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Family Life at Beth Yeshurun

Congregation Beth Yeshurun recognizes that the most effective way to strengthen Jewish identity and pass on Jewish values is to create and provide innovative family programming. Our Family Life Coordinator works closely with Rabbi Brian Strauss, twelve to fifteen dedicated families who serve as the “core group” of the Family Life Committee, our Program Director, and the administrators of our Day and Religious Schools to develop numerous programs to enhance Jewish family life for our congregants.

We have found that when we offer dynamic and innovative family programs, families enthusiastically attend. We sense a sincere desire by many of our parents to attend programs that allow them to spend time with their children in a creative Jewish environment. By attending these programs, parents get to spend valuable time with their children and at the same time, meet other young families at our synagogue who share their values and interests.

We want to continue to welcome and introduce the youngest of families to the joys of synagogue life. Through our programs, we would hope to increase the knowledge-base of our parents, thereby promoting the practice of Judaism within the home. Our goals include creating a sense of community and connectedness among our families, and increasing involvement in both our Day Schools and synagogue life, with the ultimate hope of strengthening a life-long commitment to, and love of Judaism.

Chair

Rabbi Brian Strauss
bstrauss@bethyeshurun.org

Family Life Coordinator

Robin Berry

Committee

  • Michelle & Marvin Blum
  • Tamara & Matt Cohen
  • Nirayl & Brian Cororve
  • Jen & Allen Deutsch
  • Rysse & Brian Goldfarb
  • Blythe & Nir Grossman
  • Dana & Stephen Hakimi
  • Michelle & Stephen Hecht
  • Jaffray & Chris Getz
  • Helen & Jason Goodman

 

  • Julie & Michael Kaplan
  • Dana & Kenneth Katz
  • Samantha & Gil Melman
  • Leah & Todd Polikoff
  • Melissa & Scott Selzer
  • Linda & Steven Sheldon
  • Shelley & Jeremy Sorkin
  • Polina & Mark Strug
  • Bianca & Matt Wigder
  • Annat & David Wolf
  • Amy & Segev Zadok

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrate Shabbat

Family Shabbat Services
Kinder Shabbat 6:00
 
Dates: October 8, November 12, December 10, 2010 January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, 2011

Our newest service, Kinder Shabbat is a wonderful way to end the week and welcome Shabbat. Lively and informal, Kinder SHabbat is “kid friendly” all the way, and creates a great Shabbos feeling for our littlest ones (ages 0 - 4). Led by Cantor Francyne Davis Jacobs, it’s a great way to make Shabbat happen. Kinder Shabbat is held once a month. Shabbat service is from 6:00 - 6:30 followed by light kid-friendly dinner fare

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Dates: August 27, October 22, November 19, 2010 January 21, February 25, April 15, May 20, 2011

Shabbat Jam is an up tempo Friday Night Shabbat Service for children and adults to enjoy great music, dancing and inspiration.
 
Most Saturday mornings,
9:30 - 10:30
 
Visit our calendar for specific dates
Junior Congregation is a Saturday morning Shabbat service for families with elementary school age children. It provides a nurturing environment for the children to gain skills necessary to participate in and lead services in preperation for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Led by Rabbi Steven Morgen and Cantor Diane Dorf. Target Age: 3rd - 5th graders
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
 
Dates: Sept. 12, Oct. 17, Nov. 21. Dec. 12, 2009 Jan. 9, Feb. 13, Mar. 13, Apr. 17, May 15, 2010
Tot Shabbat is our monthly Shabbat program for our youngest members (4 and under, and their siblings). Singing, dancing and hugging with Marilyn Albert! A wonderful way to introduce Shabbat to our BY tots!


The Jewish Holidays are a time for building family memories with our children that can last a lifetime. In order to help make those memories positive ones, we at Beth Yeshurun have developed services and programs designed specifically for our families with young children.

High Holy Days at Beth Yeshurun for Families

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Morning Preschool Services
 
 
Freedman Levit Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi Strauss and popular song leader Rachel Buchman. Celebrate the richness of our High Holy Days in a service designed for our preschool age children and their families.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Children’s Programs
Led by our teachers. Preschool, K-2nd and 3rd-5th programs. Enjoy interactive programs designed for our children.

Freedman Levit Service

Rosh Hashanah Evening
6:00 pm
Rosh Hashanah Morning
9:45 am
Kol Nidre
6:45 pm
Yom Kippur Morning
10:15 am
A contemporary service located in the beautiful Freedman Levit Sanctuary. It will be led by Rabbi Brian Strauss, Annette Sondock, and our High Holiday Family Choir. This service is designed for elementary school age children.

Babysitting Services

Babysitting is available for young children throughout the holidays for those with reservations. Please contact Marsha Weiss at (713) 666-1881 for more information.

Other Holidays
Tashlich

Thursday, September 9, 2010
6:00 PM
Join us for Tashlich as we walk to the nearest body of water (the bayou!), attach our sins to the breadcrumbs and toss them into the “sea!” You provide the sins. We’ll provide the breadcrumbs, cold drinks and delicious ice cream bars.

Yom Kippur Havdallah Service
We invite our children into the darkened Barg Sanctuary for a memorable way to end Yom Kippur. We’ll give out the light sticks.

Young Families Sukkot Dinner

Sunday, September 26, 2010
6:00 pm
Bring a dairy main course for everyone to share. We'll provide the ice cream sundaes and drinks. RSVP to rberry@gmail.com.

Congregational Sukkot Dinner
 
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
 
Bring a dairy meal or purchase a spaghetti dinner from the BYDS PTO for your family. We'll provide ice cream treats and drinks for everyone. Arts & Crafts for everyone!

Simchat Torah

Dance with the Torah and to Hakafot led by Hazzan Propis. Bring 100 pieces of kosher candy for the kids; we will provide flags and refreshments.


Purim Megillah Readings

Saturday, March 19, 2011
Enjoy the excitement of Purim and choose between our preschool or elementary school Megillah readings.

Purim Carnival

Sunday, March 20, 2011
10:30 am - 2:00 pm

Have a blast with carnival games, rock walls, a carousel, ferris wheel, cup cake walk and other thrilling rides. Sponsorship opportunities available.

Event Chair: Debbie Greenberg


Family Life Newborn Service

Saturday, April 23, 201111:00 am
Come celebrate the beauty of new life as we bless all of our newborn babies born during the previous year with a special service and kiddush.

 

Family Fun
Family Shabbat Dinner
 
Dates: August 27, October 22, November 19, 2010 January 21, February 25, April 15, May 20, 2011                                  

 

Join us for Shabbat dinner following Sabbat Jam services. Reservations and payment are required.

Pajama Havdallah Service & Dinner
 
Saturday, November 13, 2010
6:00 pm
Enjoy a special meal and a participatory Havdallah service under the stars, led by Rabbi Strauss. Children of all ages can come in their pajamas and enjoy the magic of Carter Blackburn. Reservations and payment are required for this event.
 
 
Early Childhood Judaica Family Fun Night
 
Monday, May 9, 2011
5:00-6:00 pm
 
Monday, May 9, 2011
5:00-6:00 pm
Join other early childhood families as we participate in fun filled activities led by our preschool teachers and staff.

 


 

 

 

 

 
© Copyright 2010, Congregation Beth Yeshurun. All rights reserved.
4525 Beechnut Street
Houston, Texas 77096
Phone: (713) 666-1881 Phone: (713) 666-1881
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