Our children and teens (ages birth through high school) are an integral part of Chevrei Tzedek's programs and worship. On any given Shabbat or Holiday, our pre-Bnei Mitzvah age children help lead prayers in the main service, and are honored with opening the ark. We are especially proud of our post-Bnei Mitzvah teens, who read Torah and conduct services in the main service, including on High Holidays.
Here are some of our youth activities. For more information, contact Becky Pearlman at chevreitzedek@chevreitzedek.gmail.com.
SERVICES BY KIDS FOR KIDS
Our children’s services are led by our teenagers. We hold two services every Shabbat and holiday from 11 a.m. to noon, except when Adult Education Shabbat Limud services are held.
K’tanim (for children from birth through 1st grade)
A warm introduction to the Shabbat morning service, including songs, games and stories.
Junior Congregation (for children in 2nd grade through 8th grade)
As they prepare to become Bnei Mitzvah, our youth gain confidence in leading the service.
§ Once a month, there is a special Torah Service edition.
§ Once a month, kids are separated into two concurrent age-appropriate services:
o Junior Junior Congregation: for children in 2nd- 4th grade
o Senior Junior Congregation: for children in 5th - 8th grade.
TEEN GROUP ACTIVITIES
We have a USY (United Synagogue Youth) group for high school students and a Kadima youth group for middle school students.
Noar Tzedek Activities (for 9th-12th graders)
§ Lunch and Learn
o Monthly Shabbat (11-noon) discussions in a relaxed atmosphere on current events, social issues, etc.
§ Snack and Shmooze
o Monthly Shabbat (11-noon) social gatherings.
§ Innovative holiday celebrations and Tikkun Olam projects.
Kadima Activities (for 6th- 8th graders)
Once a month on Shabbat (11-noon)
CHILDCARE
Childcare is provided for children aged two to 12 every Shabbat, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Our professional child educator and teen assistants provide a safe, enjoyable environment for children, including both indoor and outdoor play.
BNEI MITZVAH
Families preparing for a bar or bat mitzvah ceremony form a chug (group) that meets regularly to prepare the children, participate in social action projects, and provide a support network for parents.
More information on Bar and Bat Mitzvahs can be found at Bnei Mitzvah Policy.
HEBREW SCHOOL
Chevrei Tzedek does not maintain a Hebrew School. We have arrangements with other synagogues that allow Chevrei Tzedek youth to attend their Hebrew Schools at reduced rates. We encourage prospective and current members to contact a Chevrei Tzedek officer if you are interested. Participating synagogues are: Beth Am (Conservative), Beth El (Conservative) and Beit Tikvah (Reconstructionist).
CONGREGATIONAL ACTIVITIES
We gather as a congregation to celebrate as well as pray. The Congregational Activities committee organizes synagogue-wide events such as:
§ Kabbalat Shabbat services and dinners
§ Sukkah Potluck lunch
§ Purim and Chanukah parties
§ Tu B’shvat seder
§ Welcome New Members events.
