Children’s Services
Children of all ages are welcome at all of our services. Younger children march in the Torah parade, older ones get the honor of reciting certain prayers from the bimah and all children are invited to lead the congregation in song. During our monthly Sanctuary Shabbat services, we offer a variety of programs for different age groups. Some of these programs occur on a more regular basis; check the calendar for schedule updates. Locations are posted in the downstairs lobby.
Shabbat Yachad – Shabbat Together
Our youngest members, children under 5, love this lively parent-led educational program during which children sing songs, read stories, dance around, participate in an age-appropriate discussion of the week’s Torah portion, do a craft project tied to the topic of the day, and have a snack. Shabbat Yachad is held from 10:15-11:00 a.m. on the first and third Shabbat morning of the month and on any designated “Sanctuary Shabbat”.
Shoreshim Service – Roots Service
This service engages Kindergarten through 2nd graders through song, dance, stories and Torah. Siddur Mah Tov, a family Shabbat prayer book, and reading from an interactive, educational Torah scroll are used to introduce these children to the structure of a Shabbat service. The Shoreshim Service begins at approximately 10:15, immediately following the Torah parade in the main service. It is led by our education director and parent volunteers and is held on the second and fourth Shabbat mornings of the month.
Young Leaders’ Service
The Young Leaders’ Service lifts up our 3rd–5th grade emerging leaders through a prayer service just for them. This Shabbat service provides our students with an opportunity to gain comfort in a prayer service and to showcase their skills and knowledge. Children lead prayers, read Torah, and participate in discussions and activities. The service is led by the education director with help from parent volunteers. From fall through spring it is held once a month, on our designated “Sanctuary Shabbat.” It begins following the Torah parade in the main service, approximately 10:15. Attendance is mandatory for Beth Am Religious School students. Other children in this age group, as well as parents of all participants, are encouraged to attend.