Shabbat and Holidays for Youth and Family
Tot Shabbat | Children’s Services | Kabbalat Shabbat | Junior Congregation | Holy Days and Festivals
Our services address particular developmental and spiritual needs of families and children of all ages. We build on the traditional liturgy with song, dance, games, storytelling, and study to bring to life the prayers. Please see the BJ Calendar or visit our Program Overview for our current service schedule and upcoming events.
Tot Shabbat
First Friday of every month, 5:00PM, 88th Street Sanctuary (Does not meet during summer)
Families with children ages 6 and younger are invited to join us for a fun, early Kabbalat Shabbat service. Led by one of our Rabbinic Interns and Rabbis on a rotating basis, this short service includes signing, dancing and storytelling and is perfect for our youngest BJ members!
Children’s Shabbat Services
Saturday mornings, 10:45AM, 86th Street Chapel (88th Street Frankel Hall during summer)
Families with children ages 6 and younger can join us for a dynamic service filled the kavannah (intention) for Shabbat. The first part of the service includes singing, dancing, storytelling within the framework of the Shabbat morning service, including reading of the Torah. Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate, and are required to accompany children under the age of seven. After the Torah service children and parents separate by age into two minyanim:
Minyan Alef (for children ages 3 and under)
Children continue to explore the meaning of Shabbat through song, movement, and storytelling. This meets in the 86th Street Parlor.
Minyan Bet (for children in pre-k, kindergarten and first grade)
Children deepen their understanding of Shabbat and the Jewish year through storytelling, games, discussion, and Shabbat appropriate art projects. This meets in the 86th Street Chapel.
Following Minyan Alef and Bet, both minyanim come together for a light kiddush in the 86th Street Parlor. Families are encouraged to socialize after kiddush or to join the main service in the Sanctuary for the end of Musaf.
Family Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Friday evenings, 5:45PM, 88th Street Sanctuary (Does not meet during summer)
Families with children ages 6 and older are invited to join us each week for this early, interactive service that brings in Shabbat with singing, dancing and teachings. The service is led by one of our Rabbis on a rotating basis, and often older children and teenagers participate in it as well.
Junior Congregation
First and Third Saturday of every month, 10:30AM, 86th Street Social Hall (Does not meet during summer)
Calling all families with children in second grade and above! BJ’s Junior Congregation services are held on the first and third Saturdays of every month at 10:30AM in the 86th Street Social Hall. Following services we will have grape juice and hallah together, and everyone is welcome to stay for the community kiddush. If your child would like to help lead the service or learn to lead any of the prayers, please email Leora Frankel, Rabbinic Intern for Youth and Family, or call x271.
Prayer and Torah Reading Sign-Up
Prayer Sign-up is available online and automatically confirmed.
Torah Reading sign-up may be done by contacting Leora Frankel.
Frequently Asked Question about Junior Congregation
We’ve heard that many of your would like to know more about the Junior Congregation service to help you feel more prepared and comfortable before you come. We have put together a Frequently Asked Questions about Junior Congregation to help make sure you have all the information you need.
Holy Days and Festivals
Children’s Services occur most mornings when adult services are held, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, the first and last days of Sukkot, the first and last days of Pesah, and Shavuot.