At Beth Am we regularly engage families and their young children with programming that happens inside and outside of the synagogue. In addition to learning opportunities about holiday customs and Jewish values for both parents and their kids, we host special events like Shabbat dinners, Sukkah dance hops and decorating parties, Chanukah celebrations, Tu B’Shvat and Lag B’Omer hikes and more!
Though kids are always welcome in Beth Am’s main services, we also hold regular Saturday morning programs and services designed especially for younger folks. ‘Shabbat Yachad,’ features music, stories, and games for preschool and elementary age children and ‘Torah Talks’ features content aimed at middle schoolers. ‘Shabbat is Awesome,’ a musical Friday night monthly service, is also geared toward preschoolers and is a congregation favorite. During summer and fall Beth Am holds ‘Services in the Park’ at nearby German Park, walking distance from the shul. During the High Holy Days ‘Camp Tekiah’ offers a family service and other age-appropriate, holiday related activities, too.
From our members:
“My family loves Services in the Park! It’s low stress and the kids have a great time. I think it’s the best way to end a busy week and get ready for Shabbat.” – current Beth Am member and parent
“We met an awesome couple with kids the same age as ours at the Tu B’shvat Picnic last year.” – current Beth Am member and parent
“My son adores ‘Shabbat is Awesome’ – he is always asking me when he will get to play with the ‘stuffy Torahs’ again.” – current Beth Am member and parent
Please contact Rabbi Dratch for more information
Shabbat Yachad – Saturdays – approximately 10:45 am
Combines familiar children’s Shabbat songs with age appropriate sensory experiences. Every Saturday, except the first Saturday of the month, for newborns to kindergartners in the Chapel, begins before Haftarah reading (unless there’s a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, in which case it begins after candy throwing).
Shabbat is Awesome! Tot Shabbat
Shabbat Services for families with young children, with music and song, followed by dinner.
Childcare available!
Every Shabbat, for children 18 months to 5 years old. Begins at 10 am, with a snack at 11 am, followed by Shabbat Yachad at approximately 10:45 am when scheduled.
