-
Join Rabbi Hannah for a meaningful morning of learning, movement, and community as we begin preparing our hearts and minds for the High Holidays.
Holidays in Greater Washington
Celebrate the Jewish Year Together
From Rosh Hashanah to Shavuot (and every Shabbat in between), Jewish life moves to the rhythm of the calendar. Explore events, services, and rich resources across Greater Washington to help you celebrate each holiday in ways that are meaningful, accessible, and joyful—wherever you are on your Jewish journey.
The High Holidays
Reflect, reconnect, and renew your spirit with community events for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah.
And sweeten the New Year with Sunflower Bakery’s Rosh Hashanah treats—round challahs, honey cakes, and more.
High Holiday Resources
We’ll continue to add to this collection as new resources become available.
A Few Words to Know
You may come across Hebrew words and phrases as you explore the High Holidays. Here are a few you might find helpful:
- Elul: The Hebrew month before Rosh Hashanah, traditionally a time for reflection and preparation for the High Holidays
- Lulav and etrog: A palm branch and citron used with myrtle and willow as the Four Species during Sukkot
- Machzor: A prayer book used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
- Neilah: The concluding prayer service of Yom Kippur
- Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year and a time for reflection, renewal, and the sounding of the shofar
- Selichot: Prayers focused on forgiveness and repentance recited in preparation for and during the High Holidays
- Shemini Atzeret: A Jewish festival immediately following the seven days of Sukkot, traditionally marked by prayer, including a prayer for rain
- Shofar: A ram’s horn sounded during the High Holiday season, particularly on Rosh Hashanah
- Simchat Torah: A celebration marking the completion of the annual Torah-reading cycle and its beginning again
- Sukkah: A temporary outdoor structure traditionally used for meals and gathering during Sukkot
- Sukkot: A weeklong Jewish festival associated with the fall harvest and the tradition of dwelling in a sukkah
- Tashlich: A Rosh Hashanah ritual of symbolically casting away wrongdoing, traditionally performed near a body of flowing water
- Teshuvah: Literally “return”; the process of recognizing wrongdoing, taking responsibility, making amends, and choosing to act differently
- Yizkor: A memorial prayer recited in remembrance of loved ones who have died
- Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement, devoted to repentance, reflection, and prayer and traditionally observed with fasting
Prepare & Reflect
Make space for reflection, renewal, and meaningful preparation as the High Holidays approach.
- Elul Reflections • Explore reflections designed to inspire personal reflection and spiritual preparation during Elul. (Adas Israel Congregation)
- High Holiday Reflections & Teachings • Explore prayers and sermons for reflection throughout the High Holiday season. (Congregation Beth El of Montgomery County)
- High Holiday Sermons • Explore an archive of teachings and reflections from Rosh Hashanah through Neilah. (Kol Shalom)
- High Holiday Sermons • Explore a collection of High Holiday sermons and teachings on Jewish life, values, identity, community, and the questions of the season. (Congregation B’nai Tzedek)
Learn & Explore
Dig into the meaning, traditions, prayers, and practices of the High Holiday season.
- Rosh Hashanah 101 • Learn about the meaning, traditions, and observance of the Jewish New Year. (My Jewish Learning)
- Yom Kippur 101 • Learn about the meaning, traditions, and observance of the Day of Atonement. (My Jewish Learning)
- Sukkot 101 • Learn about the meaning and traditions of Sukkot, including the sukkah, lulav, and etrog. (My Jewish Learning)
- Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah 101 • Learn about Simchat Torah, Shemini Atzeret, and the completion and renewal of the annual Torah-reading cycle. (My Jewish Learning)
- High Holiday Learning & Resources • Explore a curated collection of articles, podcasts, readings, and other opportunities for learning and reflection. (Congregation Olam Tikvah)
- Learn About the High Holy Days • Explore the meaning and traditions of the High Holidays and other fall holidays, along with recipes and additional resources. (Temple Rodef Shalom)
Pray & Listen
Connect with the sounds, words, and traditions of High Holiday prayer.
- High Holiday Davening & Melodies • Listen to recordings of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur liturgy, with additional resources for those preparing to lead High Holiday services. (DC Minyan)
- High Holiday Machzor • Explore a community-created High Holiday prayer book. (Hill Havurah)
Bring the Holidays Home
Find resources for creating meaningful High Holiday moments and traditions wherever you are.
- High Holiday Resources • Explore prayers, reflections, and other resources for bringing meaning to the High Holidays beyond the synagogue. (Congregation Beth El of Montgomery County)
- High Holidays @ Home • Find guidance for observing at home, including prayer, Yizkor, and celebrating on your own. (Chabad East DC)
For Families
Explore the stories, traditions, tastes, and meaning of the holiday season together.
- A Time to Grow: A PJ Library Family Guide for Starting the Jewish New Year • Explore a comprehensive family guide to Rosh Hashanah, the Ten Days of Returning, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah, with blessings, rituals, activities, conversation starters, music, and more. Available in multiple languages. (PJ Library)
- Rosh Hashanah • Find stories, activities, recipes, and ideas for welcoming the Jewish New Year with children. (PJ Library)
- Yom Kippur • Explore family-friendly ways to talk about forgiveness, making changes, and the meaning of Yom Kippur. (PJ Library)
- Sukkot • Find stories, activities, recipes, and ideas for bringing the traditions of Sukkot to life as a family. (PJ Library)
- Simchat Torah • Learn about Simchat Torah and find family-friendly ways to celebrate Torah and Jewish learning. (PJ Library)
- High Holiday Resources for Interfaith Families • Explore a downloadable High Holy Days prayer book and family resources for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur created with interfaith families in mind. (Interfaith Families Project of Greater Washington)
Find What Works for You
There is no single way to experience the High Holidays. These resources can help make the season meaningful for people with different abilities, learning styles, practices, and ways of participating.
- High Holiday Resources for Children and Teens with Disabilities • Explore educational materials designed to make the holidays accessible to children and teens with disabilities and diverse learning needs. (Gateways)
- Meditation Before Yom Kippur for One Who Cannot Fast • A meditation for those who are unable to observe the traditional Yom Kippur fast. (Rabbi Simkha Y. Weintraub, via Congregation Olam Tikvah)
- Accessible High Holidays • Find information about High Holiday services offering accommodations such as ASL interpretation and live captioning, including participating congregations in Greater Washington. (Jewish Deaf Resource Center)
High Holiday Events
35 events found.
Events
Calendar of Events
|
Sunday
|
Monday
|
Tuesday
|
Wednesday
|
Thursday
|
Friday
|
Saturday
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 event,
|
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
1 event,
Kick off the holiday season with Rabbi Kobey. Whether you've always wondered about a particular prayer, ritual, or custom, or you're simply looking for deeper insight, this conversation is for you.
Free
|
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
As we prepare our hearts for the High Holy Days, join us for an evening of music, reflection, and community. |
2 events,
-
Join other Hill Havurah young families in the park for a joyful, kid-friendly pre-Rosh Hashanah gathering.
-
With Rosh Hashanah just around the corner, we'll come together for an evening of meaningful conversation, connection, reflection, and community.
Free
|
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
1 event,
Kick off the holiday season with Rabbi Kobey. Whether you've always wondered about a particular prayer, ritual, or custom, or you're simply looking for deeper insight, this conversation is for you.
Free
|
0 events,
|
6 events,
Mishkan Torah is excited to welcome you and your family back for the High Holidays this year.
Mishkan Torah is excited to welcome you and your family back for the High Holidays this year.
-
This experience will embody Sixth & I’s core values of accessibility and learning by blending all the elements of a traditional High Holiday service with contemporary interpretations and explanations.
$22 – $72
Join the Interfaith Families Project (IFFP) for our warm, inclusive High Holy Days services—created especially with interfaith families in mind.
Free
Community members are invited to join us for meaningful alternative worship services and family-friendly experiences during Judaism's holiest season.
Free – $100
|
13 events,
Mishkan Torah is excited to welcome you and your family back for the High Holidays this year.
-
This experience will embody Sixth & I’s core values of accessibility and learning by blending all the elements of a traditional High Holiday service with contemporary interpretations and explanations.
$22 – $72
Rosh Hashanah Family Service, Rosh Hashanah Morning Service, Kol Nidre, Yom Kippur Family Service, Yom Kippur Morning Service
Join the Interfaith Families Project (IFFP) for our warm, inclusive High Holy Days services—created especially with interfaith families in mind.
Free
|
3 events,
Mishkan Torah is excited to welcome you and your family back for the High Holidays this year. |
3 events,
-
Explore the ancient practice of teshuva (return) as a framework for the kind of self-reckoning that actually sticks.
$18
|
3 events,
-
|
||||
9 events,
Mishkan Torah is excited to welcome you and your family back for the High Holidays this year.
-
Join us on the Potomac River for one of our most meaningful annual traditions of the High Holy Day season.
-
This experience will embody Sixth & I’s core values of accessibility and learning by blending all the elements of a traditional High Holiday service with contemporary interpretations and explanations.
$22 – $72
Join the Interfaith Families Project (IFFP) for our warm, inclusive High Holy Days services—created especially with interfaith families in mind.
Free
|
14 events,
Mishkan Torah is excited to welcome you and your family back for the High Holidays this year.
-
Observe the Day of Atonement with Rabbi Hannah, Michael Allen, and the Havurah Ensemble.
Rosh Hashanah Family Service, Rosh Hashanah Morning Service, Kol Nidre, Yom Kippur Family Service, Yom Kippur Morning Service
-
This experience will embody Sixth & I’s core values of accessibility and learning by blending all the elements of a traditional High Holiday service with contemporary interpretations and explanations.
$22 – $72
|
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
2 events,
-
Join us for a joyful evening of community, song, and celebration in and around the Hill Havurah sukkah.
-
Join us to celebrate Sukkot at an Erev Shabbat Sukkot Festival Service.
Free
|
1 event,
-
|
|
0 events,
|
2 events,
Celebrate the fall harvest season with a fun, hands-on art and nature experience for children and families.
Celebrate the fall harvest season with a fun, hands-on art and nature experience for children and families. |
2 events,
-
A gathering of our Next Gen Cabinet members to celebrate Sukkot. By invitation only. Questions? Please contact Jeremy Frisch. |
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
Purim to Passover
Celebrate courage and freedom with Purim parties, megillah readings, Passover seders, and family resources.
Learn more about Purim and Passover:
Yamim
Across three Israeli and Jewish holidays that fall back-to-back—often referred to collectively as the Yamim—we move from remembrance to reflection to celebration, marking a powerful journey in Jewish and Israeli life.
- Yom HaShoah honors the memory of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust through commemorations, survivor testimony, and educational programs that bear witness and ensure their stories are never forgotten.
- Yom HaZikaron honors Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism with national mourning, ceremonies, and moments of silence that recognize loss, sacrifice, and the cost of a Jewish state.
- Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebrates Israel’s independence with music, food, culture, and community gatherings that highlight resilience, creativity, and the ongoing story of the Jewish people—an expression of renewal that follows directly from the profound loss of the days before.
Yamim Resources
Yom HaShoah:
- PJ Library: How to Discuss Yom HaShoah With Children
- MyJewishLearning: Yom Hashoah: Holocaust Memorial Day
Yom HaZikaron:
These observances reflect the rhythms of the Jewish year, weaving together care for the earth, remembrance, resilience, and celebration of Jewish peoplehood.
Tu B’Shevat
Celebrate the birthday of the trees with rituals and programs that honor nature, sustainability, and renewal—through fruit tastings, outdoor activities, and learning for all ages.
Learn more about Tu B’Shevat:
Lag B’Omer
Mark a joyful pause in the Omer with bonfires, outdoor gatherings, music, and community programs that highlight resilience and connection.
Learn more about Lag B’Omer:
Tisha B’Av
Pause to reflect and remember with readings, learning, and community programs that explore loss, resilience, and the enduring strength of the Jewish people.
Learn more about Tisha B’Av: