Community Corner
Congregation Beth Israel To Hold Special Shabbat Services for Young Children
Congregation Beth Israel in Scotch Plains will hold Friday evening Shabbat services specially designed for children ages 2 – 6 and their families. The program, called the Shabbat Shalom Club, is free and open to the community. The first Shabbat Shalom Club will meet Friday, September 20.
The Shabbat Shalom Club will gather monthly on Fridays from 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. Congregation Beth Israel’s Rabbi George Nudell and Cantor Matt Axelrod will lead family services designed especially for young children. The services will include age-appropriate prayers and songs, and a story with a kid-friendly Jewish message. Participants in the Shabbat Shalom Club will be treated to a special Kiddush, complete with grape juice, mini challah and matzo ball soup.
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“We started the Shabbat Shalom Club so that young families could attend services geared towards their children’s needs,” said Elly Bauman, Education Director of Congregation Beth Israel. “We want children to begin to learn the synagogue prayers and feel comfortable interacting with the clergy. And we want young families to have a place to meet and mingle while they celebrate Shabbat.”
The Shabbat Shalom Club will meet: September 20; October 18; November 15; December 13; January 24; February 21; March 21; April 11; May 9; and June 13.
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Congregation Beth Israel also conducts regular Shabbat services every Friday evening starting at 7:30 p.m., followed by a dessert reception. These casual services are held in the round and are family-friendly. Shabbat morning services are held weekly on Saturdays beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Kiddush luncheon. All services are free and open to the community.
Congregation Beth Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue, serving the religious, cultural, educational and social needs of congregants from Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield and surrounding towns. Its award-winning Religious School offers classes from pre-school through 11th grade, as well as special needs instruction. Synagogue membership is not required for Religious School classes through second grade.
To R.S.V.P. for the Shabbat Shalom Club, or for more information, contact Elly Bauman at (908) 889-1830.
Congregation Beth Israel is located at 18 Shalom Way, Scotch Plains, NJ (corner of Martine Avenue).
