Find community and support as you navigate the epic journey and joys of parenthood.
Children bring a unique blessing into the world. Temple Emanu-El offers a number of engaging and entertaining opportunities to share the wonders of Jewish culture and holidays together as a family.
Clergy Leader
Rabbi Amy B. Ehrlich
Staff Contact
Marni Turner-Serbin
Contact: youngfamilies@emanuelnyc.org
212-507-9515
A supportive, caring group for new parents and children 2 to 12 months old. Mazal tov and welcome to the wonderful world of parenting! There is no bigger change in life than the experience of becoming a parent. With the abundance of joy that new babies bring to our lives, there are also challenges!
For parents with children 12 to 21 months old. Come explore helpful parenting skills with Dr. Juliet Cooper, such as negotiating family roles, effective co-parenting, establishing positive and consistent routines, incorporating Jewish ritual into your family life and finding a healthy balance as a parent.
Dr. Juliet Cooper will help you manage professional responsibilities along with those colleagues who don’t understand the realities of being a mother; navigate the world of co-parenting; deal with “mom guilt;” build a community with other working moms and families.
Welcoming younger siblings: Join us for an exciting new group for parents who have recently welcomed a second or third child. Dr. Juliet Cooper will help guide you through shifting family dynamics and issues that arise in sibling relationships.
Young Families Shabbat is created just for preschool and nursery school-aged students and their families. Join Rabbi Amy Ehrlich and Hadar Orshalimy to share joyful music and meaningful rituals in your growing family’s life. Over Zoom, we encourage your active participation in the chatbox to make every interaction feel personal. Those who wish to may also turn on their camera and share in lighting candles together to welcome Shabbat. Be sure to invite grandparents and other loved ones to join us!
Baby Bop is a 45-minute program for families to experience music and movement, Jewish holidays and simple prayers, a bit of Hebrew and free play. Early childhood specialist and musician Hadar Orshalimy expertly leads this intimate parent/child group with her enchanting voice and engaging style. Baby Bop is geared for children who are 6 months old up to 30 months old.
Join in on all that Young Families has to offer! Sing, dance and play with us during holidays and special parties just for you and your family. Find out what events and holidays are coming up by viewing our Young Families calendar (click below).
Prepare for parenthood by taking part in a dynamic lecture series focusing on topics ranging from labor and delivery, healthy sleep habits, developmental milestones, infant CPR and postpartum health, to the unique joys and rituals of welcoming a Jewish child. Sessions will help you feel informed, empowered and ready for this next chapter. Click below to email Marni at for special member pricing. To learn more, visit readytoparentnyc.com.
Be the grandparents you want to be! Led by Ellen Davis, Director of the Temple Emanu-El Nursery School, and Rabbi Amy Ehrlich, grandparents will discuss and explore the many ways to support and provide structure for their grandchildren (and adult children). Please note: This program is open to Temple Members only.
Baby Fingers will return as part of a baby sign language mini-series. Whether you intend to incorporate sign language in your life for the long term or simply during this pre-verbal and developing verbal time, watch in awe as your child discovers the world of language.
A place for children up to age three (with their favorite adult) to join us for stories, songs and fun at the Temple Emanu-El Stettenheim Library. Each session focuses on a specific theme or a Jewish holiday. There is no charge for this program, but please register in advance.
Karma Kids Yoga studio comes to Emanu-El with a monthly series where children are encouraged to “play” yoga and experience how their breath and body move together in a fun-filled way. There is no fee for this program, but please register in advance. For ages 3-18 months.
Be the grandparents you want to be! Led by Ellen Davis, Director of the Temple Emanu-El Nursery School, and Rabbi Amy Ehrlich, grandparents will discuss and explore the many ways to support and provide structure for their grandchildren (and adult children). Please note: This program is open to Temple Members only.
Prepare for parenthood by taking part in a dynamic lecture series focusing on topics ranging from labor and delivery, healthy sleep habits, developmental milestones, infant CPR and postpartum health, to the unique joys and rituals of welcoming a Jewish child. Sessions will help you feel informed, empowered and ready for this next chapter. Click below to email Marni at for special member pricing. To learn more, visit readytoparentnyc.com.
Baby Bop introduces toddlers, with their favorite adults, to Jewish holidays, a bit of Hebrew, and free play. Early childhood specialist and musician Hadar Orshalimy leads these small groups with her enchanting voice and engaging style.
Temple Emanu-El partners with PJ Library for a number of our Young Families programs. For more information about PJ Library and to request free Jewish books for your children, click here.
