ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

Kehilat Hadar and Shaare Zedek share a commitment to be welcoming and inclusive to 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 to.

As a joint community, our goals are that children:

  • Come to understand our shared 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.

  • Love coming to services and being in our shared community. Their experience of Shabbat and holidays is positive and engaging.

  • Learn skills and tunes to be able to participate in our main service.

  • Make friends in and through our community and are supported in having positive social interactions with their peers of different ages.

  • Are treated with respect by all adults.

  • Are welcomed into the main service to have a full experience alongside their parents, caregivers, and other adults.

Please read our communal guidelines, addressing how we approach children to help them thrive.

Note that children cannot be left unattended in the hallways of the school. 

Spaces

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

Staffed Playroom - Room 203
The staffed room is designed to help 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. However, parents and caregivers are responsible for diaper changes, trips to the bathroom, and returning if your child(ren) is in need of more supervision.

Staff Hours
Summer: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Winter: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Shabbat Morning Activities

Mini Minyan Service (combined with Tot Shabbat for the summer)
Room 202 | Weekly at 10:30–11:00 AM 
Tot Shabbat is geared towards kids ages 4-7. Parents and caregivers can drop off for this service. This spirited service will familiarize growing learners with a Shabbat morning service and inspire them with joyful songs.

Tot Shabbat Service (combined with Mini Minyan for the summer)
Room 202 | Weekly at 10:30–11:00 AM 
Parent and Me is geared towards kids ages 0-3 and their families. Featuring engaging songs, stories, and movement, this class introduces the basics of a Shabbat morning service to a young audience.

Junior Minyan (on hiatus for the summer)
Chapel | Weekly at 11:00–11:45 AM 
Junior Minyan is geared towards elementary school- and pre-B'nai Mitzvah-aged kids. This service features lively davening and discussions based on the weekly parsha. 

Additional programming outside of Shabbat mornings will be posted as special events on our website.
Get involved! If you are interested in leading a service or program for children, please email kids@kehilathadar.org.

Please read our communal guidelines here, addressing how we approach children to help them thrive.

Questions? Contact membership@sznyc.org.