Early Childhood Families
Jewish identity begins to develop in the earliest years of childhood. BJ’s creative programs provide families with young children regular opportunities to connect and form communities that experience and develop the joy and beauty of being Jewish. They are an ideal way for a family to start a lifelong relationship with Judaism.
High Holy Days
Members can register for Early Childhood Families High Holy Day services as part of your High Holy Day registration, via the registration link you have received from 5784@bj.org. Learn more about High Holy Days services and registration.
Non-members are also welcome to join our Early Childhood Families High Holy Day Services. Registration is required.
High Holy Day Resources for Families
Explore the resources below and discover new ways to get ready for the Yamim Nora’im (High Holy Days) with your family.
Bim Bam
Bim Bam gives children under 3 a fun space to get ready for Shabbat through interactive songs in English and Hebrew, movement, and stories; while practicing traditions such as lighting candles, saying Kiddush, and giving tzedakah. This program is led by our artist in residence, Shira Averbuch.
Shirah with Shira
Join us for a Hebrew immersion class geared toward children 3 and 4 years old. Shira Averbuch leads children, their parents, and caregivers in music, stories, and movement. Children will gain a sense of community rooted in Jewish tradition while gaining exposure to Israeli culture.
Tot Shabbat
In addition to family services every Shabbat morning, families will have the opportunity to celebrate Shabbat on Friday evenings through a monthly, kid-friendly session filled with musical prayer, community-led rituals, and time to see and say hello to our friends!
Shabbat Morning Family Services
What better way to connect to the spirit of Shabbat and the BJ community then to join us for Shabbat family services. Every Shabbat morning children (ages 2-7) and their families are invited to join us in an uplifting family service filled with spirited prayer, beautiful song, stories, and movement.
Days of Service
At BJ, we strongly value social justice and the importance of taking action, beginning when we are young. Partnering with the organization Repair the World, our days of service give families with children in 2nd grade and under opportunities to participate in projects that seek to raise awareness and tackle issues of food insecurity and homelessness in NYC.
Holiday Programming
Throughout the year we have special opportunities for early childhood families to celebrate the Jewish holidays. From art projects and storytelling in the Sukkah to making a Torah food craft for Simhat Torah, we provide engaging activities that incorporate learning and joy.
Songs & Prayers
Feel like singing and learning some prayers at home with your children? This playlist highlights some of the songs and prayers that we sing during Bim Bam and our Shabbat Family Services. All are sung by our Artist in Residence, Shira Averbuch.
