Reply to Convince me why a Jewish family should move to NoVA instead of Maryland?

Forum Index » Religion

Reply to "Convince me why a Jewish family should move to NoVA instead of Maryland?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]If you can visit some synagogues in both areas before making your move, I would absolutely do that.

When my husband and I first moved to this area, we lived in Silver Spring, because we were told that's where the Jewish community is. And yes, there is a Jewish community there and lots of synagogue options nearby, and kosher grocery stores and kosher restaurants, and preschool through high school day school options. But despite trying out multiple synagogues (Conservative, Reform, and Mod Orthodox), we never found the right fit. The Maryland Jewish community is older (both more established and by age) and more concentrated, so it will probably feel more like New York, if that's what you're looking for. We found it stuffy and cliquish, mostly. We weren't planning on day school, so that didn't impact our decision, but we know lots of people at Gesher in Fairfax who love it for Pre-K-8th grade.

Northern Virginia's population is lovely. We find it much more open and friendly. Maybe because more of NOVA is transplants? You'll find pockets of more Jewish neighborhoods near the synagogues. There are some Chabad locations, but no other Orthodox options, which might be why we don't have the same level of kosher options, but it's not hard to shlep to Maryland for specialty runs to the kosher stores, and Moti's has regular central point deliveries to some of the synagogues here. We keep kosher and maybe go to or order from Maryland every three months, but mostly we can find what we need here.

We're in Fairfax, so that might be farther than you're looking, but it's a great location. The Mantua neighborhood (Woodson HS pyramid) is where you'll find the highest concentration of Jewish families. The JCC, a large conservative synagogue, and a Chabad are all down the street from each other. Other neighborhoods nearby that are popular are Ridgelea and Kings Park West. You'll also find a good-sized Jewish population in Burke and Falls Church, and if you're looking closer in, near the synagogues in Arlington and Alexandria.

Thank you! This is super helpful. I never considered the possibility that NOVA would have more transplants, though I guess that makes sense since the Jewish community is younger (younger not as in the age of people but younger and newer as an established community).

Someone else suggested joining the Jewish Facebook groups for the regions. There are three big ones in NOVA: Jewish Mom's of Nova, Jump into Judaism Nova, and Northern Virginia Jewish Families. [/quote][/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics