Our children are our future and as such we seek to instill in our children and families a sense of commitment to and excitement about Jewish life and history. Our hope is to enable our children and families to understand the Jewish past while being inspired and empowered to create a Jewish life in the present – one that is committed to tikkun olam. We want to challenge, inspire and energize young families with Jewish ideas and traditions while developing a lifelong love of Judaism and the study of Torah. We hope your family will join the Temple Beth-El Family – learn more:
Shabbat Yeladim is a fantastic introduction to temple for children aged 7 and younger (older siblings are welcome). The relaxing evening begins at 5:30 PM with a complimentary pizza and pasta dinner followed by a 6:00 PM age-appropriate service. The worship experience includes singing, a story, and an introduction to basic prayers with Rabbi and Cantor. The evening concludes with a brief craft project and Oneg so families have time to enjoy a relaxing Shabbat with friends and family and still get home in time for 7:30 PM bedtimes. This monthly program is typically the first Friday of each month, but please check our calendar for exact dates.
To engage our pre-B’nai Mitzvah children, we offer a monthly one-hour service geared toward families with elementary school aged children. The service starts at 7:00 PM and includes guitar music and singing, an age-appropriate story, and blessings for children celebrating birthdays that month. Our Kol Tuv children’s choir, and an occasional special guest, also adds fun and excitement to these services. Our family services are typically at 7:00 PM on the 3rd Shabbat of each month, but please check our calendar for exact dates.
We offer a variety of fun-filled, exciting celebrations throughout the year for both young families and the young at heart. These are just a few of our favorites:
- Sukkot: family Sukkah decorating, dinner, and services
- Simchat Torah: Kindergarten – 2nd grade consecration, family celebration, and dancing with the Torah
- Chanukah: storytellers, music programs, family candle lighting, family Chanukkah Chinese dinner
- Purim: musical Purim spiel, famous youth group led Purim carnival where everybody wins!
- Havdalah: occasional gathering for nosh, singing, storytelling, and a relaxing end to Shabbat with family and community
Temple Beth-El is home to the Board of Jewish Education (BJE) Early Childhood Center’s Northbrook location. The BJE has been providing and developing Jewish preschool education since 1972, and their educators are trained in secular and Jewish early childhood education. The BJE prepares children to be successful for life… learners for life. Please contact Joanne Barston (onsite director) at 847-272-4455, or click here to be redirected to their website for more information.
Temple Beth-El offers a summer camp program for pre-school aged children. The summer camp program provides a wide variety of engaging activities such as: water play, arts and crafts, dramatic play, and other indoor/outdoor activities. Camp is available for children ages 2-5. Click here to view the 2017 brochure.
We offer an introduction to Shabbat through music, songs and fun for babies up to 18 months. This class is for moms, dad, grandparents, caregivers and your littlest one. Older siblings are invited to attend with you.
