Children’s Shabbat Offerings

Children’s Shabbat Prayer Services

Each Shabbat morning, GJC offers a range of prayer services for children allowing them to participate in meaningful, age-appropriate worship. The children’s services run from September through mid-June; there are no services during winter break and holidays. Be sure to check the calendar for current dates!

It is the policy of GJC that all children must be fully immunized in order to participate in childcare programs at GJC.  We ask that those who use our childcare services on Shabbat and holidays respect this policy.

Friday Night Tot Shabbat with Chana Rothman
Pizza dinner available after the service! (by RSVP)

Fridays | 6:00 PM

  • November 17, 2023: Gratitude
  • January 5, 2024
  • March 15, 2024
  • April 19, 2024
  • June 7, 2024: Friday Night PRIDE!

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 205) 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 grownups.  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!

J.A.M. (Jewish Arts & Movement)

The JAM programming series, developed in 2014 and funded by the Harold and Renee Berger Family Engagement Endowment Fund, brings exciting, fun and educational programs to children and families. Guest artists collaborate with GJC rabbis to lead Shabbat services, afternoon programs and other events with song, dance, storytelling, art, music, puppetry and more. JAM events are enjoyed by all, but geared towards children up to age 5. Check our calendar and spotlight events for upcoming programs, or stay connected through our email list (email Kate Lawn at program@germantownjewishcentre.org).

Childcare

Saturdays| 10:00 AM-12:00 PM | Weekly

During the school year, we provide child care for children aged 2-5. This is a drop-off program supervised by one of our preschool teachers. Children play, read stories and eat snacks while parents are participating in Shabbat and holiday services. GJC thanks Women of GJC for sponsoring Shabbat child care and allowing us to provide this important service free of charge. For Shabbat, no reservations are necessary. On Shabbat, we may be able to accommodate children under age 2, depending on the given circumstances on a given day. Please check in with the childcare provider as needed. For holidays, please see detailed information under High Holidays. It is the policy of GJC that all children must be fully immunized in order to participate in childcare programs at GJC.  We ask that those who use our childcare services on Shabbat and holidays respect this policy.

Shabbat Kids’ Space

Kids are welcome to play Shabbat-friendly games in a dedicated space – bring your own and some will be provided. Please respect the space, clean up after yourselves and put all games away after use.

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 Quitman Library

(when available) is a wonderful space for kids and parents to take a break during Shabbat morning to read a story and relax together.

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.