Youth Institute for Spirituality and Action
Programming for Kindergarten through 5th Grade
2026
2027
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We are excited to announce our 2026-2027 (5787) year of Youth Institute programming in Jackson Heights for Kindergarten-5th Graders!
Scroll down or click here to register!
What Makes our Program Unique: An Intergenerational Shabbat Morning Community
When Rabbi Goldenberg founded Malkhut in 2016, one of her central visions was an intergeneration Shabbat Morning community. By having our youth program on Saturday mornings on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, it allows us to create this sacred and communal space. We do require that at least one parent/guardian attend our Shabbat service while their child is in their Youth Institute class. This allows you to enjoy the Shabbat morning experience as well, and gather with other families to build deep, lasting connections.
A Journey of Jewish Learning
Shtilim, Saplings (Kindergarten, First Grade, young Second Graders)
Anafim, Branches (Older second graders and Third Graders)
Mekhinim, Preparers (Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Graders)**
Students will be separated into age-appropriate groups with a highly trained madricheh or educational guide. During their twice-monthly sessions, they will experience prayer, music, and mindfulness, while learning about Jewish holidays, Jewish values, the diversity of Jewish experience, and Jewish commitment to social justice. Mekhinim students will join part of the adult service one Saturday of the month with their madricheh.
** Grades for the classes may shift to be sure to keep a developmentally appropriate class size at each level. In some cases students in the same grade may be in different classes based on birthday.
The Flow of our Shabbat Mornings
We meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month (with the exception of some months due to holidays and school breaks). Our schedule is as follows for our K-5th graders and their families:
9:30- Youth Institute Students are dropped off in their classrooms for learning. Adults may attend meditation from 9:30-10:00 if they choose.
10:00- Shabbat morning service begins. One adult per child in classroom must be present. Children continue learning in their classrooms. Once a month Mekhinim students come into the service at this time and sit with their parents.
11:00- On the 1st Shabbat of each month, adults do Torah study with Rabbi Goldenberg at this time. On the 3rd Shabbat of each month, we have a Torah service during this hour. If you have a younger child who you would like to bring to Malkhut & Me at this time, you can read more about that HERE.
12:00- The whole community comes together for Kiddush, Motzi, and schmoozing! The 1st Saturday of the month we have a community potluck immediately following Kiddush and Motzi.
How to Join Us!
Malkhut Partnership: All families with children in Kindergarten+ must become Malkhut Partners at the appropriate level in addition to the above tuition costs.
Click here if you would like to participate in Malkhut's Youth Institute Payment Plan for children in Kindergarten+. Any registrations after August 1 must follow regular pricing, not Early Bird pricing.
Additional Dates of Note:
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Tuesday, September 23 - Rosh Hashanah Children's Program
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Wednesday, September 24 - Tashlich in Gantry Park with Malkhut & Me
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Thursday, October 2 - Yom Kippur Children's Program
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Sunday, October 5 - Putting up the sukkahs in Jackson Heights & LIC
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Saturday, October 11 - Shabbat in the Sukkah
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Tuesday, October 14 - Simchat Torah
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Sunday, December 14 - Chanukah Celebration
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Saturday, February 21 - Shabbat Services with childcare provided
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Saturday, April 4 - Shabbat Services with childcare provided
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Thursday, May 21 - Shavuot
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Saturday, June 20 - Shabbat Services with childcare provided
We highly recommend attendance at the above programs to provide more continuity for your family. Additional fees may apply. For more special days, please check our YISA calendar.
Volunteer Responsibility
Malkhut & Me Parent Volunteer responsibilities:
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Arriving early (around 10:30 AM)
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Taking attendance (a roster will be provided to you) & marking down drop-ins
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Holding space/serving as a Malkhut ambassador (you will be provided with all the information you will need)
Shtilim-Olim Volunteer Responsibilities:
Volunteering is a required component of being fully engaged with Malkhut's Youth Institute program. As part of registration, we are asking for everyone with a child in Kindergarten through BMitzvah to choose at least 3 volunteer opportunities throughout the year on Friday evenings in LIC or Saturday mornings in Jackson Heights. There are additional opportunities for holidays, let us know if you're interested. Click here to learn more about what it means to be a greeter, challah bringer, grape juice pourer, and potluck point person!