At Beth El, we cherish the participation of all ages in our community. We strive to meet the needs of all. We recognize that those families with young children have different needs and desires. In light of this, we have several programs available:
- Tot Shabbat - On most Shabbat mornings from November, 2009 - May, 2010 from 11-12:30 there is a special program for children ages 0-5 which brings the joy of Shabbat to these youngest members of our community. Tot Shabbat strives to create a space for families with young children to bond and grow together as a community in a supportive and enjoyable spiritual setting. All are warmly welcomed to participate. We will be taking time to refresh ourselves after the long week as we come together to sing, dance and celebrate Shabbat. Our usual schedule is as follows:
Saturday mornings - see below for the scheduled dates
10:30 - 11:30 Services - including juice and challah
11:30 - 12:30 Stay and Play and snack
12:30 Kiddush Lunch with the Congregation
October: 17, 24, 31 February: 6,13, 27
November: 7,14, 21 March: 6,13, 20
December: 5, 12,19 April: 3, 10, 17, 24
January: 9,16, 23, 30 May: 1, 8
- Kehillat Noar / Youth Community - Once a month on Shabbat morning from 11:30 -12:30 there is a wonderful Shabbat hour of Torah exploration and fun for children ages 6-12. Bibliodrama, a great interactive program of bringing Torah to life and to action for all learners, will be the focus of our monthly program. And we have a new leader to help us on our way!
Hal Miller-Jacobs, a teacher and lover of all kinds of Torah learning, will lead our kids in the dramatic fun of finding themselves inside the Torah and all it can offer. And our own Susan Phillips, 3rd and 5th grade teacher in our religious school, will help bring all the power of Torah to life for our kids!
Our goals? To offer an enriching and fun program for our younger Beth El students on Shabbat morning; and to encourage families to join us for our wonderful Shabbat morning services!
Our scheduled dates for 2009 are November 7 and December 5. Our scheduled dates for 2010 are: January 9, February 6, March 6, April 3, and May 1.
- Havurot / Family Communities - Joining a havurah, a family community, is a great way for families with young children to meet other congregants and find a cohort to support raising their children and enriching their family's life with Jewish celebration.
For more information about these exciting programs for families with young children, please contact David Hoffer, our VP of Early Childhood (by referencing the Beth El Directory or by contacting the Beth El office at 978-443-9622), Roanne Miller, our Director of Early Childhood Education, or Beth Schine, Interim Religious School Principal.
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