Children’s Shabbat Prayer Services
GJC offers a range of prayer services for children allowing them to participate in meaningful, age-appropriate worship, as well as a range of programs that foster families’ connection with each other. Childcare and youth spaces are open on Shabbat. GJC’s children’s offerings run from September through May except for holidays; please check the calendar for current dates!
GJC’s policy is that all children must be fully immunized to participate in childcare programs at GJC. We ask that those who use our childcare services on Shabbat and holidays respect this policy.
Ginat Shabbat
Saturdays | 11:00 AM | Weekly
Ginat Shabbat welcomes you and your young children to celebrate Shabbat together! Engage in singing and moving through interactive prayers as well as experiencing stories from our tradition. We come together for about 40 minutes in our own space (Room 307) at 11:00 AM on most Shabbat mornings. We are excited that Dr. Lyndall Miller, (a national consultant and mentor for Jewish early childhood programs) who founded the Ginat Shabbat service over 30 years ago, has returned to lead a team of Jewish educators in creating and leading a meaningful Jewish experience for young people and their grown-ups. Please contact Abby Weinberg at educator@germantownjewishcentre.org with questions. You are welcome to come for any length of time that you and your child find best. Challah and grape juice will be served!
Shabbat Childcare
Saturdays| 10:00 AM-12:00 PM | Weekly
We provide childcare for children aged 2-5 from September through May. This drop-off program is supervised by Tina Easley, one of GJC’s superstar preschool teachers. Children play, read stories, and eat snacks while parents participate in Shabbat and holiday services. GJC thanks Women of GJC for sponsoring Shabbat childcare and allowing us to provide this important service free of charge. For Shabbat, no reservations are necessary. For holidays, please see detailed information under High Holidays. GJC’s policy is that all children must be fully immunized to participate in childcare programs at GJC. We ask that those who use our childcare services on Shabbat and holidays respect this policy.
Family Shabbat Services
Click here for more information on Family Shabbat Services.
Shabbat Kids’ Space in the ECP Wing for kids 6-12
Kids between 6 and 12 years old are welcome to come and hang out, read, and play quiet Shabbat-friendly games under the supervision of a teen “madrich” (counselor) during Shabbat services. Kids can drop in as needed and should know where their parents are in case they need them. Pick-up is no later than 12:30.
Quiet play in all our prayer spaces
is supported by a collection of stuffed Torahs, lacing puzzles, books, and toys geared toward creating a welcoming environment for all of our community members.
GJC’s Playground
is always buzzing with activity on Shabbat. Designed with kids ages 1-7 in mind, children and their grown-ups can play, explore, and build community.