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
Family Havdalah
Enjoy a relaxed backyard hang out, and enjoy lawn games, trampoline, friends, and food! We’ll learn about the ritual of havdalah and make our own spice sets to use for […]
Find out more »Shabbat at Lake Paran
Come together in community at Lake Paran (North Bennington, VT) to savor a unique meal, enjoy live music, and take in the views as we celebrate the shared cultural traditions of […]
Find out more »North Bennington, VT 05257
Shabbat at the Clark
Pack a picnic for your family and celebrate Shabbat with friends outside at the Clark Art Institute! We’ll enjoy family-friendly Shabbat service, enjoy home-made challah and desserts, and savor the […]
Find out more »Williamstown, MA 01267 United States
High Holiday Family Band Practice
Calling all musical children and parents! Bring your instruments and learn a few musical pieces to play together in this year’s High Holiday Family Services. Instrument players ages 7 and […]
Find out more »High Holiday Family Band Practice
Calling all musical children and parents! Bring your instruments and learn a few musical pieces to play together in this year’s High Holiday Family Services. Instrument players ages 7 and […]
Find out more »High Holiday Family Band Practice
Calling all musical children and parents! Bring your instruments and learn a few musical pieces to play together in this year’s High Holiday Family Services. Instrument players ages 7 and […]
Find out more »Rosh Hashanah First Day Morning Service with Children’s Service
☆ To join us IN-PERSON, please click on the blue “Going” button on this page to RSVP. (left side on desktop; bottom on mobile) ☆ To join us ONLINE, please […]
Find out more »North Adams, MA 01247 United States
Rosh Hashanah Family Service
Celebrate the New Year with story, prayer, movement, and music with Jewish families and an incredible view. We'll enjoy a locally catered lunch and walk to a nearby stream for […]
Find out more »Yom Kippur Morning Service with Yizkor & Children’s Service
☆ To join us IN-PERSON, please click on the blue “Going” button on this page to RSVP. (left side on desktop; bottom on mobile) ☆ To join us ONLINE, please […]
Find out more »North Adams, MA 01247 United States
Yom Kippur Family Service
Make the day meaningful with a Family Service that engages the heart, mind, and spirit on the Day of Atonement. Located outdoors at a private home in Shaftsbury, VT. For […]
Find out more »