Children's Services
Child Care: Shabbat & High Holidays
During the school year we provide child care from 10:00 am to noon on Shabbat mornings and (with extended hours) on holidays for children who are infants up to age 5. This is a drop-off program supervised by one of our preschool teachers. Children play, read stories and eat snacks while parents are participating in Shabbat and holiday services. We thank the Women’s Club for sponsoring child care and allowing us to provide this important service free of charge. For Shabbat, no reservations are necessary. For holidays, please see detailed information under High Holidays.
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Children's Prayer Services: Shabbat & High Holidays
Each Shabbat morning GJC offers a range of prayer services for children allowing them to participate in meaningful, age-appropriate worship.
Musical Marching Minyan, a parent-child service for preschoolers (every Saturday, 10am - 11am, during the school year)
The Musical Marching Minyan is a high-spirited, action-packed musical prayer service for kids old enough to walk (or be carried by a willing adult!). Led by Miss Amy Jo. 
Ginat Shabbat, a parent-child service for children up to age 5 (every Saturday, 11am - noon, during the school year)
Ginat Shabbat is a garden of delights for pre-schoolers ready to move their little bodies and partake in fun and engaging Shabbat activities. This minyan uses its own Siddur, written by one of our congregants. The program includes prayer, sharing, and a puppet show highlighting themes from the weekly Torah portion or upcoming holiday. Each session features it own kiddush followed by story-telling. Led by Miss Amy Jo.
Minyan Oranim, a service for children in Grades 1 & 2 (every Saturday, 11am - noon, during the school year)
This is a transitional service for children who have aged out of Ginat Shabbat and are moving towards participation in Junior Congregation. In Minyan Oranim children begin to learn the tunes and prayers of Junior Congregation and, as they begin to master important elements of the service, they are invited to make guest appearances in Junior Congregation. Minyan Oranim also includes Shabbat games, stories and age-appropriate discussions inspired by the weekly Torah portion. Led by Dove Rosenberg
Junior Congregation, youngster-led service for children in Grades 3-7 (every Saturday, 11am - noon, during the school year)
In this weekly prayer service, children take the lead in running the program contributing in whatever way is comfortable for them. Some children lead prayers in English or Hebrew; some prepare Torah readings; even the youngest children participate in a variety of activities that do not require reading knowledge. Any child who wants a leadership role in the service can speak with the service coordinator about volunteering. Led by Rabbi Shai Gluskin
Kid's Kiddush, kid-friendly fare and social time at noon for children in Grades 1-7.
Junior Congregation Summer Edition, an adult-supervised youngster-led service for children of all ages from the end of school to Labor Day.
Tot Shabbat (& Holidays)
Approximately once a month, usually on a Friday night, Rabbi Zeff leads this program for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families. We welcome Shabbat or celebrate Havdalah or another holiday with singing, marching, puppet shows and stories followed by a delicious but simple catered dinner. The service begins at 6:00 pm; dinner begins at 6:30 pm (advance registration required). Click here for complete 2011-12 Tot Shabbat & Holidays Calendar.
Kol HaNoar (Youth Service)
NEW in 2012! Join Rabbi Adam for a program geared towards kids in Grades K-2 and their families. Modeled after our highly succesful Tot Shabbat program, this celebration will use Siddur Kol HaNoar (The Voice of Children) along with stories to help children learn the prayers and songs of the Shabbat service. Parents and kids can then socialize over a simple yet delicious catered meal. The service begins at 6:00 pm; dinner begins at 6:30 pm (advanced registration required). Click here for more info.
GJC Celebrates!
GJC Celebrates! is a series of programs encouraging families to learn and celebrate the holidays together. Our calendar includes family services, shared meals and festive holiday celebrations during Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukah and Purim.