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
Shavuot Art Exhibition & Reception
Join us for a celebratory art exhibition and reception! Come see Shavuot artwork on display, which were made by our community members this year.
Find out more » Free
Shabbat Across the Berkshires
Join with friends from across the Berkshire Jewish community at Temple Anshe Amunim in Pittsfield as we come together for a musical, family-friendly Shabbat service led by rabbis from across the county, then stay for a delicious, festive oneg. All are welcome to attend this service; please RSVP in advance if you plan to attend the oneg. This event is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, Congregation Beth Israel, and other Berkshire county synagogues and organizations.
Find out more »Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street
Pittsfield, 01201 United States
+ Google MapPittsfield, 01201 United States
Tanglewood Concert & Picnic
Join CBI this summer for a potluck picnic with family-friendly activities on the lawn at 12pm and live music at 2:30pm featuring the BSO & Tanglewood Festival Chorus! Each person will need to purchase their own ticket in order to attend; lawn seats for this event are $44 per adult. Please RSVP by no later than Friday, August 21.
Find out more » Free
Tanglewood — Koussevitzky Music Shed, 297 West Street
Lenox, MA 01240
+ Google MapLenox, MA 01240
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