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Jewish Family Learning 2023-2024

                

 

The Santa Monica Synagogue has two programs in which families with children can learn about their Jewish heritage, celebrate Jewish holidays and develop relationships with other Jewish families in our synagogue. Bop Shabbat is open to families with children below age 5, and B’Yachad (“together”) is open to families with children from age 5 to 11. Both programs are free to members of the SMS. We welcome nonmembers to participate in either program for a fee. Individual arrangements are made for older students studying for B'nai Mitzvah.

Bop Shabbat  

Families with infants below age 5 are welcome to join our monthly Bop Shabbat program. Rabbi Shira is joined by songwriter, composer and Jewish educator Erica Radner in a celebration of Shabbat, family, and gratitude through music and movement. And, of course, there will be food. Parents and/or grandparents and children meet at the SMS one Saturday each month from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Come and meet other families, play, dance, sing and immerse young children in Jewish ideas and customs.  For 2023-24, Bop Shabbat meets on the following dates:

  • October 14, 2023
  • November 4, 2023
  • December 16, 2023
  • January 13, 2024
  • February 3, 2024
  • March 3, 2024
  • April 13, 2024
  • May and June (to be scheduled shortly)

Fees

Bop Shabbat is included as part of The Santa Monica Synagogue membership. The fee for non-members is $288 per family for nine sessions (or $36 per family for individual sessions).  

To register your child(ren) for Bop Shabbat, click here.

B’Yachad

Families with elementary school-age children can join our B’Yachad program that focuses on major Jewish holiday traditions. Families participate together, with parents/grandparents sometimes in the role of learner and sometimes in the role of teacher. Classes, led by Rabbi Shira and members of the SMS include a lively mixture of history, arts and crafts, introduction to Hebrew, Torah and blessings, singing, dancing, holiday ritual and food.  For 2023-24 there will be four B’Yachad sessions focusing on major Jewish holidays, including Rosh Hashana, Hanukah, Passover and Shavuot. Classes meet on Sunday mornings from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at the SMS (except for Rosh Hashana). For 2023-24, the B’Yachad program will celebrate the following holidays:

Rosh Hashanah: September 16, 2023. We present “Apples & Funny,” a special improvisational performance by the Bible Players. Apples & Funny will take place from 10:30 am to noon alongside our Rosh Hashanah services. (Both are held at First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica.)

  • Hanukah: December 10, 2023
  • Passover: April 21, 2024
  • Shavuot: June 2, 2024

Fees

B'Yachad is included as part of The Santa Monica Synagogue membership. The fee for non-members is $200 per family for four sessions (including Apples & Funny).  

To register your child(ren) for B'Yachad, click here.

To enroll in our SMS B’Yachad program please provide the following information about your child(ren) and adult(s) who will be participating.  The program is targeted at children in grades K – 5, and children must be accompanied by one or more adults.

There is no charge for synagogue members attending with their children or grandchildren; the cost for non-members is $550 per family.
Please enter Registration details below
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B’nai Mitzvah

We expect to restart our B’nai Mitzvah program in 2024-25. In the meantime, we will create personalized Hebrew learning programs using experienced tutors on an individual basis. Additional fees will be charged for Hebrew tutoring. Contact us for more details.

For More information About Jewish Family Learning

To learn more about the program provide the following information and we will contact you.


 

 

Sat, April 26 2025 28 Nisan 5785