Families with Young Children at Shaare Emeth
Shaare Emeth is a hub of activity for families with 0-5-year-olds. Whether you are looking to meet other families, learn Jewish values in creative ways, make a difference in the world, or celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays, there is a place for you at Shaare Emeth!
Most opportunities are open to the entire community, and no temple membership is required. If you have been thinking of raising a Jewish family or exploring a synagogue, these family programs are a perfect place to start!
Shaare Emeth is committed to creating ways for people of all backgrounds, life stages, and experiences to find a way to participate in our community that works for them. We welcome LGBTQ+ families, interfaith families, people with disabilities, families of any race or background, and anyone seeking Jewish community or Jewish life.
Upcoming Family Events at Shaare Emeth
Playground Meet Up at Wapelhorst Park in St. Charles
Sunday, July 30, 10 a.m.
Boker Tov Shabbat + Bubbles!
Saturday, August 19, 9:30 am at Shaare Emeth
Families with children 5 and younger are invited to join Shaare Emeth clergy and educators for a Shabbat morning worship experience designed especially for them. We’ll pray, sing, and share the joy and peace of Shabbat together. After the service, continental breakfast will be served and the Bubble Van will join us. Be sure to POP in!
Boker Tov High Holidays
Rosh Hashanah: Saturday, September 16, 9 a.m. at Shaare Emeth
Yom Kippur: Monday, September 25, 9 a.m. at Shaare Emeth
A High Holidays version of our joyful Boker Tov service designed for 0-5-year-olds and their families. Join Shaare Emeth clergy for music, prayer, stories, and maybe even some surprises.
Sukkot Open House
Monday, October 2, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Shaare Emeth
Stop by after school and work to shake the lulav, smell the etrog, and enjoy the harvest festival of Sukkot.
Simchat Torah L’Dor VaDor Service
Friday, October 6, 6 p.m. at Shaare Emeth
Celebrate the ending and beginning of another yearly Torah-reading cycle with joy, music, and community at an intergenerational service.
Boker Tov Shabbat
Saturday, October 28, 9:30 a.m. at Shaare Emeth
Gathering for Gratitude
Sunday, November 19 at Shaare Emeth
Mensches of all ages are welcome to join for a congregation-wide day of service.
Chanukah Glow Party
Saturday, December 9
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a lively dance party complete with glow sticks galore!
Ongoing Opportunities
Baby NamingÂ
Shaare Emeth clergy are honored to celebrate your little one by officiating at a baby naming ceremony. Contact Stacy Jespersen, Executive Assistant to the Clergy, for more information.Â
Shirlee Green PreschoolÂ
Shaare Emeth’s preschool program for children six weeks through pre-kindergarten. Part-time and full-time options from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Learn more about SGP and our Pedagogy of Unquiet Thinking.Â
Baby n MeÂ
Wednesdays from 9:30-10:15 a.m. at Shaare EmethÂ
Join our community of babies and their parents and caregivers once a week while we sing, dance, and play with the talented faculty of Shirlee Green Preschool. Open to all, no preschool enrollment required. Â Learn more.
If you have questions or would like to be added to our email list, contact Emily Cohen, Director of Family Engagement and Membership.Â