How do children learn to be Jewish? A strong Jewish identity comes when children and their parents feel competent and comfortable participating in the life of a Jewish community. Our Avodah program teaches families the basic habits and vocabulary of the synagogue and of Jewish services. Together, we learn the basic prayers, melodies, and practices of Jewish worship. All are welcome--Jewish families, intermarried families, synagogue members and non-members.
The Avodah program for families with Jewish children in first to fourth grade meets on one Sunday morning each month, from 10 a.m. to noon. Each event includes stories that illustrate important ideas in Jewish thought and prayer. We do craft projects together, play interactive games, and build a sense of community. We hold a short and simple prayer service in which we practice the prayers and songs we have learned.
Families are asked to attend the Shabbat morning service at CBI that follows each Avodah event (six days later). The monthly Avodah service includes a special opportunity for families in the program to help lead the prayers or songs they have learned at the last Avodah event.
Students in the Avodah program are eligible to enroll in our weekly Aleph Bet after-school Hebrew program.
