Kids’ Programming

Kehilat Hadar and Shaare Zedek are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for families with children of all ages, and for all members of the family to comfortably attend as much of our services and programming as they are able. There are beautiful moments in our service when we fill the room with song and children join in with dancing. As there are also times of silent prayer or teaching, we ask that parents are mindful of noise and activity levels.

Our communal goals are that children:

  • Come to understand our communal identity as one that elevates traditional Jewish life and liturgy in an egalitarian setting, and they are encouraged to grow their commitment to Jewish practice, alongside adults in our community.
  • Experience the values of the community through the content of programming and the interactions they have with adults: empowerment, dignity, care and connection across life stages, and responsiveness to each other.
  • Feel that Shabbat and holiday services in our community are a positive and engaging experience.
  • Learn skills and tunes to be able to participate in our service.
  • Make friends in and through our community and are supported in having positive social interactions with peers of different ages.
  • Are respected and welcomed into the main service to have a full experience alongside their parents, caregivers, and other adults.

To support these goals, we have prepared a set of communal guidelines to help our entire community establish a safe and welcoming environment for children.

Programs

As we’re still adjusting to the new space, we occasionally change which rooms we use for kids’ programming. Please look for the signs at the ground floor stairwell entrance and on the second floor classroom doors indicating which rooms will be used.

Babysitting

The staffed babysitting room is designed to support families with young children (ages 0–5). It is not intended to be fully drop-off. Parents and caregivers can go in and out and are responsible for diaper changes, trips to the bathroom, and returning if your child(ren) is in need of more supervision. The babysitting room is staffed from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM during Standard Time and 9:30 AM–12:30 PM during Daylight Saving Time.

We also often offer babysitting for events like Friday night services & dinner and community Lunch & Learns, as well as holiday services. Availability will be indicated in the event announcement on our calendar as well as email and WhatsApp announcements.

Tot Shabbat & Mini Minyan

10:30–11 AM EST / 11:00–11:30 AM EDT

This service is primarily for kids ages 3–7 and welcomes younger kids and babies with a caregiver as well. This spirited service will familiarize growing learners with a Shabbat morning service and inspire them with joyful songs. Parents and caregivers can drop off for this service.

Junior Minyan

10:30–11:15 AM EST* / 11:00–11:45 AM EDT (*On hiatus during the summer*)

Junior Minyan is geared towards 8–12 year olds. This service features lively davening and discussions based on the weekly parasha.

Special Programming

Additional kids’ programming for holidays and other special events will be indicated in the event announcement on our calendar as well as email and WhatsApp announcements.

Spaces

Children are always welcome in our sanctuary and throughout the open spaces in our building (with supervision as needed). Thank you for your partnership in establishing a safe and welcoming environment for our community.

Sanctuary

Children are welcome and encouraged to attend the service to enjoy, learn, and participate in our spirited davening. Parents are expected to supervise their children so that services are not disrupted.

In particular, infants and toddlers are invited to play quietly in the designated area near the back. We ask that children not go onto the ramp or stairs leading to the bimah, or onto the bimah itself, unless they are accompanying an adult to open or close the Aron.

Other spaces of interest:

There is dedicated space for strollers and scooters in the coat room.

Changing stations are available in the all-gender/accessible restroom on the ground floor and lower level, and the first accessible bathroom on the left on the second floor. These are designated by signs.

Older kids are welcome to hang out in the walled-off section of the social hall on the lower level. Parents are asked to check on their kids periodically.

he terrace doors will be locked except when in use for official programming. Please make sure that children do not enter the terrace without an authorized adult and that they know to inform an adult if they ever find the terrace unlocked. Adults are asked to notify a member of leadership immediately if they learn that the terrace is unlocked.

In general, please follow the instructions on all posted signs, including those that say “Do not enter.”

Stay Connected

We have multiple ways for families with young children to stay connected. For information on services and programs, join our email list and WhatsApp community, which also includes a designated chat space for families.

We are always looking for more volunteers to support kids’ programming! If you are interested in leading a service or program for children, please email kids@khsz.org.

SHABBAT & HOLIDAYS