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.
The Families with Young Children Steering Committee would like to welcome you to the Temple Isaiah Community. Temple Isaiah has an active group of about 70+ families with children ages 0-6. The Steering Committee, in conjunction with the Membership and Community Development cluster of Temple Isaiah’s leadership, helps with planning and coordinating various events in and out of temple for this group.
Young Families Listserv
A Temple Isaiah-based email group geared toward providing information to families with young children. Postings in the past have been about Temple Isaiah events and programs, finding a Jewish summer camp, connecting families whose children are about to start Jewish Preschool, and coordinating get-togethers at local parks or community activities. Since postings are limited to Temple Isaiah/Jewish/local topics appropriate for the group, and not for commercial purposes, you need not worry about spam. To sign up just email communication and request to be added. You do not need to be a member of Temple Isaiah to belong to the listserv, so please invite friends and family as well!
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.
Tot Shabbat
Once a month members of our clergy lead an Erev Shabbat service for children ages 0-6 and their families. Each Tot Shabbat gathering includes candle lighting, an age-appropriate Shabbat service shared through a variety of interactive, engaging and child-friendly activities such as singing, a story, a playlet, a Torah parade, and more! After services, we join together for Kiddush, HaMotzi, a family-friendly dinner (sponsored by the temple), arts and crafts activities, and the opportunity to meet other families with young children. Services are from 5:45 – 6:15 pm; followed by dinner. We hope that you will join us! No RSVP is required for dinner.!
Simchat Shabbat
Simchat Shabbat (the Joy of Shabbat) is a monthly Shabbat morning service led by Rabbi Brown designed especially for families with children in third grade and under. The family-friendly services are full of joyful song and prayer. Services are from 11:00 a.m.-12 noon (including a “bagel oneg”), unless otherwise noted with *. Throughout the year our Gan, Alef , Bet and Gimel classes (Grades K-3) will be special participants or help lead the service. We hope that you will join us!
Shabbat Services – 6:15 pm
Our congregational Erev Shabbat services offered at 6:15 pm last about 1 hour, and are appropriate for families and children of all ages.
Complimentary Child care (for Kabbalat Shabbat Services – 6:15 pm
We are pleased to offered complimentary Child Care (sponsored by our clergy) for families with young children who would like to attend Kabbalat Shabbat Services. Child Care will be provided by two experienced teenagers in Rooms 11/13, with a snack and fun activities provided. Please RSVP to Jodi Kaufman with your name, your child’s name and age, to reserve a space for your child.
Parents' Night Out
A break for parents of young children and the opportunity to get together with other Temple Isaiah members and prospective members. Moms and dads are welcome! Last year, we went bowling at night, had cheese and desserts at The Melting Pot and spent an evening getting meals together at Let's Dish. If you have an idea, please let us know. Our first outing will be:
Wednesday September 17, 2008 at 7:30 PM: Dessert at Not Your Average Joe’s in Lexington. Please RSVP to nrawolk -AT- gmail.com.
Other dates for the coming year are:
Monday November 10, 2008
Tuesday January 13, 2009
Thursday March 26, 2009
Wednesday May 13, 2009
Tuesday July 14, 2009
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.