Youth Programs

Got kids? Shaarei Shomayim has programs!

Every Shabbat and Yom Tov we offer programs for kids aged zero to twelve. Each program is unique and includes a great mix of davening, fun activities and yummy treats. The programs run from 10 am until the end time of davening.

Please email our Youth Director, Ari Karon, with any questions you may have.

Weekly Shabbat & Holiday Programs

All youth programming takes place in the shul's Tent (Summer and early Fall 2021) as well as in the Lower Level Social Hall. Room assignments are advertised in Shabbat Matters and our weekly Youth Matters email.

• Stay and Play: The Stay and Play program is for parent(s) and their babies/toddlers to hang out.
• Sr. Kindergarten / Grade 1: The nursery is a drop-off program that includes free play with a wide variety of preschool toys, books and games, story time as well as snack.
• Grades 2 & 3: This program involves a mix of davening and play. Children move between three activities: tefilla (prayer), tochnit (fun activity), and parsha (learning activity relating to the weekly Torah portion).
• Grades 4 & 5: This program involves a mix of davening and fun. Children move from three activities: tefilla (prayer), tochnit (fun activity), and parsha (learning activity relating to the weekly Torah portion). We focus on davening skills, fun activities, and conversations on the Torah and its values.
• Family Circle Time: With Daniel Held.

Special Events (on hiatus / modified due to COVID-19) 

Shaarei Shomayim Youth programs include great holiday programming (Purim Carnival and Little-Kids Carnival, Shavuot Ice Cream Party and Puppet Show, Chanukah Party with Gift Wrapping Toy Drive, Sukkah Hop, Simchat Torah), and after-school programming (featuring art, karate, Sports, music, and more).

Shaarei Shomayim proudly participates in UJA’s annual Shabbat Itanu, welcoming the Camp Aim Shabbaton to our community with programming for children of all abilities. Shabbat Itanu is an opportunity for synagogues to demonstrate their commitment to furthering the goal of true inclusion in our community.

Each spring, several students from our community attend the March of the Living in Poland and Israel. Upon their return, Shaarei Shomayim presents the March of the Living Shabbat where we hear from the youth and their chaperones about this remarkable experience.

Holidays present additional time for youth engagement in shul life. Shaarei Shomayim has a wonderful calendar of youth programming for holidays – in particular, over Purim – and culminating in Tikkun Layl Shavuot learning for families.

In fall and winter, the shul is filled with Parent-Child learning each Saturday night.