We are overjoyed to hear the laughter of children and see them smile while engaged in learning, socializing, and understanding what it means to be Jewish. That is why we plan special events every month where young children and their families can engage in fun and meaningful ways with our Jewish traditions and make new connections with one another.
Whether we’re hearing Rosh Hashanah stories in an apple orchard, spinning dreidels by a Chanukah bonfire, celebrating Havdalah, or baking hamentaschen for Purim, we welcome the youngest among us (and their parents) to learn, have fun, and enjoy being Jewish. (Our deepest thanks go to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation for their assistance by funding our family education programming.)
You do not need to be a member to attend any of our events or services. Interfaith families, LGBTQIA+ families, and however you define your family, our events are inclusive and all families are welcome.
Families with young children are also always welcome to be full participants at all of our services and in the life of Congregation Beth Israel.
Young Family Events
Young Family Storytime and Havdalah
Connect with other young families, hear Jewish stories, and celebrate the end of Shabbat. We’ll light our special braided candles, hear stories, learn a song, and share a blessing. (Three times a year.)
Rosh Hashana Sweet Storytime
Hear New Year’s stories in an apple orchard as we start the year with sweet apples and honey.
Tend Our Garden and Our Earth
Get ready for the autumn with a hands-on afternoon of learning about the wonders of nature! We’ll tuck in our pollinator garden for the winter, play, read books, and learn about the Jewish values of tending to the Earth.
Chanukah Bonfire
Come to our campfire/bonfire Chanukah celebration in CBI’s backyard. Sit around our firepit, sing Chanukah songs led by Rabbi Rachel with her guitar, enjoy fried donuts, and sip apple juice (hot apple cider for the adults).
Yoga in the Labyrinth
Celebrate the warm days with Omer/Torah Yoga taught by Jen Burt on our backyard labyrinth with views of the mountains.
Upcoming Family Events
Green Up Day
Join us in Bennington for Green Up Day! Vermonters participate every year on the first weekend in May to help clean up our community. We will gather together and learn […]
Find out more »Jewish Journeys Shabbat
Join us for a special family Shabbat service to celebrate Shabbat in community as we interweave the morning service with opportunities for our Jewish Journeys students to share what they have learned. Please consider bringing a vegetarian dish to share at our potluck following the conclusion of services.
Find out more »North Adams, MA 01247 United States
Shavuot Art-Making | Adult & Teen Session
Come explore the wisdom of Torah through creative study and art-making! Drawing from the Jewish Studio Project’s creative process, we’ll study a Jewish text and use paint, pastels, and collage to reflect on its meaning, giving expression the themes of Shavuot. This session is intended for adult and teen participants.
Find out more »Shavuot Art-Making | Kids Session
Come explore the wisdom of Torah through creative study and art-making! Drawing from the Jewish Studio Project’s creative process, we’ll study a Jewish text and use paint, pastels, and collage to reflect on its meaning, giving expression the themes of Shavuot. This session is intended for children.
Find out more »Shavuot Art Exhibition & Reception
Join us for a celebratory art exhibition and reception! Come see Shavuot artwork on display, which were made by our community members this year.
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