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Kids' Programming

Kehilat Hadar and Shaare Zedek share a commitment to be welcoming and inclusive to families with children of all ages, and for all members of the family to comfortably attend as much of our services and programming as they are able to. There are moments of our prayer service when we fill the room with beautiful song and are excited to have our children’s voices join with us. As there are also times of silent prayer or teaching, we do ask that parents are mindful of noise and activity levels.

As a joint community, our goals are that children:

  • Come to understand our shared communal identity as one that elevates traditional Jewish life and liturgy in an egalitarian setting, and they are encouraged to grow their commitment to Jewish practice, alongside adults in our community.
  • Experience the values of the community through the content of programming and the interactions they have with adults: empowerment, dignity, care and connection across life stages, and responsiveness to each other.
  • Are engaged in services on Shabbat and holidays and being with our shared community. 
  • Learn skills and tunes to be able to participate in our main service.
  • Make friends in and through our community and are supported in having positive social interactions with peers of different ages.
  • Are respected and welcomed into the main service to have a full experience alongside their parents, caregivers, and other adults.

Please read our communal guidelines, addressing how we approach children to help them thrive.

Note that children cannot be left unattended in the hallways of the school

Spaces

Main Room
Children are welcome and encouraged to attend our main service to enjoy, learn, and participate in our spirited davening. Parents are expected to oversee their children in the main room so that services are not disrupted.

Staffed Playroom
The staffed room is designed to help support families with young children (ages 0-5). It is not intended to be fully drop off. Parents and caregivers can go in and out. However, parents and caregivers are responsible for diaper changes, trips to the bathroom, and returning if your child(ren) is in need of more supervision.

Staff Hours
Summer: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Winter: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Our weekly Tot Shabbat and Parent and Me services are held in this room (more details below). 

Programs

Tot Shabbat Service
Staffed Playroom | Weekly at 10:15–10:45 AM 
Tot Shabbat is geared towards kids ages 4-7. Parents and caregivers can drop off for this service. This spirited service will familiarize growing learners with a Shabbat morning service and inspire them with joyful songs.

Parent and Me Service
Staffed Playroom | Weekly at 10:45–11:30 AM 
Parent and Me is geared towards kids ages 0-3 and their families. Featuring engaging songs, stories, and movement, this class introduces the basics of a Shabbat morning service to a young audience.

Junior Minyan
Junior Minyan Room | Weekly at 10:45–11:30 AM 
Junior Minyan is geared towards elementary school- and pre-B'nai Mitzvah-aged kids. This service features lively davening and discussions based on the weekly parsha. 

Additional programming outside of Shabbat mornings will be posted as special events on our website.
Get involved! If you are interested in leading a service or program for children, please email kids@kehilathadar.org.

To stay informed, please like our Facebook page and join our weekly email list. We also run a list-serve to help parents in our communities connect: email kids@kehilathadar.org to join!

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784