Junior Congregation

Junior Congregation is a dynamic learner's service geared towards the learning needs of our students in the third through seventh grades. We meet in the small chapel from 10:30 am to 12 noon every Saturday of the school calendar. The service is conducted in both Hebrew and English. We are incredibly fortunate to have a knowledgeable and dedicated group of parents and teens who make up our volunteer corps of leaders. Leaders teach the "choreography" of the Shabbat morning service and explain the meaning of prayers. Rabbi Kenter visits to engage students in a discussion of the weekly Torah portion. Cantor Kanarek also drops by to teach students a new melody or to review a familiar one. Students actively participate by leading prayers appropriate to their grade level. Although some students have the confidence to lead a prayer on their own, most children enjoy participating in groups. What a wonderful sight it is to friends learning together and encouraging one another. At the end of the service, the children eat, drink, and "hang out" at their own Kiddush. In this social setting, many lovely friendships take root.

To fulfill the basic Junior Congregation requirement, students must attend a total of twelve (12) services throughout the school year. Since the GHC Religious School curriculum emphasizes the content of the Shabbat morning service, students must attend a minimum of eight (8) Saturday morning services towards this requirement. However, to further encourage the enjoyment of Shabbat and other holidays, Junior Congregation credit will also be available to any student who attends and participates in a congregational service on which there is no scheduled Junior Congregation service. These times include: Kabbalat Shabbat [Friday night], Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Purim, or Pesach. Students will receive one sticker per service attended.

A lot of cool stuff happens in Junior Congregation this year and every year. To stay "in the know", read our monthly newsletter, Junior Congregation Chatter, which is available on this website. In addition, use these tools here to practice Shabbat morning prayers and High Holy Day melodies.

We are proud that Junior Congregation is a comfortable place in which we are all free to learn, to practice, to ask questions, and to be among friends. Get swept up in the energy and excitement of Junior Congregation. When you see our students strut their stuff, you'll know exactly what I mean. My family and I look forward to seeing you on Shabbat.

Warmest regards,
~Judy Goldstein