Families with Children

Leyv Ha-Ir ~ Heart of the City warmly welcomes families with children. Children are very welcome at Shabbat and Holiday services. While the community services are occasionally segregated by age and specifically geared to children, our dynamic Rabbi offers lively singing, stories and teaching as part of every service. In addition, children witness and participate in the fullness of life in Jewish community.

 

In the past, offerings for young children in our community had been directed to pre-school and elementary age children. Starting in 2005, we offered a Family Torah program, hosted by a Center City family in their home. Families gathered for a short circle time followed by hands-on activities and play, guided by our Rabbi and Jessi Roemer, our talented educator. In addition, families were encouraged to meet together regularly for a Shabbat meal and to join the whole congregation a few times a year for events especially designed for families. A diverse group included interfaith, inter-racial, same-sex and traditional families. We are currently seeking parent volunteer co-coordinators to revive this wonderful Jewish experience for young children.

 

We anticipate that programming will grow year-by-year, with the leadership and involvement of parents, to include Jewish education for all age-levels.

 

Rabbi Julie works with 10 – 13 year-olds, preparing them for Bar and Bat Mitzvah in her House of Study. This course of study is individualized and there is also a fun peer group. Children learn Jewish values, Torah, prayer and history. For more in-depth Hebrew preparation, some families choose to engage a tutor. The class meets three Sunday evenings a month in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia and has earned rave reviews over its eighteen plus years.

 

Families participating in our programs are encouraged to join the community by becoming full members. You will find membership information here.