Youth Shabbat Programs

Olam Tikvah offers two different school-age worship experiences. The services are open to all students, regardless of enrollment in religious school.

Shorashim

Grades K*-2

Room 5 in the Youth Wing

Shorashim is designed to accustom children to the rhythms and structure of Shabbat morning. Our goal is to provide children a space where they can explore Shabbat through prayers, songs, stories, and games. The service concludes with a snack and children will rejoin their families in the sanctuary.

*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

Grades 3-6

Rooms 6 & 7 in the Youth Wing

Throughout the year we will call upon a small group of the same men and women (and teens) who daven in the sanctuary to join our program to lead prayer. Each morning will also include an exploration of a single prayer or parsha, led by Rabbi Kalender, Rabbi Paskind or Debra Beland. And finally, the students themselves will be called upon throughout the year to lead one another in prayer and discussion. The service concludes with a snack and children will rejoin their families in the sanctuary.

During the 2010-2011 school year, Shorashim and Junior Congregation will be held at 11:00am, on the dates listed below:

October 9 & 23

November 13 & 27

December 11 & 18

January 8 & 22

February 12 & 26

March 12 & 26

April 9 & 23

May 14 & 28

June 11

Students join the congregation in the main sanctuary for Adon Olam at the conclusion of services. 

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.