We are overjoyed to hear the laughter of children and see them smile while engaged in learning, socializing, and understanding what it means to be Jewish. That is why we plan special events every month where young children and their families can engage in fun and meaningful ways with our Jewish traditions and make new connections with one another.
Whether we’re hearing Rosh Hashanah stories in an apple orchard, spinning dreidels by a Chanukah bonfire, celebrating Havdalah, or baking hamentaschen for Purim, we welcome the youngest among us (and their parents) to learn, have fun, and enjoy being Jewish. (Our deepest thanks go to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation for their assistance by funding our family education programming.)
You do not need to be a member to attend any of our events or services. Interfaith families, LGBTQIA+ families, and however you define your family, our events are inclusive and all families are welcome.
Families with young children are also always welcome to be full participants at all of our services and in the life of Congregation Beth Israel.
Young Family Events
Young Family Storytime and Havdalah
Connect with other young families, hear Jewish stories, and celebrate the end of Shabbat. We’ll light our special braided candles, hear stories, learn a song, and share a blessing. (Three times a year.)
Rosh Hashana Sweet Storytime
Hear New Year’s stories in an apple orchard as we start the year with sweet apples and honey.
Tend Our Garden and Our Earth
Get ready for the autumn with a hands-on afternoon of learning about the wonders of nature! We’ll tuck in our pollinator garden for the winter, play, read books, and learn about the Jewish values of tending to the Earth.
Chanukah Bonfire
Come to our campfire/bonfire Chanukah celebration in CBI’s backyard. Sit around our firepit, sing Chanukah songs led by Rabbi Rachel with her guitar, enjoy fried donuts, and sip apple juice (hot apple cider for the adults).
Yoga in the Labyrinth
Celebrate the warm days with Omer/Torah Yoga taught by Jen Burt on our backyard labyrinth with views of the mountains.
Upcoming Family Events
Bagel Brunch
Don’t miss our New Year’s first Bagel Brunch — munch, schmooze, see old friends, and make new ones! Please RSVP by no later than Friday, November 6 so that we can prepare enough food for this event. A suggested donation of $5 per adult is appreciated in order to help us offset expenses, but no one will be turned away due to financial hardship.
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Free – $5.00
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Congregation Beth Israel,
53 Lois Street
North Adams, MA 01247 United States
+ Google MapNorth Adams, MA 01247 United States
Chanukah Concert 5787
Join the CBI choir and musicians for a celebration of the Festival of Lights with music both old and new! Musical selections will include traditional Ashkenazi and Sephardi Chanukah songs as well as contemporary compositions, and we’ll close with a family-friendly singalong featuring some favorite Chanukah tunes. After the concert, we’ll light Chanukah candles and enjoy refreshments (please bring a dessert or snack to share if you are able), dreidels and gelt, and kid-friendly Chanukah arts and crafts. All ages and faiths are welcome to attend this free community event!
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Free
Congregation Beth Israel,
53 Lois Street
North Adams, MA 01247 United States
+ Google MapNorth Adams, MA 01247 United States
Jewish Journeys Shabbat
Join us for a special family Shabbat service to celebrate Shabbat in community as we interweave the morning service with opportunities for our Jewish Journeys students to share what they have learned. Please consider bringing a vegetarian dish to share at our potluck following the conclusion of services.
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Free
Congregation Beth Israel,
53 Lois Street
North Adams, MA 01247 United States
+ Google MapNorth Adams, MA 01247 United States
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