High Holy Day Youth Programming

Children of all ages are always welcome in our services.  We also have a a variety of youth specific options during both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  Please read carefully below, even if you've been with us for several years as our program is a little different and more expansive this year! 

​​

Children under age 3

 

While we do not offer drop-off programming for children under age 3, they are warmly welcome in all of our High Holy Day services. If your child needs a break, CUNY Law has several spaces throughout the building, as well as changing tables in the restrooms and a lactation room.

 

Makom (מקום) | Ages 3–7

​

For our youngest Malkhutniks (ages 3–7), join us in Makom (מקום - Hebrew for a place of spiritual belonging).

​​​

Makom is a warm, welcoming space, fully staffed by one professional childcare provider and two teen helpers, continuing the childcare we've offered at past High Holy Days.

​​

Children will enjoy age-appropriate crafts, games, and activities, along with one hour of Tkiya programming on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. There will be plenty of opportunities for both structured and free play, with caring staff available throughout the day.

​​

Staff will not be able to bring children in Makom back and forth from the sanctuary, except for a few pre-planned moments when they'll join their parents in the main service. However, parents themselves are always welcome to come get their child at any time.  

​

Cost: $18 per session for partners and $22 per session for non-partners. All participation in Makom requires ticketed registration below. Capacity is limited.  

​​​​​

Chevre (חברה) | Ages 8–11

​​

For older Malkhutniks (ages 8–11), join us in Chevre (חברה - Hebrew for a close knit group or social circle).

 

Chevre is a supervised space staffed by one adult. Kids are welcome to come and go throughout the service, using the room as much or as little as they'd like. On Yom Kippur, we'll also offer a one-hour program led by Rebecca Forlenza, our Youth Institute Director, who will explore the holiday and theme in age appropriate and interactive ways with the group.

​​

Generally, this is a relaxed, self-directed space where kids can socialize, play games, read, create, or simply take a break from the main service. Children may move independently between Chevre and the sanctuary but should be in one of those two spaces rather than the hallways. Staff will let them know when it's time to join the community in the sanctuary for designated parts of the service.

​​

Cost: General access to Chevre is free. The optional one-hour Yom Kippur program is $18 for partners and $22 per session for non-partners. You only need to register below if your child will be participating in the one hour education program.

​​

Schpilkes | Ages 12+

​

For our tweens and teens (ages 12+), Schpilkes (Yiddish for ants in the pants!) is a screen-free space to relax, take a break from services, and connect with friends.

​​

Schpilkes is an unstaffed space where teens are welcome to come and go throughout the service, using the room as much or as little as they'd like. On Yom Kippur, we'll also offer a one-hour facilitated program by our Olim Social Justice instructor, C. Meranda Flachs-Surmanek, where the group will explore the holiday and themes in creative and interactive ways.

​

Teens may move independently between Schpilkes and the sanctuary but should be in one of those two spaces rather than the hallways or other areas of the building.

​

Cost: Access to Schpilkes is free. The optional one-hour Yom Kippur program is $18 per session for partners and $22 per session for non-partners. You only need to register below if your child will be participating in the one hour education program.

​

Please reach out to rebecca@malkhutqueens.org with any questions!