Temple Isaiah welcomes families with young children (ages 0 – 8) to join us on a Jewish journey of learning, building community and family fun! Current members and those seeking a connection to a Jewish community are invited to share and explore these Jewish experiences.
Young Families Listserv
Families with Young Children at Temple Isaiah is a community of TI members and prospective members with children ages newborn through second-grade. To join our listserv, please send a request to communication. All members are welcome to join the steering committee, which plans educational and social activities for parents and families
Jewish Holiday parties for Families with Young Children
(Sponsored by Temple Isaiah’s Sisterhood)
Come learn about upcoming holidays through music, crafts and snacks; meet other families with young children; connect to Jewish community. Sponsored by Temple Isaiah’s Sisterhood and staffed by our Early Childhood Family Educator, Jodi Kaufman.
Next party date: Sunday, April 13, 2008 3:00 – 4:30 pm PASSOVER
Tot Shabbat
Join us for the magic of sharing Shabbat with young children! Once a month our clergy and Early Childhood Family Educator lead a friendly family Shabbat service designed for children ages 0-6 and their families. Each Shabbat gathering includes candle lighting, an age-appropriate Shabbat service with singing and a story. Special visitors including Molly Mitzvah, Tommy Torah and occasional visitors from Torah and tradition. Services are held from 5:45 – 6:15 pm followed by blessings over the wine and challah. Often we sponsor a family-friendly dinner at 6:15 pm which is a wonderfulopportunity to share a meal and get to know one another. We hope that you will join us!
The remaining Tot Shabbat dates are: January 25(dinner provided), February 8 (dinner provided), April 4 (see below), May 9 (Kiddush and Challah), June 6 (Kiddush and Challah)
Simchat Shabbat
Simchat Shabbat (the Joy of Shabbat) are Shabbat morning services for families with children in third grade and under. The family-friendly services are full of joyful song and prayer. Services are 11:00 a.m.-12 noon (followed by a “bagel oneg”), unless otherwise noted with *.
Simchat Shabbat Service Schedule
| *Saturday, January 5 | Special schedule:11:00-11:30 am family activities to prepare for services. Service at 11:30 am followed by lunch |
| Saturday, February 9 | (3rd grade helps to lead services) |
| Saturday, March 15 | (2nd grade helps to lead services) |
| *Friday, April 4 | Erev Shabbat dinner for families with young children – 6:15 pm following Tot Shabbat |
| Saturday, May 10 |
The Blessing of a Skinned Knee
A Temple Isaiah Parenting Workshop for Parents of K – 2 Students
Wendy Mogel’s book, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee, will be used to guide a six-session book/discussion group focuses on how to use Jewish teachings to raise self-reliant children. This group will be facilitated by Sara M. Lane, Ed.M., with support from Temple Isaiah’s clergy and family education staff. Blessing of a Skinned Knee Workshops will be held on the following Sunday mornings from 9:15 - 11:00 am
The Workshop dates are as follows:
| Sunday, January 6 |
Sunday, March 16 |
| Sunday, January 27 | Sunday, April 6 |
| Sunday, February 3 Sunday, March 9 |
Friday, April 11 – Shabbat dinner for participants and their families |
Fee: $40 per household (includes the cost of the book); $30 if you already own the book
Registration is Required and enrollment will be on a first-come first serve basis. To register fill out the form below and send it along with payment by Tuesday, January 2. To find out more information send an e-mail to Jodi Kaufman.
Temple Isaiah’s Family Playspace
We welcome you to visit the new young children’s play space at Temple Isaiah! It is located in the front half of room 13. To get to room 13, come into the main lobby, turn left down the first hallway and it is straight ahead on the left! Our play space has many toys and books for young children along with two comfortable sofas for adults and a cozy rug for our youngest friends and their parents.
Please understand that the play space is also a staff workspace – with this in mind, the play space will be available during the following times:
| Mondays | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm |
| Tuesdays - Thursdays | not available |
| Fridays | 9:00 am – 2:00 pm |
| Shabbat | During Tot Shabbat (monthly on Friday evenings) and Simchat Shabbat services (monthly on Saturday mornings) |
| Sundays | 9:00 – 11:00 am |
Holiday Resource materials
If you are interested in information to help you celebrate the holidays at home, please contact Early Childhood Family Educator, Jodi Kaufman or 781-862-7160 ext. 15.
To learn more about Temple Isaiah and our programs for families with young children, please contact our Early Childhood Family Educator, Jodi Kaufman or 781-862-7160 ext. 15.