Shabbat Youth Programming

Rodfei Sholom offers Shabbat programming for children from Pre-Kindergarten through high
school. Our philosophy is to make Shabbat enjoyable and educational. Each group has its own
age appropriate service, learns about the weekly Torah portion, and sings Shabbat songs.
Towards the end of the morning service the children are lead into the main sanctuary to participate in the adult services for a short while. There is always free time for the youngsters to enjoy the playground.  Our teachers are experienced educators who love teaching and children.

Holiday Programming
We offer special classes and activities for children on all the Jewish holidays. When appropriate, we organize activities on a Sunday to do projects that involve activities not permitted on Shabbat or Yom Tov.

Hebrew
Since the vast majority of our students are enrolled in the Eleanor Kolitz Academy – the Jewish Day School, we have found that there is no need for weekday Hebrew classes.
If this is required for some children, we will help facilitate Hebrew instruction.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program
In the Winter of 2009, Rodfei Sholom launched a new Bar & Bat Mitzvah program tailored to the needs of the individual students. Each student receives personalized instruction tailored to his or her specific skill level in learning the service, Torah portion,  and Haftorah. The highlight of the program is the individual time each student has studying the Torah portion and Haftorah with one of the rabbis.

Tot Shabbat and Family Services and Dinner

Mom and Me – program for toddlers and parents

Informal Education
Jewish Education continues through our youth groups – NCSY and Rodfei Youth club.

Rodfei Sholom offers youth groups for students in 3rd through 12th grades. Senior NCSY serves those in 8th through 12th grades, Junior NCSY is for 6th and 7th grades and the Rodfei Youth Club is for those in 3rd through 5th grades.

Senior NCSY activities for the past year have included dinner in the Sukkah, an overnight Shabbaton, a pizza and movie night, a mother/daughter workshop, a workshop with Doron Kornbluth, community service, and a bowling party. Open to all Jewish teens in San Antonio, NCSY events typically attract about 50 young people. In addition to providing an opportunity for socializing, NCSY aims to strengthen Jewish identity, integrate teens into synagogue life and to provide leadership opportunities. Rabbi Yaakov Cohen and Devorah Cohen are the advisors for NCSY.

Karen Furman is the parent coordinator for the recently formed Rodfei Sholom Youth Club.
Activites for the past year have included planning and organizing booths for the annual Lag B’Omer picnic, a pizza and movie night, and an end of school year swimming party.

Special Shabbat programs for parents and their children are being planned for this fall. This is a joint project of the Programming and Education committees.

Once a month there will be a Friday night Shabbat service for two age groups:
Toddlers up to age six will participate in a Tot Shabbat sing-along service;
Those age six and up will have a creative service with their parents, using special booklets customized for their level of understanding. Teaching of songs and prayers will be a major component of these services. Teenagers will participate as helpers.

This is an opportunity for parents to bond with their children in a Jewish spiritual way.
Each service will have a theme, illustrated with a story conveying a Jewish value.

A CD with Shabbat songs has been mailed to parents so that families can become familiar with the words and melodies.

Every other month following the service, there will be a special interactive family dinner program. The menu will be suitable for children and the program will involve families in the kiddush, singing, and games.

See newsletter/calendar for upcoming Family Shabbat dinners.

Cost:
Adults $18 
Seniors & Students $12
4 - 18 yrs old $12.  Age 3 & under free
Family of 2 adults and 2 or more children 4 - 18 yrs @ $ 55

For information, reservation and for music CD please contact Congregation Rodfei Sholom at 493-3557.