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 their children and noise levels during those times.

In addition to the main service, we have a variety of space and program options for kids during our Shabbat morning services, which meet at Schechter Manhattan, 805 Columbus Avenue, entrance on 100th Street.

As a joint community, our goals are that children in our community:

• 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.
• Love coming to services and being in our shared community. Their experience of Shabbat and holidays is positive and engaging.
• 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 their peers of different ages.
• Are treated with respect by all adults.
• Are welcomed into the main service to have a full experience alongside their parents, caregivers, and other adults.

Our communities organize:

• Weekly supervised playrooms for different ages.
• Weekly Shabbat morning activities for children up to 4th grade
• Communal celebrations of select Shabbat evenings, Shabbat afternoons, and holidays.

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

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
A space for children of all ages to play, though primarily geared to children under age 5 (pre-K). Children should generally be accompanied by an adult, though this room is staffed.

Staff Hours
Summer: 9:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Winter: 9:00 AM – 12:15 PM

The intent of the staffed room is to help support families with young children (under 5). It is not intended to be fully drop off, but you can go in and out, as this room is located right next to our main services. Parents and caregivers are still responsible for diaper changes, trips to the bathroom, and returning if child is in need of more supervision.

Our weekly Tot Shabbat services are held in this room: 10:30–11:15 AM year-round.
Children must be accompanied by an adult during Tot Shabbat services.

Please note that children cannot be left unattended in the hallways of the school. 

Programs

Tot Shabbat Service
Tot Shabbat Room | Weekly at 10:30–11:15 AM 
Infant to Pre-K
Join us for a spirited family service with song, movement, and story followed by grape juice and a snack. These services are geared towards children under age 5, with older siblings welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Junior Minyan
Junior Minyan Room | Weekly at 11:00–11:45 AM [*times may shift when Daylight Savings Time end]
Join us for Jewish learning, prayer, discussion, games, and singing. This is intended for children ages 5 and up.

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 about all upcoming events please like our Facebook page and join our weekly email list. We also run a list-serve to help parents in our communities connect with one another. Email kids@kehilathadar.org to join!