The Village is our place for families with young children (ages 0 – 5) to joyfully celebrate Jewish life, while meeting new friends and having fun together. Throughout the year we create a variety of opportunities to help connect families with one another. Here at the Village, there is something for everyone! Come experience TGIS (Thank Goodness it’s Shabbat), held in our spacious garden and playground. 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 at the lot located at 375 Longwood Avenue.
What We Offer
TGIS: Thank Goodness It’s Shabbat
TGIS is a livelyand interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 5 days and 5 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 Saturdays 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
We love coming together for Havdalah! From challah making to playground meetups, to pajama parties, and more, we offer multiple ways to connect.
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.
Shabbat Mishpachah
Come to Family Shabbat at Temple Israel. We start with a taco bar followed by services. During the service, the kids will join the education staff for an ice-cream sundae bar and games. Babysitting is provided for kids 3 and under. Questions? Contact Roberta Axeloons.
Rainbow Room Playspace
Families are welcome to bring their children ages 0 – 3 to the Rainbow Room (Room 105). We have puzzles, a dollhouse, blocks, and more. Diapers and snacks are also available. Arrange a Rainbow Room playdate with your child’s friends! Feel free to drop by the Rainbow Room whenever Temple Israel is open.
What We're Hearing
Upcoming Events
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
August 3, 2024
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. ...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
August 17, 2024
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. ...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
August 31, 2024
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. ...
Welcome Back Concert with Evan Haller
Date
September 1, 2024
Time
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT
Evan Haller from Music at the Blissful will perform a fun and interactive show for families with young children. There will be lots of dancing and ...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
September 7, 2024
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. ...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
September 21, 2024
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. ...
Village Picture Day
Date
September 22, 2024
Time
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM EDT
Photographer Becky MacDonald from Pretty Nerdy Photography will take free portraits of our Village families. Refreshments will be served, and th...
Family S'lichot Service and Dinner
Date
September 28, 2024
Time
4:45 PM - 6:30 PM EDT
Families with children in the Village and elementary age are invited to join us for dinner, a short service, and activities to prepare for the High H...
Young Family Erev Rosh Hashanah Service and Schmooze with Dinner
Date
October 2, 2024
Time
5:00 PM - 6:15 PM EDT
Calling all children ages 0 - 2 nd grade and their grownups! Get ready to sing, dance, and play as we celebrate together with Temple Israel clergy a...
Young Family Rosh Hashanah Service
Date
October 3, 2024
Time
9:15 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
Calling all children ages 0 - 2nd grade and their grownups! Get ready to sing, dance, and play as we celebrate together on Rosh Hashanah morning. At...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
October 5, 2024
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. ...
Young Family Kol Nidre Service
Date
October 11, 2024
Time
4:30 PM - 5:15 PM EDT
Calling all children ages 0 - 2 nd grade and their grownups! Join Temple Israel clergy and special guests for an early evening Kol Nidre service. I...
Young Family Yom Kippur Service
Date
October 12, 2024
Time
9:15 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
Calling all children ages 0 - 2 nd grade and their grownups! Get ready to sing, dance, and play as we come together on Yom Kippur morning. At 9:15 a...
Sukkot Celebration for Families with Young Children
Date
October 17, 2024
Time
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
Children ages 5 and under are invited to have fun in the Temple Israel sukkah, onsite, as we sing, play, and learn more about the harvest holiday of S...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
October 19, 2024
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. ...
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Simchat Torah Celebration for Families with Young Children
Date
October 24, 2024
Time
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
Children ages 5 and under are invited to dance and sing and play as we celebrate Simchat Torah together, onsite. Our interactive service will featur...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
November 2, 2024
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. ...
Tie Dye Havdalah
Date
November 2, 2024
Time
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
Come tie dye Village t-shirts with the help of our friends from Tyed with Love. We will have playground time and a pizza dinner, followed by Havdala...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
November 16, 2024
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. ...
Pajama Havdalah
Date
November 23, 2024
Time
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT
Don't miss this fun gathering featuring toys and bedtime stories. We begin with a pizza dinner for the kids, and then parents will accompany Rabbi Suz...
