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
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 […]
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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 […]
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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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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 […]
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Simchat Torah Shabbat Family Celebration & Dance Party
Join Rabbi Rachel Barenblat and CBI Community Musicians for a celebration of Simchat Torah ("Rejoicing in the Torah"), the culmination of our fall festival season! A short-and-sweet festival ma'ariv (evening service) will […]
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Congregation Beth Israel,
53 Lois Street
North Adams, MA 01247 United States
+ Google MapNorth Adams, MA 01247 United States
Chanukah Candle Making
Make your own beautiful, hand-dipped Chanukah candles out of locally sourced, earth-friendly beeswax! Held at a private home in Bennington, VT. For more information, please contact [email protected]. This event is […]
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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 […]
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Congregation Beth Israel,
53 Lois Street
North Adams, MA 01247 United States
+ Google MapNorth Adams, MA 01247 United States
Pre-Chanukah Bonfire & Songfest
Everyone of all ages are welcome to join us on Monday, December 16 at 4pm for CBI's annual bonfire! Gather around the bonfire in the backyard of CBI as we […]
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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
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