Youth Institute for Spirituality and Action
Mission: We aim to provide a safe and engaging space for the youngest members of our community to explore their multifaceted Jewish identities and connection to the Jewish values of compassion and lovingkindness. By hosting this programming on Saturday mornings, we envision the growth of a beloved and intergenerational Shabbat community, and the fostering of a spiritual practice of prayer, mindfulness, and social action.
We are devoted to exploring the diversity and plurality of what it means to be Jewish, and aim to do so through creating an inclusive and collaborative space. Payment plan options are available in order to make our educational offerings as accessible as possible.
Curriculum: Our year together brings students on a Jewish values journey. Each session is informed by an overarching theme - limud torah (learning Torah), teshuvah (returning and reflection), b'tzelem elohim (in the image of God), chesed (lovingkindness), gevurah (strength and power), and tzedek (justice). Holidays and Torah stories are interrogated through this lens, providing students with a culturally relevant framework for exploring their Jewish identities and connecting their Jewish learning to their broader community and world.
Teachers: At Malkhut, we see our teachers as guides and fonts of knowledge to aid in your child's exploration of their Jewish identity. For this reason, we refer to them as madrichimot (educational guides). Learn more about our madrichimot here!
Ages: Our Youth Institute has programming for children birth through B Mitzvah age and their families! See our drop down menu or click the links below to see our offerings for each age group.
Kindergarten through 6th Grade
Reach out youthinstitute@malkhutqueens.org with questions!
Welcoming Children in Shabbat Services
As a vibrant, multigenerational community, we deeply value the presence and participation of our children in Shabbat morning services (and all of our other services that are intergenerational). They bring a special Shabbat joy and energy that we love!
Young Children at Shabbat Morning Services
Children are always welcome at our Shabbat morning services in both LIC and Jackson Heights! While these services are designed with adults in mind, people of all ages are welcome. Whether you're stopping by before heading to Malkhut & Me, or settling in for the whole service with your little one, we’re so glad to have you with us.
In both locations, we’ve created a comfortable area at the back of the room with space for kids to quietly play, draw, or move around. Please enjoy that space with your child if they are too young to play there quietly on their own, keeping an eye on them as they explore. While we kindly ask that screens not be used during the service, quiet activities like toys, drawing, or books are absolutely encouraged. We’ll have some supplies on hand—and you're welcome to bring your own favorites from home.
Helping tidy up the play area at the end of services is always appreciated!
Mekhinim & Olim in Jackson Heights
As our Malkhutniks grow, they begin joining the adult service in meaningful ways. This can be both exciting and bring up some nervousness—for kids and adults alike!
Mekhinim (4th–6th graders) join the adult service once a month.
Olim (7th–8th graders) join for the full service and then break off for their own Torah study on designated weeks.
We continue to uphold a screen-free space during services. We know it’s natural to feel a little shpilkes (Yiddush for ants in the pants!), so fidgets, drawing, and quiet seat activities are welcome. While we encourage kids to stay with their grownups, we also understand the need for movement. Standing in the back, taking a quiet break, or finding a comfortable spot to sit is completely okay, as long as it’s done with care and minimal disruption.
Please note: materials like name tags and pens on the sign-in table are reserved for specific use. We ask that these be left in place, but kids are welcome to bring their own art supplies and paper for quiet creativity.
We’re always eager to hear from you—whether it's a question, concern, or a suggestion to make our Shabbat services even more welcoming for your family.