Food is an integral part of most religious observances, and the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah (Oct. 2-4) and Yom Kippur (Oct. 11-12) are no different. The former is a happy celebration of the Jewish new year with sweet eats such as apples and honey, while the latter is a day of fasting and atonement that typically ends with a bagel and schmear. Whatever you want to nosh, get your orders in soon at these area delis.
Bethesda Bagels
This Rosslyn deli has a special Yom Kippur menu, perfect for breaking your fast. Options include nova, fish and homemade salad platters that serve at least 10 ($17-$24 per person) and family boxes that serve four, six or eight. The boxes can be ordered with six, nine or 12 bagels, respectively, plus smoked salmon; whitefish, tuna and egg salad; plain and chive cream cheese; tomatoes; onion; cucumbers; capers; lettuce; fruit; and cookies ($110-$220). Items are also available a la carte. Place your order seven to 10 days before Yom Kippur. // 1851 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Brooklyn Bagel Bakery
Platters are plentiful at this small, family-owned business that opened in 2000. The Works Platter is piled with assorted bagels, smoked salmon, whitefish and other salads, veggies and cream cheese. Or get just salads and spreads. Or just bagels and baked goods—you get the idea. For smaller gatherings, the bakery has “All in One” Boxes with bagels, smoked salmon, whitefish salad, tuna salad, egg salad, cream cheese, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, capers, lettuce and sweets/cookies. Pickup times are still available for Yom Kippur. Place your order by Oct. 8. // 2055 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Call Your Mother
The McLean outpost of this self-described “Jew-ish deli” is offering several High Holidays catering options. Available for pickup or delivery is the 4-person BBQ Brisket Pastrami Sandwich Box ($68), which has meat, eight braided challah rolls, pickle slices, pickles slaw, the eatery’s signature apple barbecue sauce and za’atar potato salad, plus a tomato, cucumber and peach salad. You can also get a platter of 12 latkes (potato pancakes) for $30 that comes with apple jam and sour cream; honey-apple babka muffins in quantities of six ($24) or 12 ($46); or an apple cider cake that serves six to eight ($30) and pairs beautifully with a pint of Dolcezza Wildflower Honey Gelato ($9). Place orders at least 36 hours in advance. // 6232 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Celebrity Delly
Get a free challah with your purchase of a five-course meal ($39.99 per person) at this Jewish deli that’s been serving Falls Church for nearly 50 years. The spread includes matzoh ball soup with noodles; chopped liver or gefilte fish; brisket, salmon, chicken or turkey; green beans almandine or creamed spinach; latkes, challah stuffing or veggies; and assorted desserts. Pickup or delivery is available Oct. 2 and 3. // 7263 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Chutzpah Deli
Tucked into a Fairfax strip mall, this New York-style deli has all the fixings for a traditional Rosh Hashanah feast. Get chicken noodle soup, stuffed cabbage, kasha varnishkes, potato knishes, apricot noodle kugel and brisket. Most items are sold by the pound. Place orders by Sept. 27 for pickup Oct. 2 after 10:30 a.m. // 12214 Fairfax Town Center, Fairfax
The Kosher Kitchen Catering Co.
Act fast if you want to place an order at this Maryland-based kitchen, which delivers to Northern Virginia. It’s accepting orders only through noon on Sept. 25 because the catering service is moving soon. (Choose the Medina Cuisine store location for pickup orders.) The special Rosh Hashanah menu features a la carte items such as round challahs ($7); roasted butternut squash or chicken matzoh ball soup ($13.99 per quart); salads, including baba ganoush and hummus ($10.99); and mains such as honey-glazed chicken legs, grilled ribeye steak and branzino ($35.99). // B’nai Israel Congregation, 6301 Montrose Road, Rockville