Young Families
Parenting Toddlers and Twos
Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00 – 10:00 AM
January 6 – May 21
For ages 6 months and older
For parents with children 6 months and older. 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.
On Mondays, parents will meet with Dr. Cooper while children play in the adjoining classroom, under the care of their nanny or caregiver.
Wednesdays are an hour of structured play, which includes music, art, story time and snack.
This is not a separation or drop off group. A nanny or caregiver must accompany every child.
Mondays and Wednesdays, 9-10 am (34 classes) | January 6 – May 21
Class will not meet on January 20 (MLK Day), February 17 (President’s Day), and March 17, 19, 24, & 26 (Spring Break)
Members: $3400
Non-members: $3910
Shalom, World! Music, Art & Blessings
Tuesdays from 10:15-11:00 AM
January 21 – May 20
For ages 10-24 months
Toddlers and their grownups explore the world through a new and exciting Jewish lens of music, art and blessings. Each session offers a special “take-home” Jewish art project crafted together in class, leading to a one-of-a-kind cherished collection. Led by musician and educator, Hadar Orshalimy, this 45 minute class offers a unique opportunity for creative exploration and connection you won’t want to miss!
Boker Tov, Baby!
Wednesdays from 10:15-11:00 AM
January 15 – May 21
For ages 6-24 months
Join early childhood specialist and musician Hadar Orshalimy for a lively 45-minute program for children 6 to 24 months and their grownups; each week is filled with music, movement, Jewish holidays, a taste of Hebrew, and free time to make friends and connect with other families.
Registration is required.
Classes will take place in the Young Families Suite on the 4th floor.
Messy Play
Thursdays 9:30 – 10:15 AM
April 10, April 17, April 24, May 1, May 8, May 15
For ages 15 months and older
Let’s make a mess without the stress! At Messy Play, children’s innate drive for sensory exploration and play will be fostered by providing an opportunity to interact with a variety of materials through multiple senses. We’ll take care of the mess! Group activities will be created and led by a pediatric occupational therapist who has a deep understanding of sensorimotor development. Activities will be play-based and open-ended, yet structured for optimal learning opportunities. Activities may include water play, loose parts play, crafts, stories, music, obstacle courses, and more! While stimulating their senses, children will also be provided with opportunities to develop their fine and gross motor skills. We can’t wait to get messy! Ensure your child is dressed appropriately and has a change of clothes. Led by Maddie Cherney.
Baby Shabbat
Fridays from 9:15-9:45 AM
Beginning Friday, January 24, 2025
Enjoy the company of other families as we celebrate Shabbat with music, blessings and a taste of challah! Baby Shabbat is a 30-minute program led by Tkiya and Rabbi Amy Ehrlich. The program is designed for children up to 20 months. Baby Shabbats are held in the Library. Enter through 1 East 65th Street.
Tot Shabbat
Saturdays once a month from 9:00-10:00 AM
February 8, March 8, April 5, May 10
Tot Shabbat is created just for preschool and nursery school-aged students and their families. Join Rabbi Amy Ehrlich and our amazing cantors to share joyful music and meaningful rituals in your growing family’s life. Be sure to invite grandparents and other loved ones to join us! Babies are welcome, too! There is no charge for this program.
Gather
Gather is Emanu-El’s small groups initiative, bringing together congregants from across our community to learn, connect, and grow. These lay-led groups are based upon a range of topics, igniting marvelous conversations and dialogue. In these small groups, meaningful friendships are formed and congregants truly get to know one another.
Gather Family
Gather Family is Temple Emanu-El’s small groups initiative for families with children of the same age and stage. Gather Family is a way to meet new Temple families and deepen existing relationships, as well as an opportunity for members to have fun and get to know one another!
Learn More
PJ Library
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.
