Arrival & Participation
Our Shabbat service begins at 9:30 AM, but there’s no need to arrive right at the start. Madison will begin leading portions of the service around 10:00 AM, so arriving a little before then is perfectly fine.
January 16, 2027
Madison Merrell
is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah
A little country, a little glam, and a whole lot of fun - here's everything you need to know to celebrate Madison in style!
Date
Jan 16, 2027
Location
Fairfax and Falls Church, Virginia
RSVP
Details to follow
With great joy
we invite you to celebrate
Madison
is called to the Torah
as a
Bat Mitzvah
January 16, 2027
Fairfax, Virginia
Service
Bat Mitzvah Service
When & Where
Time
9:30 AM-1:00 PM
Madison will begin leading portions of the service around 10:00 AM.
What to Know
Shabbat Traditions
In keeping with Shabbat traditions, electronics (such as cell phones, cameras, and electronic games) are prohibited inside the synagogue.
Kiddush Luncheon
Services will conclude around 12:30 PM, followed by a kiddush luncheon.
What to Wear
For attire, we kindly ask guests to dress modestly, avoid jeans, and cover shoulders. Dresses, skirts, dress pants, slacks, and nice shirts are all great choices. Suits and ties are certainly welcome, but not required. All men must wear a head covering (kippah) during services.
Child Pickup
If your child will be attending without an adult, please plan for pickup between 12:30 and 1:00 PM.
Country Chic Reception
Reception
Country Chic Celebration Reception
The celebration continues with dinner, dancing, and plenty of fun at the Country Music Awards...er, Country Madison Awards! Think red carpet, glitz and glam, and a touch of country flair. Dresses, jumpsuits, skirts, sport coats, dress shirts, and dress pants are all great choices. Feel free to add some personality with boots, cowboy hats, fringe, suede, leather, or sparkle. Kindly, no jeans. We’ll be dancing all night, so comfortable shoes are definitely encouraged! If your child is attending without an adult, please plan to pick them up no later than 10:00 PM.
Time
6:00 PM
Dinner, music, and dancing begin in the evening.
Venue
Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park
3111 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042Parking
TBD
Parking, rideshare, and drop-off guidance will be shared here.
Food
TBD
Meal, dessert, and dietary note details will be added.
Music
Help build the playlist
Share a favorite song for Madison's celebration and we'll pass it along to the DJ.
Madison
A page that feels like Madison.
A few words from Madison and some of the things she loves most.
Madison Merrell
A favorite photo of Madison will be added here.
About Madison
Thanks for celebrating this special day with me! To me, this day is about celebrating how far I have come and that I'm now a young Jewish adult. I'm so happy I get to share this day with all of you!
Some of my favorite memories have been with family and friends, and I'm looking forward to adding this night to the collection of memories!
Favorite foods
Chocolate, pasta, and tacos
Favorite hobbies
Soccer and volleyball
Favorite colors
Pastel yellow and maroon
Weekend Schedule
The celebration at a glance.
Each moment has a clear home here, even while times and venues are still being finalized.
Final timing, addresses, and parking notes will be added as soon as plans are confirmed.
15Friday
Friday Dinner
Time TBD
Location TBD
Dinner details, including timing, location, and RSVP information, will be shared once plans are confirmed.
16Saturday
Bat Mitzvah Service & Luncheon
9:30 AM-1:00 PM
Congregation Olam Tikvah
Please plan to arrive with enough time to settle in before the service begins, and join us for a Kiddush Luncheon in the Social Hall immediately following the service.
16Saturday
Reception
6:00 PM
Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park
Food, music, dancing, and celebration with family and friends.
17Sunday
Farewell Brunch
Morning TBD
Location TBD
Optional send-off brunch before everyone heads home.
Attire
What to wear all weekend.
A simple guide for Saturday’s Shabbat service and luncheon, the country-chic dance floor, and Sunday brunch.
Saturday Service & Luncheon
Attire: Shabbat Attire
We kindly ask guests to dress modestly and avoid jeans or midriff-baring clothing. Dresses, skirts, dress pants, slacks, and nice shirts are all great choices. Suits and ties are welcome, but not required.
Saturday Evening Reception
Attire: Country Chic Cocktail
Glamorous with a touch of country. Dresses, jumpsuits, skirts, sport coats, dress shirts, and dress pants are all great choices. Feel free to add some country flair with boots, cowboy hats, or sparkle. Kindly, no jeans. And since we’ll be dancing all night, comfortable shoes are definitely encouraged!
Sunday Brunch
Attire: Come As You Are
Keep it easy and casual, we know many people will be traveling. Grab some breakfast and spend a little more time with us before everyone heads home.
Travel & Hotel
Make the trip simple.
Everything our out-of-town guests need to know - from the hotel block and airport tips to transportation details and a few favorite local spots.
Official Hotel Block
Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park
Group rate available through December 23, 2026
Reservations made after this date will be subject to the hotel's best available rate.
Book the Merrell group rate- Check-in
- 4:00 PM
- Check-out
- 12:00 PM
- Cancellation policy
- Cancellations must be received at least 72 hours before arrival to avoid a fee equal to one night's room and tax.
- Pet policy
- The hotel is pet friendly. Please advise the hotel before arrival so an appropriate room can be secured. A one-time $150 fee applies.
Airport
The closest major airports are Washington Dulles International (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA).
Local Tips
A few polished ways to enjoy the area.
For guests making a weekend of it, these nearby spots offer easy food, shopping, fresh air, family outings, and classic D.C.-area sightseeing.
Availability, hours, tickets, and seasonal details can change, so guests should check each linked website before heading out.
Easy Strolls & Pretty Places
Low-key outings for fresh air, photos, or a calm morning between events.
A peaceful Vienna garden with walking paths, water views, and pretty scenery.
A charming historic stop in Falls Church with a farmhouse and 19th-century feel.
A convenient rail-trail option for a walk, jog, or quick reset outdoors.
Shopping, Food & Wandering
Reliable places to browse, grab coffee, eat, or fill an open afternoon.
Restaurants, shops, movies, and an easy-to-wander neighborhood feel near Fairfax.
A major shopping and dining stop with plenty of indoor options for January weather.
A useful local guide for restaurants, shops, and small-town stops near the reception.
Family-Friendly Extras
Good choices for guests with kids or anyone staying for a longer weekend.
Check the performance calendar or plan a scenic visit to this nearby arts destination.
A helpful starting point for family outings, parks, and activity ideas.
Classic D.C. museum options for guests turning the weekend into a bigger trip.
Worth the Short Drive
Bigger outings for guests who have extra time before or after the celebration.
Monuments, memorials, museums, and the most iconic D.C. sightseeing route.
Brick sidewalks, waterfront views, boutiques, restaurants, and historic streets.
A dramatic outdoor option with Potomac River views, weather permitting.
FAQ
Useful answers before the details are final.
The FAQ keeps guests oriented now and can be updated quickly as service, reception, travel, and RSVP details become official.
When should I RSVP?
RSVP information is coming soon. For now, this site is the place to check for updated event details.
Are service and reception times final?
Not yet. The page will be updated with final times, venue names, addresses, and arrival guidance.
What should guests wear?
The Attire section includes guidance for Saturday’s Shabbat service and luncheon, the country chic cocktail reception, and Sunday brunch.
Will there be a hotel block?
Yes. A specially negotiated group rate is available at the Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park through December 23, 2026. Use the booking link in the Travel & Hotel section to reserve a room.
Where should guests park?
Parking and rideshare instructions will be posted with the final service and reception venue details.