Learning is more fun together. Come experience our engaging family programs.
The family education programs at Temple Israel provide all members of the family engaging and meaningful Jewish experiences. We want to inspire families to pass along our people’s rich history, values and traditions from Dor L’Dor, generation to generation. By providing unique educational programming, opportunities and resources, we empower parents to actively participate in their children’s Jewish education, to create Jewish moments outside of our synagogue and weave the values and virtues of Judaism into their daily lives.
We implement a variety of programs year-round for families with children of all ages. Here you will find a list of annual programs, but this is only a taste of what our department has to offer!
Ongoing programs
Shabbat for tots
Families with children 5 and under are invited for a monthly Shabbat morning playgroup. Join clergy and friends to simultaneously celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays with songs, prayers, crafts and snacks.
Blessing of the newborns
All children born in the last twelve months to families of our congregation are invited for a very special Passover morning service. Families and their new babies will be invited onto the bimah to be blessed by their parents/grandparents and our clergy. Siblings and extended families are also invited.
Gifts given to families of children newly born to our congregation are from the Les & Bob Iwrey Children’s Bedtime Ritual Fund of Temple Israel.
first grade birkat Hayeladim
1st graders and their families are invited to celebrate the beginning of our children’s Jewish education at this momentous life-cycle event. Parents and their 1st graders enjoy a special breakfast and continue with study, song & blessing. Grandparents, siblings, and other family & friends are invited to join later on and watch as children march into the Sanctuary, are blessed by our clergy members, and receive their own personal Torah as a gift. A celebratory Oneg follows.
Fourth Grade Siyum Hasefer
Families are invited to join us as we honor our 4th grade students for completing their study of the Hebrew Aleph Bet and receiving their own Siddur! 4th grade students and parents are invited for a bagel breakfast followed by a morning of celebration. Then, grandparents, siblings, extended family and friends are encouraged to join for a special ceremony, marking this momentous learning milestone. A celebratory Oneg follows.
Raise Your Yad
5th-8th graders and their parents are invited to create a one-of-a-kind Yad to use to read from the Torah at their upcoming B’nai Mitzvah! Featuring local artist Gail Rosenbloom Kaplan.
Simchat Torah Celebration
Temple Israel invites families of all ages to our annual Family Simchat Torah Celebration as we celebrate the completion of reading the full Torah cycle and begging the cycle again. Join us for dinner, activities and crafts. Dance your way into the sanctuary for services as we rejoice with the Torah, followed by a sweet treat on the way out!
Family Camp
Families with school age children are invited to join Rabbi Jennifer Kaluzny and Rabbi Jen Lader for a meaningful weekend at the Butzel Conference Center in Ortonville, MI! We’ll celebrate Shabbat, sing, play games, and enjoy a variety of fun-filled activities in an authentic camp environment. Financial need scholarships are available.
Family Camp is partially funded by the Audrey & William Farber Endowment Fund.
For more information, or to register for events, CLICK HERE to view the calendar.
Interested in learning more? Call us at 248-661-5725.
