Shabbat for Kids at Touro Synagogue

There is nothing more central to Touro than the joyful presence of our children. Encouraging their voices of participation and learning is important to who we are as a congregation and a people. We also know that quiet and prayerful moments are deeply needed on Shabbat and that many come to Touro seeking this atmosphere, especially at difficult times. Therefore, we strive to create an atmosphere that welcomes our children and supports the adults who care for them to understand the boundaries and culture that makes this all work. Here are a few updates and guidelines for parents and caregivers so that everyone can experience the sweetness of Shabbat together.

• Children are welcome in Shabbat services. Being in services is how our children will come to know and love Jewish prayer, music, and community.  Their movements, voices and needs may be different from adults, and that is ok! Please bring children to sit with you, whisper to them to help them find their place in the siddur, sing with them, and care for their needs. A little dancing to the music and singing is welcome, too! Books for seasonal holidays and ongoing Jewish enrichment are always available to look at quietly during services as well. 
• There are certain points within the service when we request children either sit quietly or, if that isn’t possible, be temporarily taken out of the Sanctuary or Chapel, out of respect for other congregants. These are during special lifecycle blessings (toward the beginning of the service), during the sermon (in the middle of the service), and during Mourners Kaddish (toward the end of the service).  
• To support moments when children need to wiggle and giggle a bit more than is conducive for the moment (see above), the sounds of the service will be piped into the Shushan Assembly.  Caregivers should feel invited to enter and exit with your children as needed, knowing you will still be able to hear the service progressing. Caregivers should remain with their children in the Shushan Assembly.
• Shabbat babysitting is available Friday evenings* and select Shabbat mornings for our little ones (Ages 1 to 2nd Grade) in the first floor classrooms. Doors open just before services and our babysitters leave at the conclusion of services. Feel free to bring snacks for your children, and if they aren’t toilet trained, please be sure to let babysitters know where you’ll be sitting during services so they can easily find you if your child needs you for a diaper change or anything else. 
• *On weeks without full babysitting, we are delighted to offer Kehilah KIDoshah, our program to help engage young children (Pre-K to 4th Grade) in services and prayer at a pace and in a setting that meets them where they are. This includes Shabbat learning and story time, singing, and as always, the flex space of the Shushan Assembly, with caregiver supervision.
• Shabbat should be sweet and delicious!  After the musical beginning of the service, Kabbalat Shabbat, all children under the age of B’nei Mitzvah are invited to the bima for a Shabbat blessing and a sweet Hershey’s Kiss. (Many children may go to babysitting after that time.)  Our community Shabbat dinner follows services each week and is a wonderful opportunity to gather and celebrate Shabbat together with a delicious meal. All are warmly invited, and high chairs are always available.

Guidelines:

• Please do not allow your children to climb and play on the bima at times other than the children’s blessing.
• At the end of services, please return any children’s books and activities that you may have borrowed.
• Children should remain on the first floor (or the floor where the service takes place) at all times. Children should not enter the office areas or any classrooms unsupervised.
• No unsupervised play is allowed during or after services. If your children wish to play, just make sure to keep an eye on them. Shoes must remain on at all times.
• Please help our staff by cleaning your place at dinner (table and floor) before leaving and keep food in designated areas, and always be sure you are with your littlest ones while they are in their high chair.

Shabbat Babysitting and other fun for kids on Friday nights is made possible by the generous donations and support of our members. If you would like to help ensure that these programs continue, please click here to make a donation.

*Non-babysitting weeks include Jazz Fest Shabbat service, Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and a few other select Fridays that will be communicated in advance.