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Around the NoVA Jewish Community

Around the NoVA Jewish Community

         July  |  August

NOVA EXHIBITION

June 14 - July 6

The Nova Exhibition is an in-depth remembrance of the brutal massacre at The Nova Music Festival on October 7th, 2023. The installation sets out to recreate a festival dedicated to peace and love that was savagely cut short by a terrorist attack on that fateful day. The attack at The Nova Music Festival was the largest massacre in music history. 
This groundbreaking installation is presented as a way to empower visitors to responsibly explore & bear witness to the tragic events of October 7 and its aftermath.
After a successful 2 month run in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami, the Nova Exhibition is on display in Toronto, Canada, April 23 - June 22. The next exhibition is in Washington D.C. June 14 - July 6.

More information and purchase tickets

July

First Session – Learn to Improve Your Biblical Hebrew Reading Skills

Thursday, July 10, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Do you already know how to read Hebrew? Are you able to follow the prayers in Hebrew but wish you could read them more quickly? If so, join the Improve Your Biblical Hebrew Reading Skills class. This course will help you master reading the main Hebrew prayers, as well as…
• Understand the rules of pronunciation.
• Learn which letters and vowels are pronounced differently in Israel and Spain vs. Germany and Lithuania.
• Recognize words without having to read each letter.
• Distinguish prefixes and suffixes from the root word.

Prerequisite: This ongoing class is intended for those who can read Hebrew but want to be able to read more quickly and with better understanding. Course materials will be provided by the instructor via email. Note: Scholarships may be available.

Thursdays, July 10-September 11 (10 classes), 7:30pm-9:00pm, Ages 18+

Instructor’s Bio: Karyn Selko studied Biblical Hebrew in college and has taught beginning and intermediate Hebrew at both Congregation Olam Tikvah and Chabad of Reston-Herndon.
Fee: $180 Member/$200 Non-member

Register

Kayaking at Fountainhead Regional Park With The J

Monday, July 14, 9:00am – 11:00am

Hear the birds singing and take in the commanding views of the Occoquan on a kayak paddle led by ACA certified paddling instructor and NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, Matt Felperin. Expect to observe songbirds, Great Blue Herons, Cormorants, Osprey, and maybe even some Bald Eagles! We will begin with a brief paddling instruction overview before heading out.

Meet at the Fountainhead Regional Park Boat Launch in Fairfax Station at 8:45am.
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/fountainhead-regional-park/things-to-do/boat-launch

*Optional lunch at Glory Days 12:00pm-1:30pm
Join us afterwards at Glory Days Grill in Burke for a casual lunch around noon (on your own tab): 9526 Old Keene Mill Rd, Burke.

Note: This activity has a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 14 participants, on a first come, first served basis.

Fee: $45 JCC Members/$50 Non-members (includes guided tour, kayak rental, paddle, and Personal Flotation Device). Register here

Echoes of Identity: French Opera and Jewish Life

Thursday, July 24, 7:00pm – 8:30pm at the Pozez JCC

In Collaboration with Canto Vocal Programs
Featuring Maurice Lugassy, professor of French culture and Canto Vocal artists

What can opera tell us about identity, exile, and belonging?
Join Maurice Lugassy for a thought-provoking musical lecture that explores how Jewish stories, composers, and themes found a place on the grand stage of French opera.

From the powerful drama of Halévy’s La Juive, an opera of love, faith, and persecution, to subtle threads of Jewish identity woven into the works of Bizet, Saint-Saëns, and others, this journey uncovers how opera became a space to express both cultural pride and profound struggle.

Blending history, storytelling, and live musical excerpts, this lecture reveals how Jewish life shaped, and was shaped by, the world of French opera. Whether through bold characters, coded messages, or the complex lives of composers, Jewish voices echoed through the opera houses of France — sometimes in harmony, sometimes in conflict.
The presentation will conclude with an open Q&A session. Ages 18+
Fee: $15 Members; $20 Non-members (includes dessert)

Register

 

Disney ’80s–’90s Celebration in Concert at Wolf Trap

Saturday, July 26, 8:00 pm at Wolf Trap

Get ready for a magical night under the stars! Join Brie and your Growing Jewish Families friends for an evening of music and nostalgia at Wolf Trap’s Disney ’80s–’90s Celebration in Concert. Sing along to your favorite throwback Disney hits from beloved classics like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and more. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy this family-friendly concert on the lawn!

IMPORTANT: You must purchase your own lawn tickets through Wolf Trap. https://www.wolftrap.org/calendar/performance/25filene/0726show25.aspx

Cost: Varies by ticket

Let us know you’re coming so we can save you a spot!: https://forms.gle/eUGqwAwen53VngTJ8

Questions? Contact: Growing Jewish Families, Amy Lummer 703-537-3037, Amy.Lummer@theJ.org

August

Pozez JCC’s Community Theater Presents: “13” the Musical

Thursday-Saturday August 7-9, 7:00pm at the Pozez JCC

Matinee Performance: Saturday, August 9 @ 2:00 PM
Doors open a half-hour prior to show time.

The Pozez JCC is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand-new teen theater program! Our inaugural production is the musical “13,” featuring music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown and book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn.

Come enjoy a night out and watch our talented local teens bring this exciting show to life on the Pozez JCC stage!

Synopsis:
Following a move from New York City to small-town Indiana, young Evan Goldman grapples with his parents’ divorce, prepares for his impending Bar Mitzvah, and navigates the complicated social circles of a new school.

Tickets: Adult: $12 (age 13+) | Member: $10 | Senior/Student: $8

Ticket info coming soon!

Pozez JCC & American Red Cross Blood Drive

Friday, August 15, 10:00am – 3:00pm

Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is likely that you or someone you know will need a blood transfusion in your lifetime.

Due to recent drastic shortfalls of donations over the last several weeks, donors of all blood types are critically needed, especially those with type O blood.

The blood donation process from the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about an hour. The donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average. In order to qualify for whole blood donation, you must be in good health and feeling well, at least 16 years of age (with signed parental consent) and weigh at least 110 lbs. Additional eligibility criteria apply, including certain medications, medical conditions, travel to certain countries, and personal history. 

Pre-registered participants only. No walk-ins. Blood drive will be located in the auditorium.

Sign up here

Great Big Challah Bake 2025

Sunday, August 24, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Join Jewish women and girls of all ages and backgrounds for an evening of connection, tradition, and community. We’ll sing and dance and, of course, knead and braid our challot (to take home and bake)!

This cherished annual event includes all baking supplies, an apron, delicious refreshments, a take-home gift, and more!

NEW THIS YEAR: Arrive early to explore our Sponsor Fair in the auditorium, featuring local Jewish organizations and businesses.

Advance registration is required by Sunday, August 10. Space is limited — register early to reserve your spot!

This event is proudly hosted by the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia and Chabad Lubavitch of Northern Virginia, in collaboration with area synagogues and Jewish organizations.

Fee: Adults – $24; Children – $12; Honoree ticket – $54; Guaranteed table of 8 – $180

Register

J Caring Community Support Line. When you feel overwhelmed or uncertain about your options for support, J Caring can help. With one call to 703-522-7464, you will be connected to the resources and support services you need from a robust network of human service organizations. Learn more here.

Sat, July 5 2025 9 Tammuz 5785