Tot Shabbat will be led by Sara Kaminski who looks forward to greeting all of our preschool age children. For those under 18 months, do join us with an accompanying adult. Stories, songs, and fun activities await you!

Becky Henning will lead our Junior Congregation for children in grades K-6. The service will incorporate the Torah Service, explanation of the weekly parasha, and more. Becky will bring her enthusiasm and creativity to all in attendance. Junior Congregation will meet in the Goodman Chapel. Plan now for this fun and educational topic:

• January 14, Shmot. Shmot begins the second book of the Chumash and also the story of B’nei Israel’s enslavement in Egypt. Our play will be about the beginnings of Moses’ career as the leader of Israel. We will look in the Torah scroll for the names of the twelve tribes.
• February 11, Yitro. This Torah portion, named after the great non-Jewish monotheist Jethro, shows the Children of Israel finally arriving at Mt. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. Our play will review the preparation for receiving the Ten Commandments and we will review those commandments. Our Torah Scroll word search will definitely include the word lo –“no” – in Hebrew.
• March 10, Ki Tisa. And after receiving the Ten Commandments orally, Moses is commanded to write them on tablets. During Moses absence B’nei Israel are filled with fear and doubt and fall back on their old ways. Our play will act out this bad behavior. Don’t worry, it’s only pretend. Bring your gold and silver!
• April 14, Last day of Passover. We will take a break from our narrative to do a play on a few commandments, such as shmita, remission of debts (yes, we will figure out a kid-friendly way to talk banking), and charity to the poor. We’ll also talk about our favorite Passover foods.
• May 12, Emor. This Torah portion discusses Jewish festivals. Although emor and omer are not related words, in our play we count from 1 to 50. Can you guess why? In doing so, we will learn a little bit about the mitzvah of celebrating Passover and Shavuot.
• June 9, Be’Ha’Alotcha. It’s time for Passover again! This Torah portion discusses the second Passover, and thus second chances. We will look in the Torah scroll for the words matzah and pesach. All participants will enjoy a special end of the year treat, matzah and chocolate-related treats.

Parents are invited to stay for Midrash Shabbat. Childcare is available during the learning session.

Childcare is available every Saturday morning beginning at 10:30 a.m. until the conclusion of the service when Tot Shabbat and Junior Congregation are not in session. And, as always, children are welcomed and encouraged to attend all Shabbat and holiday services.