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.
Cooking With Caleb
Treats taste better when you make them yourself! Join us with professional baker Caleb and make Chanukah cookies, Purim Hamentaschen, or Passover Matzah for the holiday. We’ll roll out the dough, bake in our oven, read stories, and enjoy what we made. (Three times a year at Chanukah, Purim, and Passover.)
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
Community Candle Lighting for Chanukah
Enjoy homemade sufganiyot (Israeli-style donuts) as we gather for a community candle lighting and dedicate our new, hand-built and hand-painted outdoor menorah! This event will be held in Bennington, VT. […]
Find out more »Chanukah Bonfire & Songfest
Everyone of all ages are welcome to join us on Monday, December 11 (the fifth night of Chanukah) at 5:30pm for CBI's annual Chanukah bonfire! We’ll sing Chanukah songs around […]
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Free
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Congregation Beth Israel,
53 Lois Street
North Adams, MA 01247 United States
+ Google MapNorth Adams, MA 01247 United States
Mitzvah: Make a Meal for the Hungry
Prepare a meal for the many who rely on Bennington's monthly community dinner and learn about the mitzvah of providing for those in need. This event will be held at […]
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Second Congregational Church,
115 Hillside Street
Bennington, VT 01201 United States
+ Google MapBennington, VT 01201 United States
Tu BiShvat: Celebrate the Trees
Join us at CBI as we journey through the four worlds and the four seasons. Give thanks for all that trees give us, taste the fruits of our land, and make […]
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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 our Jewish Journeys students present what they have created in their Jewish Journeys classes. All are […]
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Free
Congregation Beth Israel,
53 Lois Street
North Adams, MA 01247 United States
+ Google MapNorth Adams, MA 01247 United States
Shabbat Morning Service
Join us on Shabbat morning as we celebrate Shabbat with prayer, song, and poetry. We'll hear some words of Torah (and some words about Torah) as we bask in Shabbat's […]
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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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