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Families

Families

Temple B’nai Brith invites families with kids of all ages to join our pluralistic community!

Along with our Sunday school for pre-K through 7th graders (with simultaneous adult ed opportunities), we host a range of family activities, including:

  • Monthly tot and family Shabbat morning services--see below
  • Potluck family Shabbat dinners during the warmer months (will restart in the spring 2025.  In the meantime, check out the community-wide potlucks and the Spring Hill Minyan—scroll down for more information)
  • Pajama and Pizza Havdalah gatherings during the colder months, next on January 25th at 5pm
  • All-ages Israeli Dance classes twice a year
  • Holiday celebrations including a Chanukah Party (12/28/24) and Purim Carnival
  • Tot meetups for the under 4 crowd--next on January 12 at 10 am
  • High Holiday family services
  • …and more!

As an unaffiliated synagogue, TBB strives for a welcoming and informal atmosphere where families of all backgrounds and religious affiliations can build community, learn about Judaism,  and connect with their heritage and spirituality.  We aim to help our kids grow up with pride in their Jewish identity, knowledge and curiosity about religious traditions, and a commitment to social justice as a Jewish value.  

Congregation B'nai Brith Children's School (CBBCS)

Please email School Director Leigh O'Sullivan-Flannery at school@templebnaibrith.org with any questions! You can also get more information by going here.

CBBCS strives to create an environment that nurtures students' sense of who they are as people and as Jews — in a warm environment that welcomes their families as active participants in our Jewish community. Students study Jewish holidays, tikkun olam (social and environmental justice), culture, music, arts, prayer, Hebrew and Torah, while creating lasting friendships in a supportive school community. Learn more here!

Pajama and Pizza Havdalah

Upcoming: Saturday, January 25th, 5-7 PM

Future: March 1.  We will also make havadalah together at our Chanukah party on December 28.

As the sun sets earlier, come join us to play, eat, be cozy, and say goodbye to Shabbat.  Pizza will be from Veggie Crust, there will be cheese and vegetable options, as well as some other fruits and vegetables for munching.  Pajamas are optional but encouraged for all ages.

All-Ages Israeli Dancing

Next happening on Sunday, April 6, 2025 (12:30-1:30)

Israeli Dance is a cross of Middle Eastern dance steps with music and styles from all over the world. Learn traditional and modern moves with expert instructors. All are encouraged to join in regardless of dance background, no experience required!  Instruction will be geared for kids, all are welcome.

The cost to participate is $10 per family, paid at the door (Venmo or cash). Fee can be waived if needed. Pizza lunch available from 12:00-12:30, directly after the Children's School. 

Family & Tot Shabbat Services 

Upcoming: Saturday, December 21 we will have Tot Shabbat from  11:00am-noon and School Shabbat (where kids from the school help lead adult services) instead of the Family Service.   In January, we will have our regular Tot/Family Shabbat on January 18th.

Future dates: Jan 18, Feb 8, Mar 29, Apr 26, May 17, Jun 7
Community Kiddush lunch follows services

Join us for a Shabbat morning service for kids and their families (siblings of all ages are invited to join)! 

Tot Service (best for ages 4 and under) and Family Service (best for ages 5+) take place concurrently.

Family services in the Nissenbaum Hall follow the order of a Shabbat morning service. We will learn parts of the liturgy, introduce the weekly Torah portion, and chant some of it too.  (If it is very warm for November, we may meet ouside in the tent, stay tuned.)

Tot services in the Chapel (on the Lower level) celebrate Shabbat with all the essentials: songs, movement, plush Torahs, and story time. Come to introduce the youngest members of your family to Shabbat services and connect with other families at TBB.

Rabbi Eliana will alternate which service she is leading.

Tot Meetups

Low key get-togethers for the 0-3 crowd!

Upcoming: Sunday, January 12 (10 - 11:30 am) at TBB

Monthly Community Potluck Fridays

Open to all ages
Upcoming:  Dec 13, Jan 10, Feb 14, Mar 21,  Apr 4, May 16, June 13 (Pride)

A great way to end the week with friends & food. RSVP here!people serving themselves food

Services at 6:00 pm during the winter months
Food served immediately after (around 6:50 pm)
We will start with Kabbalat Shabbat Service in the sanctuary, followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner. (No fish please. Dairy and eggs are okay.) 
Join us for one or both.

Friday Night Together

 

  • Community-Wide Kabbalat Shabbat & Potluck - December 13 is the next community potluck, with services at 6:00 PM and food around 6:45 (see above)
  • Spring Hill Minyan - December 6 at 6pm. Spring Hill Minyan is an informal group of people in the general area of Spring Hill in Somerville that meets monthly in people's homes for a song-filled Kabbalat Shabbat and a potluck dinner. The davening (prayer) style is relaxed and egalitarian, the food is vegetarian and nut free and we welcome adults and kids alike. Reach out to Elisha Gechter for location and to be added to the email list/google doc. - you don't have to be from this exact neighborhood
  • TBB Shabbayit, December 20th - “Bayit” means house and on Shabbayit weeks (once a month) there will be the opportunity to sign up to host or attend a meal at someone’s home. More information coming!

What Would You Like to See at TBB?

The TBB Families Working Group is working to build up ​a warm and welcoming community for kids of all ages and their grown-ups.

Have ideas? Want more info? New to TBB and want to say hi? Email tbbfamilies@gmail.com.

 
Family events and Family Shabbat services made possible by CJP Community Impact Grant funds.

Sat, December 21 2024 20 Kislev 5785