Young Families

Our children are our future and as such, we seek to instill in our children and families a sense of excitement about Jewish life and Jewish community.

Register for Pre-K at TBE

The Pre-K is a class that meets every other week with early childcare educator Julie Hecktman.  In class, students will begin to explore the Jewish Holidays, Jewish Values and Jewish Community. We are so excited to dive into hands-on Art, Hebrew and Games too!

The Pre-K class will meet from 9:30-11:30 am on Sundays.  The cost is $500 for the year.

Contact Laura Perpinyal with your questions:  847-205-9982 ext. 212 or lperpinyal@templebeth-el.org.

Click HERE to view a YouTube video from our Passover Themed Shabbat Yeladim Program on April 5, 2025.

Shabbat Yeladim

Shabbat Yeladim is a fantastic introduction to Shabbat for children through Grade 2 (older siblings are welcome). The evening begins at 5:30 pm with a complimentary dinner followed by a 6:00 pm age-appropriate service. The worship experience includes singing, a story, and an introduction to basic prayers with Rabbi Helbraun and Cantor Greene. The evening concludes with a brief craft project and Oneg, so families have time to enjoy a Tot Shabbat with friends and family and still be home by bedtimes. Shabbat Yeladim is typically the first Friday of each month, but please check our calendar to confirm.

Family Shabbat Service

To engage our TBE families with children, we offer a monthly one-hour service designed for families with elementary school-aged children. The service starts at 6:00 pm and includes guitar music and singing, an age-appropriate story, and blessings for children celebrating birthdays that month. Each month a different grade from our school helps to lead part of the service. Our family services are typically on the 3rd Shabbat of each month, but please check our calendar to confirm exact dates.

Family Holiday Services

We offer a variety of fun-filled, exciting celebrations throughout the year for both young families and the young at heart. These are just a few of our favorites:

• Sukkot: Family Sukkah decorating, dinner, and services
• Simchat Torah: Family celebration and dancing with the Torah
• Hanukkah: Family candle lighting, dinner and a special treat
• Purim: Musical Purim Spiel and a Purim carnival where everybody wins!
• Havdallah: Occasional gathering for nosh, singing, storytelling, and a relaxing end to Shabbat with family and community

Jbaby Broadway Storytime 

Spend the morning with your 0-2-year-old as our littlest Broadway fans are introduced to show tunes, characters and stories while Broadway musicals are brought to life by Stages Performing Arts.

Each class incorporates activities that are designed to support your little one’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional and language development. An age-appropriate story will be included to give you a chance to socialize too.  Jewish themes will be incorporated when applicable as well as a pop-in visit by the Rabbi or Cantor!

Come meet other parents with children similar in age! 

2025/2026 Schedule:

Session 1:
Wednesdays, October 15 - December 10, 2025 (no class on Wednesday, November 26)
(8 classes)
Cost: $105 

Time:  
9:30-10:30 am Movers & Shakers
10:30-11:30 am Babies

►Click HERE to Register for the Baby Class

►Click HERE to Register for Movers & Shakers

Session 2:
Wednesdays, January 7 - March 11, 2026
(10 classes)
Cost: $130

Time:  
9:30-10:30 am Movers & Shakers
10:30-11:30 am Babies

►Registration Coming Soon! 

►Registration Coming Soon! 

Session 3:
Wednesdays, April 15 - June 3, 2026 (8 classes)
Cost: $105

Time:  
9:30-10:30 am Movers & Shakers
10:30-11:30 am Babies

►Registration Coming Soon! 

► Registration Coming Soon!