Shabbat at Convention
J Street’s National Convention officially begins Saturday evening, after the conclusion of Shabbat.
We recognize that some Convention participants are Shomer Shabbat and may choose to arrive in DC for Shabbat in order to be present for Opening Night. While we do not offer official Shabbat programming on Friday night or Saturday, we are very happy to help coordinate Shabbat plans.
If you are looking for Shabbat hospitality, meals, or general guidance, please reach out to Emily Kaiman, Director of Jewish Communal Engagement [email protected]
Nearby Jewish Communities (Walking Distance from the Convention Hotel):
Please check individual websites for service times and Shabbat programming
- Sixth & I – 600 I Street NW (17-minute walk)
- Hill Havurah – 212 East Capitol Street NE (19-minute walk)
- Chabad East DC – 406 8th Street SE (33-minute walk)
DC is also home to many free museums, some of which require advance reservations. A Shabbat walk along the National Mall—with its monuments and museums—can be a beautiful way to spend the day.
Food & Kashrut
All J Street communal meals are kosher-style but not certified kosher.
What this means:
- No pork, shellfish, or non-kosher types of meat
- No mixing of meat and dairy at the same meal
- Meat served is not hekshered (certified kosher)
- Vegetarian or vegan options will be available at every meal
Pre-wrapped, certified kosher meals will be available at each meal in the same dining area as our communal dining, on a clearly labeled, separate table. A J Street staff member will be nearby to assist and help ensure these meals are easily accessible to those who need them.
If you require a certified kosher meal and are unsure whether you selected this option during registration, please contact Emily Kaiman, [email protected].
For information about Taanit Esther (the Fast of Esther) please scroll down to the Purim section.
Daily Prayer Services & Kaddish
J Street honors the diversity of Jewish prayer practices and spiritual expression.
- Morning, afternoon, and evening services will be offered daily
- All services are egalitarian (all genders sit together and may lead)
- Prayer styles will vary:
- Some services will follow a more traditional matbe’ah (service structure)
- Others will include alternative models such as meditation or musical instruments
Please note: due to logistical constraints, Monday morning’s service will not include a traditional Torah reading.
If you are mourning or observing a yahrzeit and would like to ensure a minyan for Kaddish, please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly. Contact Emily Kaiman, [email protected]
Purim at Convention
Monday evening marks the start of Purim, and we’re excited to celebrate together at our Purim Night Gala. There are multiple ways to participate—join what speaks to you!
Taanit Eather — Observing the Fast of Esther
Please note that some Convention participants may be fasting on Monday, March 2 in observance of the Fast of Esther. This is a Minor Fast which begins at sunrise.
If you are fasting, and would like to take your Monday breakfast to your hotel room in order to eat before the Fast begins please go to the J Street information desk during the day on Sunday to make this request and receive instructions on the pickup procedure.
Megillah Option 1: 6:00 PM — Short & Sweet Megillah Reading
This option features:
- An abridged, interactive Megillah reading
- Hebrew and English
- A fun, J Street–themed slideshow
Perfect if you’re looking for a shorter experience before heading to the Purim Feast Reception Dinner which starts at 6:30pm.
Megillah Option 2: 7:15 PM — The Whole Megillah: A Traditional Purim Reading
This option features:
- A full Megillah reading chanted from a traditional handwritten scroll
- Held after sunset, in keeping with the traditional timing of the holiday
- Read by J Street clergy, staff, and lay leaders from across our community
A good fit if you’re looking for a complete, traditional Megillah reading — whether this is your usual Purim practice or simply what feels meaningful to you this year.
Make sure to enjoy your dinner first at 6:30pm, before joining for this reading.
8:00 PM — Purim Night Gala Mainstage
We’ll all reconvene for a one-of-a-kind Purim mainstage event—expect laughter, celebration, and communal joy. Stick around afterward for a dessert reception.