Shorashim and Junior Congregation

Shorashim - Kindergarten* through 2nd Grade, Saturdays, 11:00am, room 6 on the lower level.  Shorashim (meaning "roots") is designed to accustom children to the rhythm and structure of a Shabbat morning service and to prepare them for their "graduation" to Junior Congregation. Shorashim participants join the congregation in the main sanctuary for Adon Olam at the conclusion of services.

*Kindergarteners are also welcome at Tot Shabbat (ages 18 months through 5 years) until they are ready to move up to Shorashim. Tot Shabbat is led by Elizabeth Weiner and Nechama Retting. It is an interactive children’s service, also beginning at 11:00am. At the end of the Tot Shabbat service, the small children are led to the bimah in the main sanctuary for Adon Olam.

Junior Congregation - 3rd through 6th Grade, Saturdays, 11:00am, Social Hall II.  Junior Congregation provides a variety of learning experiences that focus on the Torah Service and Musaf. Using a copy of Siddur Sim Shalom designed for younger congregants, Junior Congregation often parallels the services conducted in the main sanctuary. It affords students a chance to practice developing skills and to participate in ways not available in the main service.  As a teaching service, Junior Congregation sometimes varies the melodies, emphasizes different parts of the service, or explores the meaning and spirit of different prayers. Junior Congregation is open to all students, regardless of enrollment in religious school. Students join the congregation in the main sanctuary for Adon Olam at the conclusion of services. 

Shorashim and Junior Congregation Schedule 2009-2010

Pre B'nai Mitzvah Main Service Participation

Children who are proficient at chanting Ashrei and Anim Z'mirot are frequently invited to lead these prayers in the main sanctuary. Please contact one of the rabbis if your child is interested in leading one of these prayers.  See our Ritual and Prayers page for information and recorded prayers.