Youth Activities at Temple Israel

Youth activities at Temple Israel are often so fun that it is hard not to keep the adults away. Creativity and interactivity are always stressed whenever possible to make these experiences memorable.

Past activities and events have included a trip to the zoo incorporating lessons on Noah, a Purim scavenger hunt, and a simulated “Exodus” to teach some of the lessons of Passover. Our “Exodus” traced a more modern story of the journey of the Ethiopian Jewish community to Israel. The travelers were issued passports and stopped at different stations set up throughout the synagogue to simulate challenges that those on a real trip of this kind might encounter. These included a physical obstacle course, corrupt officials and wise elders. The last “stop” was Eretz Israel and a sumptuous sampling of some Israeli foods.

Other annual events include a series of model Seders designed for many age levels ranging from pre-K to pre-teen. From year to year different songs and skits are added or changed to spice things up. Our annual Hannukah carnival is also a favorite and includes games, crafts, face painting and balloons with a giant dreidel piñata as the grand finale, hand made by our own crafts teachers at the Temple Israel Sunday school.

Other highlights include several family Shabbot dinners throughout the year, which always include sing-a-longs with a twist.

This year we have another exciting roster of events promising great fun and fellowship, but because of the timing of Hannukah this year, our carnival theme will be changed to Purim with lots of new surprises!