Have a “Blast” this Rosh HaShanah!

As we prepare to celebrate and bring in the Jewish year 5781, we wanted to highlight a few opportunities for families to mark the season, both in-person and virtually.

The Greater DC community is coming together on Friday, September 18th at 5:00 p.m. for “The Blast.” This is an opportunity for people to hear the shofar blown, in person, in their local neighborhoods. We wanted to share this map with you and highlight a few locations where Ramah families may want to participate:

Alexandria: Congregation Agudas Achim with Shofar Blower Jack Berman
Chevy Chase: Meadowbrook Park with Shofar Blower Miri Silverman (Ramah New England Day and Overnight Camper)
Gaithersburg: Lakelands Park with Shofar Blower Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal (Ramah Day Camp Founding Leader)
Rockville: North Farm Park with Shofar Blower Maddy Pollack (USY Regional & International Leader)
DC Families: Many of The Blast locations are in the District. We hope that you will find a spot to hear shofar near you.

We know that your Rosh Hashanah dinner may be starting soon after. Don’t worry! This is meant to be a quick, fun, and meaningful start to your holiday. You should be home in plenty of time to enjoy that round challah.  If you decide to attend a shofar blowing, you must wear a mask and keep your distance from other families. Where possible, you can also stay in your car with the windows down and wave. Feel free to bring your own shofar if you have one as well.

Boston families, don’t worry, we also have your back! We want to highlight a great family experience for you too.
CJP is putting together a community Rosh Hashanah Seder on September 14th, from 6:30-7:45pm. Haven’t heard of a seder for Rosh Hashanah? Don’t worry — most people haven’t. It is an old Sephardic tradition and it’s related to the well-known custom of dipping apples in honey. This is a great opportunity to try something new and celebrate virtually with friends from around Greater Boston. For more information, click here.

For families also looking for at home activities:
We have this High Holiday activity book for you to download and enjoy.
We suggest reading this reflection when hearing the shofar.
We recommend discussing this story at a family meal or during the holiday.

Wishing you all a sweet, healthy and happy new year as we exit out of 2020 and into 5781.  Shanah Tovah!