Jewish Parenting
Havurah Shalom supports parents in their efforts to raise ethical children who are connected to Jewish values and culture. Parents learn together and share as they strive to make Judaism enjoyable and meaningful for themselves and their families.
Parenting Workshops:
Whether or not you are a Shabbat School parent or parent-teacher, please join us 3:10 – 4:30 pm on these Saturdays in 2018-19:
Nov. 10 – Bo Nashir: Music Leadership, Rabbi Benjaminr
Dec. 1 – Making Chanukah Matter, Deborah Eisenbach-Budner
Dec. 8 – Tikkun Olam (Repair the World) Fair and Chanukah Celebration
Jan. 12 – Bo Nashir: Music Leadership
Feb. 9 – Topic TBA, led by Rabbi Benjamin
Apr. 6 – Creating Enjoyable Family Seders, Deborah Eisenbach-Budner
Below are some parenting resources:
Web-based books and resources for parenting Jewish children of all ages.
Children’s Chanukah books can be found in the Havurah library.
Books for children and families about terminal illness, aging and death, in a Jewish context.
Families with Young Children
Education Director Deborah Eisenbach-Budner is happy to provide information about the following:
- Play groups for parents and children
- Baby welcomings/namings
- Holidays and family Shabbat celebrations (See descriptions of Shabbat services below.)
Family-Focused Shabbat
Dorot – Short & Sweet Shabbat
Join us for this casual, family-friendly, and music-filled service. Beginning with candle lighting, Kiddush and challah, the service continues with prayers and music, followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner. Led by Jacob Mandelsberg, Sarah Shine, Gabe Adoff, and Tanja Lux. 6:00 pm Service, 6:45 pm Potluck; Fridays, Nov. 30, Jan. 25, March 1, May 17
Tot Shabbat
Young children (0-5) and their parents celebrate Shabbat with singing, movement, blessings, and storytelling. We will touch on the main highlights of the Shabbat morning service: wonder, fun, song, listening to the world, dancing, and Torah. Afterward we will enjoy an informal oneg nosh and the chance to play and schmooze. Led by Rabbi Benjamin and Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. 10:30-11:30 am, Saturdays, Oct. 20, Nov. 10, Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 16, April 6, May 18
Discovering Shabbat Morning Learners’ Minyan
In this upbeat minyan service, we learn about the general structure of the service, key themes and prayers, and some of the choreography. We practice some prayers together and answer questions. Especially for families with youth in Grades 5-7, those who are in the b’nai mitzvah process, adults who are curious or perplexed, and anybody else. Childcare is available. Light lunch provided afterwards. 10:00-11:30 am; Saturdays, Oct. 27, Feb. 2
Camp Havurah
Great for families with young children and for people of all ages, Camp Havurah is a musical, fun and upbeat Shabbat morning service that features sing-along style prayers in Hebrew and English. Easy to follow, with English commentary and kavanot (intentional statements). Followed by a sponsored Kiddush lunch. Saturday, 10:00-11:30 am, Nov. 17
Family Shabbat
A big fabulous morning of singing, storytelling, Torah learning, celebration and noshing. We gather together for some parts and break into smaller age-focused groups for Torah learning and family activities. Especially for families with youth grades k–6 and anybody who wants a boost of kid energy. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, Rabbi Benjamin, and community members. Followed by potluck oneg lunch. 10:30 am-12:00 pm, Saturday March 9