Youth & Children's Programming

Shearith Israel provides a diverse program for our children of all ages in the congregation. Our families come from many varied backgrounds and have the opportunity to participate in many educational programs.

Little Ones – Tot Shabbat & K’Tonton

At Shearith Israel, your little ones are always welcome. Please note: Currently, amidst the pandemic, we are not gathering for Tot Shabbat or K'tonton. We have babysitting on Saturday mornings, and offer Tot Shabbat every Shabbat morning at 10:30am in the Multi-Purpose Room. 

We typically offer a K’tonton Pre-School Program one Sunday morning each month from 10:30am – 11:45am. Join us for these fun-filled playdates for children aged 4 and below featuring songs, dances, projects, games and more! Morah Hannah will lead the activities and play guitar! Our 2021 - 2022 dates and themes are: August 22 (Rosh Hashanaha / Teshuvah); September 19 (Sukkot); October 17 (Shabbat); November 14 (Chanukah); December 19 (Tzedakah); January 16 (Tu B'Shevat); February 13 (The Power of Speech - Koach HaDibbur); March 13 (Purim); April 10 (Passover); May 15 (Yom Ha'Atzmaut / Lag B'Omer). See you at K'tonton!

Kadima

As part of the national Kadima movement in Conservative Judaism, our 6th through 8th graders have a Kadima group that meets monthly for activities and learning. Usually based around a social function, programming includes religious, educational, and social-action activities. Programs include movies, ice skating, pool parties, rock climbing, and other social, engaging events. 

Kadima - Learn More & Register

USY

United Synagogue Youth (USY)  is Conservative Judaism’s premier youth group, run by its parent organization, USCJ, for teenagers in 9th through 12th grades. Through year-round programming and domestic and international travel opportunities, USY provides meaningful, immersive Jewish experiences, helping teens integrate Jewish rituals and values into their everyday lives. Past programming has included social justice initiatives, challah baking for charity, an overnight “lock-in” at the shul, Israel-focused events, teen Shabbat, conventions, and more. For info and to register, visit our USY page.

USY - Learn More & Register

8th grade pirkei avot with rabbi kaiman

Pirkei Avot, translated as "Chapters of Our Ancestors", is a compilation of the ethical teachings and maxims from Rabbinic tradition. Teens will explore and study these ethical principles in chevruta (pairs) using The Illustrated Pirkei Avot text. 

Pirkei Avot - Learn More & Register

MASA (9th & 10th grade program)

Masa, which means “Journey” in Hebrew, is the next stage of learning where your child will begin to apply and synthesize the knowledge from their studies in Pirkei Aovt to their lives as teenagers MASA creates an enduring understanding for our participants that our history requires us to make a difference in the world through Torah (learning), avodah (worship), and gemilut chasadim (acts of lovingkindness). The class meets with Rabbi Kaiman, Nancy Gorod, and guest speakers, and travels to New York for an unforgettable, formative educational experience. 

MASA - Learn More & Register

Life Yeshiva (11th grade)

Life Yeshiva is a series of classes open to all 11th graders in the community. By 11th grade, students will analyze and evaluate what they have learned regarding living with their Jewish values, go deeper into discussions about these values, and engage in difficult conversations. Join us for this wonderful learning opportunity with teen educator Joey Heyman!

Life Yeshiva - Learn More & Register