High Holy Days Programs for Children & Families- 2020
HBT’s “Zoomim Nora’im” includes a variety of programs for children, teens, and families. Some programs are led by HBT folks (like Rabbi Barbara and Morah Tracy), and others are available through our relationships with Rabbi Shoshana Friedman (who leads Shabbat morning programming for Families with Young Children at HBT) and Camp Havaya (the fabulous overnight camp of the Reconstructionist movement). We are pleased to have such a wide range of ways to participate! Below is an overview of programs that may be of special interest to children and families. All programs are virtual unless otherwise marked.
Learn how to download or print the Children’s Prayerbook used in family services.
Past High Holy Day Events
Joining together to hear the final Shofar blast
6:45 PM - 7:15 PM
Neilah prayers. As darkness descends, everyone is invited to park in the parking lot and hear the Rabbi chant the closing prayers in your cars. The service will also be available on Zoom.
7:15 PM
Havdalah and final shofar blast. The rabbi will come to the parking lot to greet everyone (masks please) and to sound the final shofar blast.
Following the mincha service, HBT members are invited to a special Yom Kippur vigil for Black Lives, in solidarity with our friends at the weekly vigil at the Holy Name Rotary.
Brings signs and stand socially distant along the sidewalk in front of the temple.
If you plan to attend the parking Lot Neilah at 6:45, please register here [link to the word here] and park your car in designated spaces in the back when you arrive for the vigil.
Geared toward families with children in 3rd-10th grades; all are welcome.
Stories help us understand ourselves and others. On this day of introspection, join us for some family-friendly stories to feed your soul.
Wake Up! How Do We Sustain Hope? What is Your Path?
The High Holidays always offers these questions – even more so this year with the multiple pandemics, which have highlighted living with uncertainty and many dilemmas around decision-making and community issues. This teen discussion, open to 7th- 12th graders (approximately 13-18 years old), will help us reconnect with each other, discuss themes that are important to you, and learn. Facilitated by Tracy Rich, HBT’s Teen Coordinator. You are invited to arrive with an item with you that represents hope to you – be creative!).
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUocumqrzIuGNz6HHL6KPIpR8inqBJlWG7j
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
9:50 am - 10 am
Lobby Time with a special Zoom room for kids
10 am - 10:45 am
Family service that is geared toward families with 2nd-6th graders, all are welcome. Using Kol HaNo’ar, the Voice of Children prayerbook, Rabbi Barbara will lead an interactive exploration of the themes and meaning of Yom Kippur.
Children are invited to The Rabbi’s story from 11 AM - 11:10 AM.
To prepare and awaken yourself from head to toe for a meaningful day of contemplation, experience a short session of "Gaga/people": the movement language developed by Ohad Naharin, choreographer and former artistic director of the Israeli-based Batsheva Dance Company. Gaga/people offers a framework for everyone to connect to their bodies and imaginations, experience a range of physical sensations, exercise agility and strength, and enjoy a range of physical movement.
This 20 minute session is adapted for Yom Kippur and led by Ana Harmon, Tel Aviv-based, arts advocate and dancer, HBT member since childhood.
How to participate;
Register in advance
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Tashlich, Ritual Casting-off of Sins
All ages
shofar sounding at 5:00, 5:15, and 5:30
Meet at the west end of the parking lot, near the back of the 3-story red brick building..
At these small, in-person gatherings, we will hear the call of the shofar, and symbolically wash away our faults and transgressions into the water. We suggest bringing pebbles, bark chips, or birdseed, which are better for the environment than the traditional bread crumbs!
Rabbi Barbara will lead and Claudia Harris will sound the shofar.
Tashlich, Ritual Casting-off of Sins
shofar sounding at 4:00, 4:15, and 4:30
Meet on the path by the boat launch. Shofar will be sounded from up the hill.
At these small, in-person gatherings, we will hear the call of the shofar, and symbolically wash away our faults and transgressions into the water. We suggest bringing pebbles, bark chips, or birdseed, which are better for the environment than the traditional bread crumbs!
Rabbi Barbara will lead and Claudia Harris will sound the shofar.
For teens ages 13 to 18
Wake Up! Who Are You Called to Be? The High Holidays always offers these questions – even more so this year with the pandemic, which has highlighted living with uncertainty and many dilemmas around decision-making and community issues. This teen discussion will help us reconnect with each other, discuss themes that are important to you, and learn. Registration link below – also, you are invited to arrive with an item with you that represents something new you are doing this year – be creative!
How to participate
Register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with more information about joining the meeting.
Celebrate the World’s Birthday! using Kol Hano’ar, the Voice of Children prayerbook Rabbi Barbara will lead an interactive service and exploration of our hopes for the New Year. Aimed at families with 2nd-6th graders. All are welcome to come, sing and dance!
9:50 AM - 10 AM
Lobby time with a special Zoom room for kids.
10 AM - 10:45 AM
Family Service with Rabbi Barbara
How to participate
Register After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the zoom link
This virtual seder is especially for families, for anyone looking for a new ritual, or if you already enjoy the Rosh Hashanah seder!
How to participate
Register in advance for this Rosh Hashanah Seder:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the seder.
Rosh Hashanah marks the birthday of the world and it's time to celebrate! Join Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman for movement, singing, a story and even the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn)! Invite your friends and family as we welcome in the Jewish New Year together. Feel free to bring along your shofar if you have one, and your own apples and honey to eat at the end of the program. Happy New Year, Shana Tova!
Preregistration required to receive the private Zoom link. For more information or questions, please contact pjlibrary@jccgb.org.
How to Participate: Register with JCC for link.
Geared toward families with children in 3rd-10th grades; all are welcome.
“Is it too late now to say sorry…” Yup. We did it. We quoted Justin Bieber. 5780 / 2020 has been that kind of year! Apologizing doesn’t have to be anything but heartfelt. As we dive into this reflective time of year, find ways to say you’re sorry – and to accept apologies with grace. Because it’s never too late to say sorry....
More Resources for Kids Programming
Camp Havaya is holding some interesting virtual and free high holiday events.