cONGREGATION sONS OF iSRAEL YOUTH
The SOI youth committee aims to fill the year with exciting events and regularly scheduled programs for the children and teens of our shul. Through these events and programs, we hope to instill a strong sense of pride and joy associated with Jewish life and observance. In addition, we also provide babysitting and age appropriate groups on Shabbat mornings and Camp Shofar on the High Holidays. SOI's Youth Director, Melissa Klein, coordinates all Shabbat morning and holiday groups with the youth committee supporting those efforts and also providing social and educational programs for children of all ages. Melissa Klein can be reached at youth@soicherryhill.org.
Shabbat & Chaggim Morning Youth Groups
Shabbat morning groups for children ages 18 months through 5th grade begin at 10:00am and conclude at the end of services in the main sanctuary. Many of our synagogue’s teenagers serve as youth group leaders on Shabbat morning, fostering opportunities for leadership and growth as our teens transition from childhood to young adults. Groups take place in the Politz middle school classrooms, located through the doorway at the back of the SOI Social Hall. Groups are divided as follows:
18 - 36 Months
3 - 5 Year Olds
1st & 2nd Grade Girls
1st & 2nd Grade Boys
3rd - 5th Grade Girls
3rd - 5th Grade Boys
Parent-Child Tot Shabbat
Our youngest children participate in Tot Shabbat starting at 10:30am. Parents of children ages 0 - 3 are welcome to stay with their child to enjoy stories and songs special for Shabbat. Parents of children who are 18 - 36 months and wish to attend Shabbat morning services are permitted to drop off their children with the teen youth group leader assigned to this room to participate in Tot Shabbat with their peers.
Monthly Middle School Donuts & Discussion
On the first Shabbat of every month, middle school students are invited for Donuts & Discussion led by Rabbi Dovi Friedman. In this special session, a new thought provoking topic is shared to learn from and to discover what our Jewish texts and tradition have to teach us about the world and our lives. This program takes place in the Politz middle school science classroom at 10:30am, concurrent with the haftarah in the main sanctuary.
Weekly Shabbat Teen Mincha/Maariv & Seudah Shlishit
Every week, SOI hosts a Shabbat Mincha and Maariv minyan designed for middle school and high school boys and girls. Davening and leining are conducted by the teens who attend. Between Mincha and Maariv, a special Seudah Shlishit is held with a D’var Torah and special treats. The Teen Minyan is held concurrent to the davening times for the main sanctuary.
We host a B’nei Akiva Snif which takes place one hour before mincha on a monthly basis. The program is geared for children in 1st - 8th grades, while high school students organize and lead each session. Email B'nei Akiva.
NCSY connects with Jewish teens through innovative, cutting-edge social and recreational programs to develop a positive Jewish identity. The Executive Director of Greater Philadelphia and Cherry Hill NCSY is Asaf Mizrahi. Email Asaf.
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS