Early Childhood
Early childhood education rocks at Sherith Israel
Family fun, community and Jewish ruach (spirit) make early childhood education at Sherith Israel special. Young families come together to enrich their Jewish lives through Tot Shabbat, Havdalah Pajama Parties, playgroups, parenting programs and more. We pass our stories, music and traditions on to our children and forge new friendships for ourselves. Our outstanding Marin Day Schools at Sherith Israel, Jewish and community preschool and our other early childhood programs offer all families an opportunity to connect and celebrate together.
Interfaith families are warmly welcomed.
Family Shabbat
Second Friday of the month
6 pm: Services in sanctuary
7 pm: Kiddush, congregational dinner and potluck dessert
Celebrate Shabbat with the entire family of Sherith Israel, including families with young children, teens and adults. Rabbi Saxe-Taller and band leader Lior Ben-Hur lead a musically vibrant service that features stories for all ages.
Playgroups
Mondays and Fridays, 10:30 am–noon
Get your playgroup groove on with JAMaROO at Sherith Israel. Offering music, movement and playtime. Welcome Shabbat on Fridays with Cantor David Frommer from 12–12:15 pm. All classes are drop in, no pre-registration required. $12 drop in cash, $14 drop-in credit card.
Havdalah Pajama Party
Saturdays, 4:30-6 pm (approximately every 6 weeks)
Next PJ Party is on April 15
Bring your little ones in their PJ’s for singing, playing, a pizza party and Havdalah, led by Cantor David Frommer and Rabbi Jessica Graf. Dinner and activities: $18/family for dinner and activities. RSVP HERE or to Natalie Weizman 415.346.1720, x27,or nweizman@sherithisrael.org.
Yad b’Yad Family Program
Monthly on Sundays, 10 am
Experience tzedakah and gemilut chasadim—charity and acts of lovingkindness—with other Sherith Israel families with young children. Together we work at the San Francisco Food Bank, plant a garden, cook for a shelter or make blankets and cards for hospitalized children. We also enjoy storytelling, music, art, celebrations and traditions to take home throughout the year. The free Yad b’Yad program is open to children ages 4-6 (K-PK) and their families. Sherith Israel members and nonmembers are welcome. Yad b’Yad is generously sponsored by the Jewish Resource Specialist Program of the Early Childhood Initiative of the San Francisco Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, and the Jim Joseph Foundation.
Tot Shabbat At Shabbat Chai
Quarterly on Saturdays, 10:30 am
Join us for a fun-filled Shabbat for families with young children or grandchildren. Tot Shabbat features songs, storytelling and prayers in a family-friendly environment. A light Kiddush follows the program. Join the Shabbat Chai potluck at noon.
Mamas Group
Program currently on hiatus
Moms of newborns to age 3 join Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller to share the experience of parenting, motherhood and bringing Jewish values and traditions into the family. Rates for ten-week series: $100 for members; $140 for nonmembers.
ECE Parent Schmooze
Occasional Saturday evenings
Book the babysitter so your can join the early childhood community for an evening filled with great wine, delicious food, old and new friends, and adult conversations. Whether the schmooze is a potluck at someone’s home or a meet-up at a local restaurant, it’s a great place to make lifelong friends.
Parties and special guests
On occasion, but always for Chanukah and Purim
Purim ECE Carnival is on Sunday, March 12, 10:30 am
The Sherith Israel early childhood community loves to have a good time, whether it’s at our annual Chanukah fun-raiser, Purim or on special occasions. And when we can, we love to invite musicians with a family-friendly repertoire to get the whole community—from toddlers to grandparents—hopping.
Marin Day Schools Sherith Israel preschool tours
You are invited to tour our unique preschool for two- to five-year-olds. It includes a Jewish classrooms option. Visit Marin Day School website for more information.
Contact Nancy Sheftel-Gomes, 415.346.1720, x28 or nsgomes@sherithisrael.org, to set up an appointment.