Healing the Creek
For Lily’s bat mitzvah project, she is partnering with Friends of the Accotink to help clean up our local creek. If you are in the area, please consider joining Lily on Saturday, October 10, at 12pm for a creek clean-up event. For more information, please visit: https://www.lilysbatmitzvah.net/event-details-1/accotink-creek-clean-up
Where to Stay
The Archer Tysons
Hilton Mclean Tysons Corner
The Westin Arlington
Centrally located near the metro and Capital One Center, an easy taxi ride to Temple
Very big hotel with shuttle service to Tysons Galleria and close to metro, also an easy taxi ride to Temple
Closer to DC, in Arlington county (close to Ballston metro), would make metro trips in to downtown DC very easy and is still a short taxi ride to Temple.
First time to the DC area? Visit this site for must-see options: https://www.bucketlistly.blog/posts/washington-dc-best-things-to-do
Local Guide
Make it an adventure! There is so much to do in the area.
Looking for unusual things to do in DC an Northern Virginia? Send Ben/Hilary an email and we will help you find fun options to meet your interests.
Just want to see friends and family? We will host a welcome event at our house in Annandale on Friday, February 26, and a farewell breakfast on Sunday, February 28. More details to come.
FAQs
What is a bat mitzvah?
“Bat / Bar / B'nai Mitzvah” means “daughter / son / children of the commandment.” This custom of the Jewish faith is a traditional coming of age ceremony marking the point in a child’s life when they are considered an “adult” (for religious purposes) who is responsible for their own actions and observance of religious obligations, such as adherence to the various commandments (the “Mitzvot.”) Typically, b’nai mitzvah are celebrated at the age of 13, although in some traditions, girls may celebrate at the age of 12. Lily’s 13th birthday is February 27!
What should I wear to temple?
“What should I wear to the temple?” is probably the question we’ve been asked the most so far, and we’re happy to address it here. The synagogue specifically states that they do not have a dress code. Our general recommendation for our guests is to wear clothes you would wear in any house of worship.
Men: in our congregation, attire ranges from suit or sport jacket and tie, to dress pants with a collared shirt, to slacks and a collared shirt.
Women: dresses, skirts, or dressy pants are all appropriate.
Wearing a “kippah” as a head covering during the service is entirely optional for people of any faith. Kippot (plural for kippah) will be available in the sanctuary for anyone who would like one, but there is no expectation to wear one.
Some Jewish men and women also may choose to wear a prayer shawl (a “tallit”) during the Saturday morning service. (These are traditionally worn by only clergy on Friday evenings.) Wearing a tallit also is completely optional.
Arrival time?
Temple services begin at 10:30am, we recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early to find a good seat!
Photos?
Please note, no photography is allowed in the sanctuary during services. Photos will be encouraged during the reception.
Friday night service? Dinner?
Lily will be participating in the Friday night service on February 26. The service starts at 6:30pm. Attendance is welcome but entirely optional. We will be hosting a welcome event before services at our home in Annandale (which is also optional, of course), but please note it will end at 6pm so we can go to the Temple. More details will be shared closer to the event.
I have another question that isn’t listed here!!
Don’t hestitate to reach out and ask Ben or Hilary.