Junior Congregation

Download Junior Congregation Schedule - 50kb pdf

Junior Congregation--our Shabbat-morning service for grades 3-6 and their parents -- takes place on Shabbat mornings, 10:30 am-noon.  This dynamic learner's service for children and their parents is an essential part of our children’s Jewish education, in which students integrate what they have learned in the classroom and put it into practice.  The ultimate goal of the Junior Congregation program is to have our children feel comfortable participating in any Shabbat or holiday service held at GHC or at any other synagogue.  We need your assistance and support.  Parental involvement sends a compelling message to our children that “the sky’s the limit” when home, school, and student work together.  Therefore, we strongly encourage all parents to attend Junior Congregation services with their children.  

Junior Congregation is conducted in both Hebrew and English.  Leaders teach the “choreography” of the Shabbat morning service and explain the meaning of prayers.  Leaders engage students in a discussion of the weekly Torah portion.  Prayers and their melodies are taught and reviewed.  In addition, students actively participate by leading prayers appropriate to their grade level.  It is a rewarding experience, and you will be excited when you see what your children can do.

What's New With Junior Congregation

This year we are introducing some new changes to Junior Congregation.  We have chosen only 12 specific Shabbat mornings over the course of the school year.  Each one has been carefully selected so as not to conflict with a GHC bar or bat mitzvah, or any other major GHC program.  Yes, that means that for this coming year, there will not be weekly or semi-monthly services, but only on the dates listed below.  In addition most of the services will be led by the clergy or the Religious School Director.  As always, we rely on your involvement and support, in partnership with our teaching staff, to lead our children to success.  

The Details of Junior Congregation

Junior Congregation meets in the small chapel near the Broadway entrance to the synagogue.  Services begin promptly at 10:30 AM.  To fulfill the Junior Congregation requirement, students must attend a total of twelve (12) services throughout the school year. Your child already has three attendance requirements fulfilled from Rosh Hashanah and Tom Kippur.  PLEASE NOTE:  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.  More details will be provided after our first session of Junior Congregation.  It is also our hope that you and your children will join us at the congregational Kiddush.  We are truly a large family that seeks to share our joy and celebrate together.

Warmest regards,
~Judy Goldstein