- Congregation Beth El–Keser Israel
85 Harrison Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1724 | P: 203.389.2108 | office@beki.org
85 Harrison Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1724 | P: 203.389.2108 | office@beki.org
The Children’s Shabbat Ḥavura meets every Shabbat morning from 10:45a to 11:30a in the Claire Goodwin Youth Room. Designed to address the spiritual and social needs of preschool children, the Ḥavura meets concurrently with K-2 Kehila, Junior Congregation and Cosmic Conversations for older children, a Torah Study for adults and the main Sabbath service. Following the half-hour of songs, stories, prayers and dance, the children have their own qiddush refreshments and then enjoy supervised play until they join the adult worship for the Concluding Service and qiddush.
The Ḥavura enjoys strong support from parents and the Synagogue. Currently about 60 children and their parents actively participate in the Ḥavura. Visitors have come from across New England to observe this program as a model for their own synagogues.
Meeting the spiritual and social needs of preschool children is an obligation of the Jewish community and an important part of the Synagogue’s mission. The Ḥavura (Friendship Circle) links the children to one another, to other concerned Jewish parents, and to the Synagogue. The Ḥavura enjoys the active participation of parents who themselves are enriched by the experience. For many adults, the Children’s Shabbat Ḥavura serves as their introduction to active participation in the Synagogue Community.
If you are interested in learning more about the BEKI Children’s Shabbat Ḥavura, come any Shabbat (Saturday) morning at 10:45a and see for yourself. Or contact our office at office@beki.org, to be referred to the program coordinator. To learn who is leading the programs, see Service Leaders’ Rotation Schedule.
K-2 Kehila is a “junior-junior” congregation for children in grades K-2, and meets every Shabbat morning from 10:45a to 11:30a. Children are welcome to come once or every time. K-2 Kehila is run cooperatively by talented and dedicated parents. For more information contact the office at office@beki.org.
Junior Congregation meets every Shabbat (Saturday) morning from 10:45a to 11:30a to address the spiritual, educational and social needs of children in grades 3-6. The Junior Congregation is led cooperatively by a group of talented and dedicated parents and educators. For more information contact the office at office@beki.org.
Several times a month, youth meet to discuss the Torah portion in an open way.
