
MONTGOMERY COUNTY VIRTUAL 50-PLUS EMPLOYMENT EXPO
Calling all local job seekers age 50-plus and age-friendly employers with three or more different job openings. Log on to the Jewish Council for the Aging’s employment expo for community resources, two workshops to help with your job search and employer presentations. This free event will take place virtually from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register at virtualexpos.accessjca.org.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
ROSH HASHANAH CHALLAH BAKE & LEARN
Join The Den Collective for an intimate evening of connection, challah baking and exploration of Jewish teachings. Rachel Jacobs from Walla Challah will guide the group in braiding and baking the challahs. As the bread bakes, gather with Rabbi Aderet Drucker for learning and discussion touching on the themes of the High Holy Day season. This event will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in Bethesda. Register at thedencollective.org/online/hhd-challah-bake-learn-september-2025.
