Megillah, Summer 2003

Jewish Playgroup at Nevey Shalom

Children's Playgroup Shakes Things Up

The Jewish playgroup at Nevey Shalom is doing very well. The monthly "play dates" have drawn a great turnout of local Jewish moms and their preschool age children. Classroom No. 5 at the synagogue has been transformed into a children's playroom, complete with areas for a kitchen, workshop, and ride-on toys. There is also a cabinet full of dolls, trucks, blocks, games, and books. The children participate in a planned arts and crafts project (if they wish) and have time for a snack.

In February, the planned craft project was making groggers to be used for Purim. The children decorated small containers with Jewish stickers, glitter, and ribbon, and then filled them with noise-making beans. Lots of shaking going on! March's art project was open ... toddler's choice. Some kids drew on the blackboard, but most continued to play with all of the toys, most of which were donated by the synagogue.

Moms had a great time, too. Thanks to the Men's Club for purchasing the area rugs for the room. The moms had a place to sit on the fllor with their kids and schmooze with each other. If you would like to join us, please call Marci Ruderman.

Tot Shabbat Services and Dinner

Rabbi Resnick has done an excellent job in leading the monthly Tot Shabbat services. The services are specially geared to allow young children to participate and learn about Jewish customs and Shabbat songs. Song sheets with transliterations are provided.

In March, the Rabbi organized a tot Shabbat dinner to accompany our prayers and songs. Several families from the Children's Playgroup and from Shaare Tikvah's Hebrew School participated in the event. The kid-oriented menu included hot dogs, chicken nuggets, Freedom fries, and green beans ... topped off with a nice Kedem grape juice, of course.

Please join us for upcoming Tot Shabbat services, which are held on the first Friday of each month from 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. A small oneg follows.

~Marci Ruderman