Families with Young Children

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

Shavuot Sinai Stroll
Friday, May 26, 3:30 p.m. at Longview Farm Park

Making Mensches: All-Ages Volunteering in the Mitzvah Garden 
Sunday, June 11, 9:30 a.m. at Shaare Emeth 

Yoga Playdate: Parent-Child Yoga Class and Playground Time 
Saturday, July 8, 9:30 a.m. at Shaare Emeth 

Playground Meet Up at Wapelhorst Park in St. Charles 
Sunday, July 30, 10 a.m. 

Boker Tov Shabbat 
Saturday, August 19, 9:30 am at Shaare Emeth 
Boker Tov Shabbat is our version of a Tot Shabbat, with a brief, musical service with Shaare Emeth’s clergy then breakfast and activities to enjoy together. 

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 Naming 

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. 

Shirlee Green Preschool 

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. 

Baby n Me 

Wednesdays from 9:30-10:15 a.m. at Shaare Emeth 

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.  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