March Children's Activities at Beth Judea

MARCH 2011 CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIESAT 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, March 4 at 6:00 PM:  Tot Shabbat Pray and Play: a Shabbat Family Experience... This 30-minute family Shabbat Service, filled with songs and stories, is led by Debbie Frager, a Board of Jewish Education pre-school teacher and is followed by an Oneg/Dessert.  This month, please check out www.bethjudea.org  for more information about Shabbat Across America.  Please RSVP.     Sunday, March 13 from 10:30 AM - Noon:  Gan Shalom ... Can a giraffe be Kosher?  Come and find out in our engaging family class.  This month we are exploring animals in Judaism and Kashrut (Kosher laws).  This program is open to children pre-kindergarten and under, accompanied by an adult.  RSVP is required.     Thursday, March 17  from 2:00 - 2:45 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.  This program is open to toddlers - kindergartners, accompanied by an adult. Please RSVP.    

Saturday, March 19 from 7:30-8:15 PM:  Purim:  Purim Spiel at 7:30 PM.  7:45 PM Havdalah and Family Megillah Reading.  Come in costume.    

Sunday, March 20 at 10:00 AM:  Shushan Wonderland ... Meet Esther, Mordecai and the rest of the characters from the Megillah during a light breakfast.  Then, make a greggor and enjoy a special presentation of the Purim story perfect for pre-schoolers.  At 11:00 AM, check out the Tot Hour of Beth Judea's amazing Purim Carnival.  This program is open to children pre-kindergarten and under accompanied with an adult.  There is limited space for the breakfast, craft and story portion of this program.  Registration is required.        

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.    #    #    # 

Linda Stark, Publicity ChairpersonCongregation Beth Judea, Long Grove