February Activities for Jewish Children

FEBRUARY 2011 CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES AT CONGREGATION BETH JUDEA     Congregation Beth Judea's FOCUS ON FAMILIES is dedicated to enriching families' connections to Judaism and our Jewish community through services and programs specifically designed for children infant through 2nd grade.  FOCUS ON FAMILIES' programs captivate young children's interest in the joys and excitement of Judaism and Jewish holiday celebration.      All FOCUS ON FAMILIES events are open to the community and are free of charge (unless otherwise noted). To RSVP for the programs, please contact the Beth Judea office at 847-634-0777 or email at info@bethjudea.org and leave a message for facilitator Mindy Gold.   Beth Judea is located on IL Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove.    

Friday, February 4 at 6:30 PM:  Tot Shabbat Pray and Play: a Shabbat Family Experience... This 30-minute family Shabbat Service, filled with songs and stories, followed by an Oneg/Dessert and Shabbat playtime is perfect for young children. Shabbat play will explore the weekly Torah portion through drama and hands-on activities.  Please RSVP.    

 Saturday, February 12 at 6:30 PM: Magical Havdalah...After Havdalah and a family-friendly Tzedakah project, "Magic by Randy" returns to amaze and entertain with his fantastically fun, funny and magical show.  Cost: $5 per member family, $10 per non-member family with advance registration (Add $5 if paying at the door). Please RSVP.    

 Sunday, February 13 from 10:30 AM - Noon:  Gan Shalom ... "Marvel at the Moon: A Rosh Kodesh Exploration".  Each Jewish month starts as the moon 'disappears' then reappears in the night sky. Explore the Jewish connection to the moon and how we celebrate Rosh Chodesh, the Head (beginning) of the Month. This program is open to children pre-kindergarten and under with an adult.  Please RSVP.    

 Thursday, Februay 17  from 2:00 - 2:45 PM and Thursday, February 24 from 6:30-7:15 PM:Challah Chaverim ... Join the group for challah making and story time with Rabbi Howard Lifshitz and a shabbat song session with Cantor Roger Weisberg.  Challah Chaverim meets the third Thursday of each month through May.  An evening session will be offered Thursday, February 24 at 6:30 PM.  This program is open to toddlers - kindergartners, accompanied by an adult. Please RSVP.        

Every Shabbat morning, from 10:30 - 11:30 AM: Gan Shabbat.  Gan Shabbat is a Shabbat service specially designed for children ages nine and under, together with their families.  After Gan Shabbat, participants are encouraged to join the main service and the community Kiddush.