[HANASHIR:5073] Re: Junior Congregation Service

[ISP <ISP...>]

In a message dated 1/25/00 12:24:45 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
sschanerman(dot)dvh (at) tuhsd(dot)k12(dot)az(dot)us writes:

<< I've never been to a junior congregation service but I'm thinking about
 starting one.  >>

I started a monthly Junior Congregation service with one of our para-rabbinic 
aides at our Reform synagogue last year. It is aimed at 1st - 5th graders and 
occurs at the same time that our regular Friday evening worship service 
occurs.  We use the CCAR's Gates of Prayer for Young People (which has its 
strengths and weaknesses). Each month we visit religious school classes and 
solicit volunteers to help lead and then we mail out their parts with a 
letter to parents. The para-rabbinic aide leads the music, I do the 
sermon/Torah story, use teachable moments to share information about rituals 
and customs, and facilitate the process. We teach a variety of melodies - 
using those that we use in our main services and NIFTY/camp tunes. We hold a 
special "kids only" make your own sundaes Oneg Shabbat following each service.

This service has proven popular with kids and parents alike. A few parents 
join us at Jr. Congregation each month, but most enjoy the opportunity to 
worship with other adults. 

I'll be glad to answer anyone's questions - feel free to drop me a note.

Iris Petroff (isp (at) aol(dot)com)
Program Director
Temple Society of Concord
Syracuse, NY





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