Shorashim - Kindergarten* through 2nd Grade: Shorashim
(meaning "roots") is the name of our newest Shabbat
morning service. Shorashim 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 meets in the lower level at 11:00am, and joins the
congregation in the main sanctuary for Adon Olam at the conclusion
of services.
Junior Congregation - 3rd through 6th Grade: 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. It meets in
Social Hall II at 11:00am, and joins the congregation in the main
sanctuary for Adon Olam at the conclusion of services.
Hebrew Peer Reading - 5th through 8th Grade:
Before Junior Congregation begins each week, students in 5th through
8th grades are encouraged to practice Hebrew reading in a
peer-reading program supervised by Hebrew teacher Zach Hilert. The Peer
Reading Program meets in Social Hall II at 10:00am, followed by a
few minutes of Torah trop practice with one of the rabbis.
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.
*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.