Wednesday evening marks the start of Yom Kippur, Judaism’s Day of Atonement. Those observing the holiday will begin fasting at sundown before Kol Nidre services, continuing through Thursday evening. It’s common to gather with family or friends for a pre-fast meal, but Downtown workers putting in a full day at the office will have little time to make it home for dinner to fill up before attending services.

Thus, DCist offers you our Yom Kippur pre-fast meal guide. Services around the city are paired with a nearby restaurant to grab a final nosh before fasting begins. Menu suggestions follow tried and true pre-fast meal tips where possible. Complex carbohydrates are your best friend; mix in some protein; keep things light (eg. chicken over beef); go easy on salt to avoid dehydration.

*Asterisk denotes services that are most welcoming of walk-ins. See individual websites for more information.

Fabrangen (egalitarian/participatory 6:00)*
Restaurant: Java Green
A D.C. High Holidays institution, this havurah offers no cost, no ticket/no reservation required services every year. Services are at The United Church in Foggy Bottom as their normal YK home at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church undergoes renovations. That puts the service just blocks from Java Green, where the Asian-inspired faux meats, organic wraps, and raw salads fit perfectly with the progressive community. Or you’re welcome to join the Fabrangen leadership at Bertucci’s for their 4:30 p.m. reservation.
YK Eats Pick: Kelp Jobche—kelp noodles with shitake mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach ($11.00).

Photo by Bonnie Shulman

Sixth & I Historic Synagogue (6:15)
Restaurant: Nando’s Peri Peri
What D.C. institution had a waitlist approaching 1,000 for services last week? No, it wasn’t "A Redskins Rosh Hashanah at FedEx Field." It was the participatory traditional services at one of D.C.’s hottest venues. A young professional service, multicultural service, and musical family service round out the four options on offer, though all spots are now taken. However, walk-ins were allowed access to the balcony last week for the traditional service. Chinatown’s newest Portuguese grilled chicken joint may not be sodium-free, but a half chicken or two should tide you over for a while.
YK Eats Pick: Lemon & herb Peri-Peri half chicken with butternut squash and grilled corn ($10.45).

Adas Israel (conservative 6:30)
Restaurant: Dino
Adas Israel shares the Cleveland Park neighborhood with Dino, the leader in the Jewish holidays dining scene. Proprietor Dean Gold will open shop at 4:45 to serve up a 5-course family style menu with Italian twists on some Jewish classics.
YK Eats Pick: Highlights include wild chanterelle risotto, chicken with raisins and onions, and saltati e tzimmes with local greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, and dried fruit. (Adults $37, children $15).

George Washington University (conservative 6:15/reform 8:30)*
Restaurant: J Street Café
Pretend you’re in college again by going to services with GW Hillel. Get into the full spirit of things by filling up at the J Street Café in the university’s student life hub, Marvin Center. However, things may get expensive quickly at $.49 a pound, especially when you can’t swipe your GWorld Card to charge dinner to your parents.
YK Eats Pick: Italian baked tilapia and mashed potatoes.

TheShul of the Nation’s Capital (traditional 6:30)*
Restaurant: Bistro du Coin
You can bet that the Lubavitchers at D.C.’s Chabad House would be happy to welcome you to TheShul. All unreserved seats are available at no charge. They won’t mind if you load up on French cuisine before services, as long as you promise not to mix meat and dairy.
YK Eats Pick: Boeuf Bourgignon, beef stew in red Burgundy wine sauce with onions, mushrooms and pasta, ($18.95).

Hill Havurah (spiritual 7:00)*
Restaurant: Jordan’s 8
This independent, lay led community offers services for Hill denizens and staffers who miss the last flight to New York City on the Jew Express. We wanted to pick half price Irish night at Finn MacCool’s for dinner, but corned beef with Irish bacon cabbage or shepherd’s pie with cheese mashed potatoes is just the wrong way to go.
YK Eats Pick: Grilled Atlantic salmon with a Dijon mustard Buerre blanc sauce ($15). Or go for the 20 oz. rib eye ($23).

DC Minyan (traditional, egalitarian 6:10)*
Restaurant: Heritage India
Fill up on several half-price plates of Indian street food before the fast. DC Minyan will hold their services at Jury’s Hotel in Dupont Circle.
YK Eats Pick: Behl Puri, puffed rice, chickpea vermicelli, diced potatoes, chopped shallots, fresh cilantro and drizzled with a sweet & sour chutney ($2.50).

Georgetown University (6:00/8:00)*
Restaurant: Wisemiller’s
Follow the Hoya crowd to Wisemiller’s for one of their legendary subs. Ask them to hold the cheese and the bacon to keep it kosher style. Or not. You’re about to get forgiveness for your sins anyway.
YK Eats Pick: Chicken Madness (kosher version)—grilled chicken breast, peppers, onions, garlic, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo ($6.75).

Washington Hebrew Congregation (reform 8:45)
Restaurant: Cactus Cantina
A service for 22-39 year-olds is offered in addition to two regular services. The late start time allows time for a leisurely dinner in Glover Park. Make sure the waiters keep the chips and salsa coming, but you may want to avoid the margaritas, as alcohol now will dehydrate you later. At least skip the salted rim.
YK Eats Pick: Fajitas al carbon—mesquite grilled chicken ($12.40).

Kesher Israel (orthodox 6:25)
Restaurant: Zed’s Ethiopian Cuisine
Zed’s may be regarded as the most overpriced Ethiopian joint in town, but the injera and veggies may make Ethiopian the perfect food to load up on pre-fast.
YK Eats Pick: Ethiopian Harvest Vegetable Specialty ($13.95).

Temple Sinai (reform 7:00/9:15)
Restaurant: Besta Pizza
If you’ve scored a ticket to this reform temple in upper Northwest, look out for media celebs David Gregory and Ted Koppel to ask them what they thought of Tuesday’s presidential debate. If you’re running late, call ahead to Besta Pizza, where they quietly make what may be the closest thing around to NY-style pizza.
YK Eats Pick: Capri Classic: basil, oregano, garlic paste, artichoke, spinach, tomatoes, feta cheese, garlic ($17.49, large).