Synagogue Programs for Nursery School Aged Children

Shaare Torah runs several programs for preschool aged children and their families. These are great opportunities to meet other families with children, enjoy Shabbat, and spend time as a family in a Jewish environment. All are welcome and encouraged to participate!

Shabbat Services
There are Shabbat services every Saturday at 9:30 am at the Synagogue. The Torah service starts at approximately 10:15 am when younger children are invited to help open the ark. Each child is given a miniature “Torah” and joins the Torah procession followed by a special story or singing time with Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal. While children are always welcome in services, babysitting is also available in a separate room from 10:00 until the end of services at 12:00 pm.

Tot Shabbat
Preschoolers and their families joyously celebrate Shabbat at our twice-a-month “Tot Shabbat” service. After the Torah parade and Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal’s song or story during the main service, children are invited to their own service. Using short prayers, songs, stories and movement, preschoolers and parents celebrate Shabbat as a community. The “Tot Shabbat” service takes place on the second and fourth Saturday of each month at about 10:15 am.

Friday Night Service for Families with Young Children
Once a month on Friday evenings, the synagogue holds special early services for families with preschool aged children. Starting at 5:30 pm, the service includes familiar prayers, songs and a story. It is followed by a special Kiddush and snack.

B'Yachad (Parents and Toddlers Together)
Shaare Torah Nursery School offers a class that meets once a week for one hour for children ages sixteen months and up. This program is modeled after a nursery school class. Activities include music, art activities, Shabbat and holiday celebrations and more. This class is excellent preparation for the nursery school program for children who are not yet two. Contact Pamela Gorin at 301-869-9842, ext. 113  for more information or to register.