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 Straussbstrauss@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
Dates: Oct. 16, 30; Nov. 13, 2009
Jan. 8, 15; Feb. 19; Mar. 12, 19; Apr. 16, 30; May 15
Shabbat Yachad is the way dozens of young families welcome Shabbat each week at Beth Yeshurun! Lively and informal, Shabbat Yachad is “kid friendly” all the way, and creates a great Shabbos feeling. Led by Rabbi Brian Strauss and Cantor Francyne Davis Jacobs. It’s a great way to make Shabbat happen! Target Age: 3-5 year olds and their families.
6:15 - 7:00 PM
Dates: Aug. 28, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 18, 2009 Feb. 12, Mar. 26, May 21, 2010
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
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!
Mini Minyan
Dates: Sept. 12, Oct. 17, Nov. 21. Dec. 12, 2009 Jan. 9, Feb. 13, Mar. 13, Apr. 17, May 15, 2010
Mini Minyan Students in Kindergarten – 2nd Grades are invited to attend a special service created just for them. Leading the service will be Eve Zehavi with Rabbi Strauss coming to tell stories and share teachings with the children. Our young ones will learn different Shabbat morning prayers, study the Torah portion, and discover the unique meaning and joy of Shabbat. Join us for what promises to be an exciting service!
High Holy Days at Beth Yeshurun for Families
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Morning Preschool Services
9:30 am – 10:10 am
Freedman Levit Sanctuary
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Children’s Programs
10:30 am - 11:15 am
Led by our teachers. Preschool, K-2nd and 3rd-5th programs. Enjoy interactive programs designed for our children.
Freedman Levit Service Rosh Hashanah Evening
Rosh Hashanah Morning 10:15 am – 1:00 pmKol Nidre 6:30 pm – 8:00 pmYom Kippur Morning
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
6:15 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
7:00 PM
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
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, October 7, 2009
6:00 pm
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
Enjoy the excitement of Purim and choose between our preschool or elementary school Megillah readings.
Purim Carnival
Have a blast with carnival games, rock walls, a carousel, ferris wheel, cake walk and other thrilling rides. Sponsorship opportunities available.
Event Chairs: Jen Deutsch, Dana Hakimi, Amy Zadok
Family Life Newborn Service
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
August 28, 2009
Join us for Shabbat dinner following Sabbat Jam services.
Pajama Havdallah Service & Dinner
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009
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 required for this event.
Event Chairs: Michelle & Steven Hecht, Helen Swiff Goodman & Jason Goodman
Hanukkah Family Shabbat Dinner
December 18, 2009
Join us for a Hanukkah Shabbat Dinner following Shabbat Jam services as we enjoy a festive meal with latkes and gelt.
Family Retreat
January 29-30, 2010
Join us for our Family Retreat at the beautiful San Luis Resort in Galveston. Our retreat facilitator will be Rabbi Matt Berkowitz.
Retreat Chairs: Jaffrey & Chirs Getz, Sarah & Eric Gibbs, Samantha & Gil Melman, Lisa & Rabbi Brian Strauss, Family Life Coordinator: Robin Berry; Program Director: Tammy Friedman
Family Shabbat Dinner
March 26, 2010
Join us for Shabbat dinner following Sabbat Jam services.
Preschool Family Fun Night
Monday, April 19, 2010
Join other preschool families as we participate in fun filled activities led by our preschool teachers and staff.
Phone: (713) 666-1881