DMV Kosher Brisket BBQ Competition
Low and Slow Wins the Show
What a day!
Our inaugural DMV Kosher BBQ Brisket Competition was an incredible success!
Thank you to our amazing sponsors, teams, judges, and guests for making this event such a memorable day. Together, we raised the bar on kosher BBQ — not only for each of us as individuals, but for the wider Capital Region as a whole.
Bringing together folks from different communities over a shared love of authentic BBQ and a respect for kashrut was always the goal. I knew we were all friends — we just hadn’t met yet. Over smoky pits and friendly competition, we learned from one another, inspired one another, and built connections that will last far beyond a single 27-hour period. In doing so, we showed the public — both kosher-observant and not — what’s possible, and what should be expected, when it comes to kosher BBQ.
I am truly thankful to each one of you who believed in and supported this vision.
David Brunner
COO
Capital Camps and Retreat Center
Stay tuned for our 2026 dates!
Want to be part of the next one?
- Consider competing.
- Consider judging.
- Consider eating.
- Consider sponsoring.
If you’re considering any of the above — or just want to stay informed about next year’s event, email davidb@campandretreat.org
Photo Credits: Ivan Kander & Josh Bousel
This event was made possible with the generous support of our sponsoring partners
The event was held on Monday, October 13th 2025 at Capital Camps and Retreat Center located in Waynesboro, PA (CCRC is 75 minutes from the Baltimore and DC areas, nestled in the beautiful Catoctin mountains.)
The DMV Kosher BBQ Brisket Competition is here to show that real BBQ-smoked meat, cooked slowly at low temperatures, over wood and charcoal, is not only fully possible within the bounds of Kashrut, but should be the norm at EVERY BBQ meal and event. This competition brings together skilled pitmasters from our own communities and beyond, curious food lovers and kosher-keeping folks to push our culinary expectations to a higher level.
Under the Kosher Supervision of the Star-K
