Youth Services

A special note about young children – we want them and need them in the Sanctuary. Not only does their involvement add to the spirit of our prayers, it provides them with experiences and memories that will be with them for the rest of their lives. For many of us, being with our families in the Sanctuary are among our fondest childhood memories, something we’d like our own children to have. If you choose to bring toys for your children, please be respectful of Shabbat and holiday observance within the synagogue (no electronics, coloring, etc).

In addition to their inclusion in the sanctuary, we enrich children’s Jewish identity through our engaging Shabbat and holiday programs specifically for children:

Tot Shabbat

Preschoolers begin to learn and love Judaism through storytelling, singing, and hands-on activities. Families join for songs, stories and more in an interactive service for tots. Ran on the same days as Mini Minyan. Tot Shabbats are lead by either Katie Shelef or John McLaughlin

Mini Minyan

Mini Minyan is a slower learner's service for elementary school age children. The service will include Shabbat prayers and a "D'var and Discussion" in place of the Torah service. Mini Minyan is led by the Youth & Family Programming Specialist Ben Brent. 

Both programs begin at 11:00am downstairs

Dates for the rest of 2024

August 17, 31

September 14 (Mini Minyan only), 28

October 26

November 9 (Tot Shabbat only), 23 (evening Havdallah Service- "Havdallah in Pajamas"). Registration required and is open here: https://www.bethisrael-aa.org/event/havdalah-in-pajamas.html

December 14, 28

For questions about Youth Services, please contact the Youth & Family Programming Specialist Ben Brent at benb@bethisrael-aa.org