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MESSAGE FROM HILLARY PINSKER ENGLER
EDUCATION DIRECTOR
As the High Holy days approach, we wanted to check in with a few reminders about expectations for children's programs, childcare, and sensory resources, and supervision, to help ensure that we are all able to observe the holy day together safely and positively as a community.
- We welcome children at HBT during the High Holy Days and generally and recognize that children are not always quiet and that they may need frequent breaks and more movement than adults. We also strive to be considerate of others and know that some parts of the service are more solemn than others.
- Please use your judgment on when it’s okay for kids to stay in the service (even if they’re moving around or making some noise) and when you should take them out (like if they’re having a screaming fit).
Rosh Hashanah Day 1:
10:00am - 11:00am: Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the sanctuary service for prayers and songs with some great music.
11:00am - 12:00pm: Caravan Puppet show downstairs in the Social Hall, followed by snack, for children in preschool through 2nd grade.
11:00am - 12:00pm: Children’s Service in the Chapel (also with snack) with Hillary for children in 3rd - 6th grades.
The short Shofar service (toward the end of the Torah Service) will be at 12 or 12:15pm. Children are encouraged to join, but please understand that timing is a moving target!
12:30pm - 1:30pm: Teen Discussion in the Chapel
1:30pm: approximate end of service
- There will be a lot of people in the building, so it is especially important that you know where your children are at all times, and make sure that they are not roaming the building or grounds unsupervised at any time. With adult supervision, kids can hang out downstairs in the Social Hall (before or after children’s programming there). We ask that people not gather in the foyer outside the sanctuary, as noise travels into the sanctuary.
Ongoing Resources:
Drop-in Play Space for children with a parent, and does not require pre-registration but does require supervision (in the Children’s Room at the back of the sanctuary).
Sensory Space off the foyer (the former coat closet) for individuals who need a sensory break from the service. Any child (under 18) in the Sensory Space must be supervised by an adult.
The Sensory Space is not a hangout area.
Coming and Going:
Children should either be in the appropriate children's program or with you or another designated adult at all times. Children who arrive at drop-off children’s programming (the Caravan Puppets show, Children’s Services, or Teen Group) are expected to stay for the duration of that program (not go back and forth from children’s programs to visit their parents).
Community Norms:
Writing, drawing, or using electronics is not appropriate at HBT for the High Holy days, but children can bring a book or quiet toy for before or after their service/program, and there will also be toys and books for children at the back of the sanctuary and in the Children’s Room.
Restrooms:
There are bathrooms on the main level (gender neutral) and downstairs (gendered), and there will be a changing mat in the bathroom in the Children’s Room (gender neutral).
It Takes a Village:
Parents, please be mindful of your own children’s whereabouts and behavior as well as any children you see unsupervised. Please check in with any children you see wandering, even if they are not yours. We’re all in this together!
Note: Please go over these expectations with your kids ahead of time, so they are prepared to participate appropriately at this special time.
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