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 Straussbstrauss@bethyeshurun.org
Family Life Coordinator
Family Life 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
Family Life at Beth Yeshurun
Family Shabbat Services
Junior Congregation
Most Saturday mornings
NEW TIME
9:00 - 10:00
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 learn prayers and Torah reading 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
Tot Shabbat
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Jan. 7, Feb. 11, Mar. 3, May 5, 2012
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!
Shabbat Shalom
Every Saturday
10:15 am
Shabbat Shalom is a Shabbat morning program for young children ages 3-7 ; younger children are welcomed with a parent. Each Shabbat the children pray, sing, dance, hear stories, and much more! The program begins at 10:15am (after the Torah is marched through the synagogue) allowing parents to be in the service for Torah service and sermon. The children then re-join the congregational services for the conclusion.
2011
Sept. 16, Nov. 18, Dec. 9
2012
Jan. 13, Feb. 10, Mar. 9, May 11
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 Rabbi Brian Strauss, Cantor Francyne Davis Jacobs, and Adam Berry, 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 snacks.
6:00 - 7:00 PM
2 011
Sept. 9, Nov. 11 (Shabbat Jam Unplugged)
2012
Feb. 17, Mar. 30, May 18
Shabbat Jam is an up tempo Friday Night Shabbat Service for children and adults to enjoy great music, dancing and inspiration. Stay after the service and enjoy Shabbat dinner. (Reservations and payment are required for Shabbat dinner.)
Band Members: Rabbi Strauss, David Bloome, David Goldstein, Andy Guttman, Kristine Mills, and Steven Sheldon.
View the 2011 Family Guide for the High Holidays .
High Holy Days at Beth Yeshurun for Families
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Morning Preschool Services
Led by Rabbi Strauss and song leaders Rachel Buchman (Rosh Hashanah) and Adam Berry (Yom Kippur). 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
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 is available for young children throughout the holidays for those with reservations. Please contact Marsha Weiss at (713) 666-1881 for more information or
download the registration form .
Other Holidays
Tashlich
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.
Congregational Sukkot Dinner
6:00 pm
Bring a dairy meal for you and your family and enjoy dinner under the Sukkah with the congregation. We"ll provide the yummy ice cream treats and drinks for everyone. Arts & Crafts for the littile ones will be available.
Family Life Sukkot Dinner
Sunday, October 16, 2011
6:00 pm
Have dinner in the Sukkah with other Beth Yeshurun young families. Bring a dairy meal for everyone to share. We"ll provide the ice cream sundae bar and drinks for everyone. RSVP to Family Life Coordinator, Julie Kaplan and let her know what you are bringing.
Simchat Torah Thursday, September 20, 2011
7:00 pm
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, 2012
Enjoy the excitement of Purim and choose between our preschool or elementary school Megillah readings.
Purim Carnival Sunday, March 4, 2012
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. The Purim Carnival is open to the community!
Family Life Newborn Service
11:00 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 Dinners
following Shabbat Jam
Sept. 9, Nov. 11, 2011
Fe. 17, Mar. 30, May 18, 2012
Join us for Shabbat dinner following Sabbat Jam services. Reservations and payment are required.
Daddy Daughter Dance
Sunday, December 11, 2011
5:30 - 7:30 pm
A special evening for daddies and daughters to share. Enjoy dinner, dancing and so much more!
Pajama Havdallah Service & Dinner
Saturday, January 21, 2012
5:45 pm
Enjoy a participatory Havdallah service led by Rabbi Brian Strauss, followed by dinner. Children of all ages can come in their pajamas and enjoy fun entertainment and activities.
Save the date: Family Life Retreat in Galveston February 3 - 4, 2012.
Retreat Chairs: Nirayl & Brian Cororve, Sarah & Eric Gibbs, Jaffray & Chris Getz, Ali & Mark Katz, Lisa & Rabbi Brian Strauss and Family Life Coordinator, Julie Kaplan.
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.
Phone: (713) 666-1881