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Holidays in Greater Washington

A young woman holding a Havdalah candle for a group of children to hold their hands up toward

Shabbat

Unplug, reflect, and welcome rest with resources and ideas for making Shabbat your own—solo or with community.

Learn more about Shabbat:

A group of people sitting at a table for a Passover seder

Purim to Passover

Celebrate courage and freedom with Purim parties, megillah readings, Passover seders, and family resources.

Learn more about Purim and Passover:

A man holding a microphone for a teen reading the Torah

Shavuot & Beyond

Mark the giving of the Torah with learning, late-night gatherings, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Learn more about Shavuot:

A man holding a toddler and a shofar

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

Sukkot: September 25– October 2, 2026

Sh’mini Atzeret & Simchat Torah: October 2–4, 2026

A little boy looking at a menorah sitting by a window

Chanukah & Giving

Light the menorah, share stories, and explore the power of giving through programs and family-friendly celebrations.

Learn more about Chanukah:

Seasonal Observances

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:

Yom HaShoah

Honor the memory of the six million with commemorations, survivor testimony, and educational programs that bear witness and reaffirm our shared responsibility to remember.

Learn more about Yom HaShoah:

Yom HaZikaron

Remember Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism with solemn ceremonies and moments of reflection that honor sacrifice and collective memory.

Learn more about Yom HaZikaron:

Yom Ha’Atzmaut

Celebrate Israel’s independence with music, food, culture, and community gatherings that mark resilience, creativity, and the ongoing story of the Jewish people.

Learn more about Yom Ha’Atzmaut:

Community programs and events for the holidays

  • Purim Shabbat – Queer Edition! NEW DATE

    Specific location and additional details will be shared with registrants after the registration deadline.

    Embrace the joy of Purim together in Queer community and explore the Queerness of the holiday with some special learning and a Shabbat feast surrounded by friends, new and old.

    AJC’s 34th Annual Ambassadors’ Seder

    Washington, DC* Washington, DC*

    Join the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Washington, D.C. Region for the 34th Annual Ambassadors’ Seder on March 25, 2026, and take a seat at the table with ambassadors, diplomats, U.S. […]

    $250

    Upcounty Tot Shabbat

    Congregation Or Chadash 24800 Kings Valley Road, Damascus, MD, United States

    Celebrate Shabbat with songs, stories, crafts, and tasty treats! Perfect for kids ages 0-6 and their families. Welcome to interfaith families, LGBTQ+ families, and families of every shape and story!

    Free
  • Second Night Passover Seder

    Am Kolel Jewish Renewal Community 1729 Wilmart Street, Rockville, MD, United States

    Join us for a warm, welcoming Second Night Seder that blends tradition, conversation, and community. Together we’ll retell the story of the Exodus through ritual, song, and shared reflection—making space for questions, multiple perspectives, and meaningful connections to our lives today. Whether this is your first seder or your fiftieth, all are welcome at the table.

    $15
  • Juneteenth Shabbat@WHC

    Washington Hebrew Congregation 3935 Macomb St, NW, Washington, DC, United States

    Pay tribute and celebrate Juneteenth, as members of our Jews of Color group share what the holiday means to them.

    Free