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 GardenÂ
Sunday, June 11, 9:30 a.m. at Shaare EmethÂ
Yoga Playdate: Parent-Child Yoga Class and Playground TimeÂ
Saturday, July 8, 9:30 a.m. at Shaare EmethÂ
Playground Meet Up at Wapelhorst Park in St. CharlesÂ
Sunday, July 30, 10 a.m.Â
Boker Tov ShabbatÂ
Saturday, August 19, 9:30 am at Shaare EmethÂ
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.Â
Boker Tov High HolidaysÂ
Rosh Hashanah: Saturday, September 16, 9 a.m. at Shaare EmethÂ
Yom Kippur: Monday, September 25, 9 a.m. at Shaare EmethÂ
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.Â
Sukkot Open HouseÂ
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.Â
Simchat Torah L’Dor VaDor ServiceÂ
Friday, October 6, 6 p.m. at Shaare EmethÂ
Celebrate the ending and beginning of another yearly Torah-reading cycle with joy, music, and community at an intergenerational service.Â
Boker Tov ShabbatÂ
Saturday, October 28, 9:30 a.m. at Shaare EmethÂ
Gathering for GratitudeÂ
Sunday, November 19 at Shaare EmethÂ
Mensches of all ages are welcome to join for a congregation-wide day of service.Â
Chanukah Glow PartyÂ
Saturday, December 9Â
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a lively dance party complete with glow sticks galore!Â
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