Groups meet on the Terrace (lower) level, which is accessible via the stairwell adjacent to Bobrow Chapel.  A raffle to win one or more prizes is held at every gathering of Kadima, Mechina, Davening Divas, Junior Congregation, and Teen Minyan.  Snacks and water are provided in each group.

Our group leaders try hard to make our groups as attractive to the children as possible.  Our leaders will make every effort to influence children to come to our groups and to stay in our groups once there; however, with the exception of Hashkamanikim (see below), children may leave a group, unescorted, if they so desire.

Hashkamanikim

Hashkamanikim is a drop off play room for age 2 to grade 6 that starts when shul starts, at 9:00 AM.  Children in grades K-6 are "dimissed" at 10:00 AM to Kadima, Mechina, Junior Congregation, and Davening Divas.  The children ages 2-4 who remain behind are joined by their parents for Torah Tots, in the same room, at 11:00 AM.  Snacks and water are served.  Parents are encouraged to drop their children off and join the congregational services, but they may stay with their children if desired.

Parents who drop their children off in Hashkamanikim and who do not want their children to leave the room unescorted must notify one of the leaders of their intent.  Children who arrive unescorted will be permitted to leave unescorted.

Torah Tots

Torah Tots is a unique program for children ages 8 months to 4 years, from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM.  Children who attend must be accompanied by a parent.  Parents are expected to engage their children in the context of the program.  Torah Tots provides youngsters with fun and active songs and imaginative activities that provide a warm atmosphere for Shabbat.   A kiddush for all ages is served at the conclusion.

Kadima

Kadima is for children in Kindergarten through 2nd grade, and it meets from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.  The program provides children with an introduction to basic prayers, often sung to familiar, non-traditional tunes.  Children at all levels, including those who cannot yet read Hebrew or English, are able to learn.  Prayer is supplemented by enthusiastic storytelling and games.   The text used in Kadima is the wonderfully illustrated Artscroll Children's Siddur, which is available for purchase in the shul Gift Shop.

Junior Congregation

Junior Congregation is one of three programs provided for children in grades 3 through 6, and it meets most Shabbat and Holiday mornings from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.   Junior Congregation teaches children the basics of prayer in order to make them comfortable in shul.   Nate shares lively stories with the children, and teaches them about the parsha (weekly Torah portion) and the holidays.  The group concludes with leading the closing of congregational services in Epstein Sanctuary.  The text used is the Artscroll siddur.

Davening Divas

Davening Divas is offered for girls in grades 3 through 6, and it meets from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.  Davening Divas is geared toward children who are more comfortable with the prayers.  Prayers are supplemented with games and quizzes about the parsha and Judaism.  The text used is the Artscroll siddur.

Mechina

Mechina is offered for boys in grades 3 through 6, and it meets from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.  Mechina is geared toward children who are more comfortable with the prayers.  Prayers are supplemented with games and quizzes about the parsha and Judaism.  The text used is the Artscroll siddur.

Teen Minyan

Our Teen Minyan, an entirely teen-led halachic service, meets biweekly at 9:45 am, and is followed by a special Teen Kiddush in the Teen Lounge, which has billiards, table tennis, foosball, and a place to simply hang out.  The service is geared toward teens in grades 7 through 12 and is led entirely by our teens, with the support of the Bachurim from Kollel Torah MiTzion.  See the schedule of events on the home page to find out when the next Teen Minyan will be held.