The Village for Families with Young Children

Home Youth & Family Engagement The Village for Families with Young Children

The Village is our place for families with young children (ages 0 – 5) to connect, learn, and celebrate Judaism, while meeting new friends and having fun together.  Throughout the year we come together to sing, pray, dance, and craft. Here at the Village, there is something for everyone!  Come experience TGIS (Thank Goodness it’s Shabbat), held in our spacious outdoor garden and courtyard.  Take part in one of our festive Havdalah themed events or holiday block parties.

All are welcome at Village gatherings: Temple Israel members, non-members, interfaith families, partnered, adopting, or single parents, LGBTQ+ parents, Black Jews, White Jews, and Jews of color. Come check us out!

We are happy to validate your parking if you park in the MASCO lot on Longwood Avenue.

What We Offer

Tot Rock Shabbat: Home Edition (weekly)

You don’t need to leave your house to celebrate Shabbat with your TI community! Every Friday at 5:00 p.m., we meet briefly on Zoom to light candles, say the blessings over juice and challah, sing our favorite Shabbat songs, and bring the joy of Shabbat into our homes. Grandparents are always welcome!

TGIS: Thank Goodness It’s Shabbat

TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. Led by beloved local musician Wayne Potash and the Temple Israel clergy, TGIS includes dancing, singing, playing, and praying. On the first, third, and fifth Saturday of the month, we meet onsite at Temple Israel, and if the weather allows we gather outside in the garden. Come enjoy bagels, cream cheese, and Shabbat challah.

Havdalah Themed Family Events

Throughout the year we come together for Havdalah.  From craft nights to pizza parties to singalongs and more, we offer multiple ways to connect.  Many of our family events take place in Temple Israel’s spacious outdoor garden.

Holiday Celebrations

The Village joyfully celebrates Jewish holidays as they occur, with music, crafts, puppetry, prayer, and more.  You will always find a member of our clergy at Village events.

Neighborhood Meet-ups

We love meeting at local parks for organized activities, such as soccer or creative movement.  We make sure to leave room for playground time, snacks, and schmoozing! 

Rainbow Room Playspace

Families are welcome to bring their children ages 0 – 3 to the Rainbow Room (aka Room 105), allowing you and your toddler a new, different, and safe space to play. We have puzzles, a dollhouse, board books, blocks, trucks and more. Diapers and snacks are also available, so please help yourself.  Arrange a Rainbow Room playdate with your child’s friends!  Feel free to drop by the Rainbow Room whenever the Temple is open.  No reservations necessary.

What We're Hearing

Phyllis G.

“My grandson loves singing with Wayne Potash at Thank Goodness It's Shabbat. He lights up whenever he sees Wayne, and loves the added treat of playground time when TGIS concludes. We have developed many lasting friendships thanks to the Village.”

Liat B.

“We are constantly looking for ways to encourage our daughters to experience Jewish tradition and holidays. Our family's highlight was the Village Chanukah celebration, and seeing the kids dance and sing Chanukah songs, hunting for dreidels, and enjoying Chanukah treats.”

Ilana S.

“The Village provides our family with a relaxed synagogue experience where our now 4-year-old can be himself, and learn and thrive in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The best Shabbats are when our little guy can sing and dance along with the rabbis at TGIS!”

Avery V.

"From the energizing and fun Shabbat services, to the magical Passover Seder, to the engaging outdoor puppet shows, the Village events are truly the best. We feel blessed to be able to build on our children’s foundation in Jewish faith, culture, and tradition.“

Upcoming Events


Tot Rock Shabbat: Home Edition

Date

June 2, 2023

Time

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT

You don't need to leave your house to celebrate Shabbat with your Temple Israel community. Every Friday at 5:00 p.m. we light candles, say the bless...

Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI

Date

June 3, 2023

Time

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...

Tot Rock Shabbat: Home Edition

Date

June 9, 2023

Time

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT

You don't need to leave your house to celebrate Shabbat with your Temple Israel community. Every Friday at 5:00 p.m. we light candles, say the bless...

Back to Shul Picture Day

Date

June 11, 2023

Time

8:45 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

Photographer Becky MacDonald will visit the TI playground to take free photos of our families.  Come schedule a time between 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ...

Tot Rock Shabbat: Home Edition

Date

June 16, 2023

Time

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT

You don't need to leave your house to celebrate Shabbat with your Temple Israel community. Every Friday at 5:00 p.m. we light candles, say the bless...

Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI

Date

June 17, 2023

Time

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...

Tot Rock Shabbat: Home Edition

Date

June 23, 2023

Time

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT

You don't need to leave your house to celebrate Shabbat with your Temple Israel community. Every Friday at 5:00 p.m. we light candles, say the bless...

Tot Rock Shabbat: Home Edition

Date

June 30, 2023

Time

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT

You don't need to leave your house to celebrate Shabbat with your Temple Israel community. Every Friday at 5:00 p.m. we light candles, say the bless...

Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI

Date

July 1, 2023

Time

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...

Tot Rock Shabbat: Home Edition

Date

July 7, 2023

Time

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT

You don't need to leave your house to celebrate Shabbat with your Temple Israel community. Every Friday at 5:00 p.m. we light candles, say the bless...

Tot Rock Shabbat: Home Edition

Date

July 14, 2023

Time

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT

You don't need to leave your house to celebrate Shabbat with your Temple Israel community. Every Friday at 5:00 p.m. we light candles, say the bless...

Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI

Date

July 15, 2023

Time

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...

Tot Rock Shabbat: Home Edition

Date

July 21, 2023

Time

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT

You don't need to leave your house to celebrate Shabbat with your Temple Israel community. Every Friday at 5:00 p.m. we light candles, say the bless...

Tot Rock Shabbat: Home Edition

Date

July 28, 2023

Time

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT

You don't need to leave your house to celebrate Shabbat with your Temple Israel community. Every Friday at 5:00 p.m. we light candles, say the bless...

Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI

Date

July 29, 2023

Time

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...

Tot Rock Shabbat: Home Edition

Date

August 4, 2023

Time

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT

You don't need to leave your house to celebrate Shabbat with your Temple Israel community. Every Friday at 5:00 p.m. we light candles, say the bless...

Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI

Date

August 5, 2023

Time

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...

Tot Rock Shabbat: Home Edition

Date

August 11, 2023

Time

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT

You don't need to leave your house to celebrate Shabbat with your Temple Israel community. Every Friday at 5:00 p.m. we light candles, say the bless...

Tot Rock Shabbat: Home Edition

Date

August 18, 2023

Time

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT

You don't need to leave your house to celebrate Shabbat with your Temple Israel community. Every Friday at 5:00 p.m. we light candles, say the bless...

Tot Rock Shabbat: Home Edition

Date

August 25, 2023

Time

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT

You don't need to leave your house to celebrate Shabbat with your Temple Israel community. Every Friday at 5:00 p.m. we light candles, say the bless...

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Want to learn more? 

Contact Village Coordinator Heidi Smith Hyde