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
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 in VT. Instrument players ages […]
Find out more »Rosh Hashanah Baking
Join us as we make apple cake and round challah to share with family and friends at the Bennington Community Market! For more information and to RSVP, please contact [email protected]. […]
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Bennington Community Market,
239 Main Street
Bennington, VT 05201 United States
+ Google MapBennington, VT 05201 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 in VT. Instrument players ages […]
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 […]
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Free
RSVP Now
Congregation Beth Israel,
53 Lois Street
North Adams, MA 01247 United States
+ Google MapNorth 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 »
Free
RSVP Now
Congregation Beth Israel,
53 Lois Street
North Adams, MA 01247 United States
+ Google MapNorth 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 »Harvest Moon Sukkot Potluck Supper & Music Around the Campfire
We'll welcome Shabbat and Sukkot together by blessing challah, juice, and candles, and then enjoy a potluck vegetarian feast followed by opportunities to bentsch lulav (bless and shake the lulav […]
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Free
RSVP Now
Congregation Beth Israel,
53 Lois Street
North Adams, MA 01247 United States
+ Google MapNorth Adams, MA 01247 United States
Sukkot Family Music Jam & Potluck
Be part of a musical jam in the Sukkah with keyboard, guitars, drums, and voices! Bring your instruments and a veggie dish to share among friends. Located at a private […]
Find out more »Simchat Torah Shabbat Family Celebration & Dance Party
Join us in CBI's sanctuary for a joyful evening of music and dancing for all ages as we celebrate the start of the annual Torah reading cycle! We'll partake in […]
Find out more »
Free
RSVP Now
Congregation Beth Israel,
53 Lois Street
North Adams, MA 01247 United States
+ Google MapNorth Adams, MA 01247 United States
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