“The world is sustained only by the breath of school children.”
Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 119b
Make Welcome Happen at Shabbat
Each of us can “make welcome happen.” We all have a role to play in creating an atmosphere in which families with children feel comfortable in our regular Kabbalat Shabbat services, while also maintaining a prayerful/spiritual experience for all shul-goers. Thank you for helping us make Wise a spiritual home for all seekers, regardless of age!
To Parents of our Littlest Worshippers
Welcome and Shabbat Shalom! We’re so glad you’re here—and we have some suggestions to make your time meaningful for the whole family.
Relax. Take a deep breath. We know that sometimes your kids (or you) need to wiggle around a bit. That’s okay! Before the service begins, point out the beautiful ark, the siddur (prayer book), and wave to the clergy—they’re super friendly and may want to say hi!
Pray, sing, and participate! Your children will learn how to pray and be part of a prayer community just by watching you.
Model synagogue behavior. While we want our children to find the joy in worship, we can teach them to sometimes be joyous with their “quiet voices.”
We expect children to act like children; we also expect parents to act like parents. If you sense that your child is getting too restless, too loud, or needs a break, we invite you to take a walk outside or visit our Wiggle Room to shake those sillies out—and then come back and join the service.
Please do not let your young children leave the service by themselves. Ask our staff to direct you to the Wiggle Room.
Ask questions. If your children—or you—have questions about the service, the prayers, or the traditions, ask after the service! Ask the clergy, ask a greeter, or ask the folks around you. You’ll make new friends and learn a
lot at the same time!
To our Grown-Ups
Welcome and Shabbat Shalom! We’re so glad you’re here—and we look forward to sharing a meaningful spiritual experience with you and our entire community. In order to make our entire community feel appreciated, we have some suggestions for how to interact with littler—and less familiar—synagogue members.
Say Hello! As a kid, coming to services can feel like a VERY big deal. It may even cause some nervous feelings! Offer a smile and a “Shabbat Shalom” to the children you meet—this will make them feel special and welcome.
Be patient as children learn to use their “synagogue voices.” Trust that their parents, with help and guidance from our staff, will take the children out of the room if noise becomes excessive or if they need a little break.
Pray, sing, and participate! Children will learn how to pray and be part of a prayer community just by watching you.
Become a guide and a resource. Greet children and their families after services. Answer questions they might have about the service or about our wonderful community. Tell them what you love about Wise and your story of how you became involved!