Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel Congregation
Youth Shabbat
Anshe Sholom has created programming to ensure that Shabbat is a meaningful and enriching time for our children.
The programs, times and instructors are as follows (just click for more information):
Tot Shabbat (for our youngest members)
Tefillah Off the Deep End ("TODE") (6th -7th grade)
Tot Shabbat (for our youngest members)
11:00 AM in Shlensky Social Hall
Children and their parents are invited to get excited about Shabbat! This is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn basic liturgy and sing Shabbat songs in a warm and comfortable environment. Services are conducted from the specially-designed Tot Siddur, and each child has the chance to hold and kiss a tot-sized Torah.
10:45 AM in Room 206 of the JCC
This service is geared toward those who are ready to move on from Tot Shabbat, but are not yet readers. Gan Shabbat expands on what children have learned in Tot Shabbat, encouraging them to sing and participate even more on their own. With a heavier emphasis on the Tefillah part of the service, Gan Shabbat to serves as a bridge between Tot Shabbat and Yeladeinu (and the siddur is a conglomerate of what is used in each of those series. Drop-off is encouraged, but parents are welcome to attend.
10:45 AM in the JCC library (next door to the gym)
As a child enters 1st grade, he or she is familiar enough with the Tefillah to participate in a fuller service, conducted from the Artscroll Children’s Siddur, with its colorful pictures and easy-to-read Hebrew. Following Tefillah, children participate in games or stories, and are encouraged to lead the congregation in Ein K’Elokeinu and Aleinu in the main sanctuary.
10:45 AM in the JCC gym
As children are ready for the adult siddur, they are given a more in-depth look at the prayers. After Tefillah, they hear Kiddush, have a snack, and participate in Parsha trivia or discussion. Children are encouraged to lead the congregation in Anim Zemirot.
Tefillah Off the Deep End ("TODE") (6th -7th grade) with Alan Sufrin
10:30 AM in the Beit Midrash
As part of ASBI’s B’nai Mitzvah Program, this is a chance for pre-teens to feel a sense of ownership of the Tefillah. Participants are encouraged to attend Shacharit in the main sanctuary, and then join their peers for Mussaf and “deep” discussions about Torah and Jewish adult life. There is a mini-kiddush for all participants at the end of the service.