We've still been Shul Shopping in the South Bay area. It seems like just when we might have crossed a place off our list, they go and change something significant. Like a cantor, or their building. So, we're still criss-crossing around the South Bay, trying to find a spiritual home.
I'll be frank about it- as much as I love Growing Garden and the JCC we are not an Orthodox family. We don't want to spend services split by a Mechitza. That's not to say there's anything wrong with it, it's just not for us.
This past Friday we went to Jammies and Jeans at Congregation Ner Tamid. This wasn't our first time attending, and you can read more details about that service here, and here.
The first thing you notice about Ner Tamid isn't the beautiful building, or the gorgeous sanctuary, but it's the amazingly friendly people. Within minutes of our arrival at least 5 people had welcomed us to the temple, to the service, to the community. We'd been a few times before, and it was just do amazing to be welcomed so warmly.
The service with the kiddos is nice. They bring out the torah, the rabbi tells a little story usually complete with some kids acting and a nice puppet (Rabbi Jr.). Though I will say the story of Moses was a touch interesting for EG to listen to. The Rabbi started by saying that Pharoah doesn't like the Jewish people, and EG got all serious and concerned and asked my why he doesn't like us. That was quite a moment for me....but back to the Congregation.
They serve a delicious dinner of pasta from their in house chef. Yup- in house chef! And it's quite delicious. And free. Which is wonderful because after racing home from work, getting everyone in the car, driving the 20 minutes (from North Redondo) the last thing I want to be thinking about is how to feed the brood before a 5:45pm service.
During the dinner for the kiddos there is a regular adult service, which I find wonderful as well. Since my mom has passed I've been trying to say Mourner's Kaddish at least once a month. This allows the kiddos to play, eat, enjoy. Then I stay a bit later than them and attend the adult services.
I talked about the amazing people, and maybe you are thinking that it's just because of the toddler service. But when I went to the full service later that night, I was basically just balling about my mom. I was alone, since the girls and Working Dad had gone home for bed. And the woman in front of me turned around and comforted me. Then when we sang Adon Olam she insisted that I join her and her husband 'We've adopted you!"
So there's our review. I wish I had more pictures, but as a conservative synagogue it didn't seem right to take them when Shabbat had already started.
Stats:
Conservative Congregation
Established in 1961
Current Rabbi: Brian Schuldenfrei
Cantor: Marla Barugel
Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
They have a 'new members/young members' membership fee of about $1000, and their regular full membership is about $3000 for a family. Of course, they stress that membership dues are flexible if you have need. They have a sisterhood, men's club, young mens club (AMEN), young womens group (z'havah), Hebrew School (CLAL), Daycare for kiddos 2-5, and lots of other activities.
Ways to check them out:
Shabbat in the AM on Saturdays has free childcare for ages 2-10 on the 1st and 3rd Saturday morning from 10am-12:30pm
Shabbat in the PM on Friday night has Jeans & Jammies with dinner on the 2nd Friday of the month.
Wednesday morning playgroup for cargivers and babies, 9:30am ages 3months to 2 years.
Showing posts with label Shul Shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shul Shopping. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Friday, August 8, 2014
Temple Membership
Just a quick note about Temple Menorah's Open house this weekend:
Their event this Sunday should be interesting, a good opportunity to see one of the Reform Synagogues in the area.
Their event this Sunday should be interesting, a good opportunity to see one of the Reform Synagogues in the area.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Unintended Consequences
There have been a myriad of unintended consequences of EG going to a Jewish Daycare- things I just never thought about as a part of our lives...
1. Hebrew words as part of a toddler's vocabulary: Granted, this may be more a product of EG's best friend being from Israel, and her parents speaking to her solely in hebrew, but when we went out to dinner at Ruby's diner, I figured out what 'Chio' meant. Apparently EG really loves hot dogs, but has been asking about them and talking about them using the hebrew word all this time. I know that all children make up words (Puapa meant pen for the longest time), but now I have another thing to think about- is it a real word, just in Hebrew?
EG: Mommy- I have a kippah on my head (pointing to the bucket she's placed there)
2. Her favorite songs are Shabbat/Passover related: Right now her favorite song is 'Yom Rishon Avodah'. While that's wonderful, it's neither a song I know that well, nor a song that Grandma and Grandpa can sing along with. If she's not singing that, it's Dayeinu, or the Hammer song from Passover. Adorable, but also not so relatable for the cousins or the extended family.
EG: Bang bang bang. I singing Mommy.
EG: Daddy go Avodah. Avodah means work work work.
3. Lots of extra days off: We get a week off for Passover, two days for Sukkot, and let's not even start the discussion about how many days off there are in the fall/autumn. Between the regular days off (4th of July, Memorial Day) and the extra days for the Jewish holidays I think that EG's school calendar has a month and a half off each year. Working for a university, the 'regular' days aren't too hard, but with all the extra days I'm going into labor without any vacation or sick leave left. When I was pregnant with EG I had paid leave for 30 days before my disability payments kicked in. Of course, it also has a wonderful side- more time for EG with her grandparents and us. That can be a really nice extra benefit.
4. Wonderful Jewish friends: I suppose that anywhere we would have gone to school we would have had/made wonderful friends, but sending EG to a Jewish daycare definitely gives us a strong Jewish connection and lots of Jewish friends. On all those random days off it's nice to know there are others we can connect with. Celebrating Passover this year was incredible with all the littles we had in attendance. With all the accidents I've been having people have been so supportive- running errands, volunteering to take EG to school and to pick up groceries for us, etc.
1. Hebrew words as part of a toddler's vocabulary: Granted, this may be more a product of EG's best friend being from Israel, and her parents speaking to her solely in hebrew, but when we went out to dinner at Ruby's diner, I figured out what 'Chio' meant. Apparently EG really loves hot dogs, but has been asking about them and talking about them using the hebrew word all this time. I know that all children make up words (Puapa meant pen for the longest time), but now I have another thing to think about- is it a real word, just in Hebrew?
EG: Mommy- I have a kippah on my head (pointing to the bucket she's placed there)
2. Her favorite songs are Shabbat/Passover related: Right now her favorite song is 'Yom Rishon Avodah'. While that's wonderful, it's neither a song I know that well, nor a song that Grandma and Grandpa can sing along with. If she's not singing that, it's Dayeinu, or the Hammer song from Passover. Adorable, but also not so relatable for the cousins or the extended family.
EG: Bang bang bang. I singing Mommy.
EG: Daddy go Avodah. Avodah means work work work.
3. Lots of extra days off: We get a week off for Passover, two days for Sukkot, and let's not even start the discussion about how many days off there are in the fall/autumn. Between the regular days off (4th of July, Memorial Day) and the extra days for the Jewish holidays I think that EG's school calendar has a month and a half off each year. Working for a university, the 'regular' days aren't too hard, but with all the extra days I'm going into labor without any vacation or sick leave left. When I was pregnant with EG I had paid leave for 30 days before my disability payments kicked in. Of course, it also has a wonderful side- more time for EG with her grandparents and us. That can be a really nice extra benefit.
4. Wonderful Jewish friends: I suppose that anywhere we would have gone to school we would have had/made wonderful friends, but sending EG to a Jewish daycare definitely gives us a strong Jewish connection and lots of Jewish friends. On all those random days off it's nice to know there are others we can connect with. Celebrating Passover this year was incredible with all the littles we had in attendance. With all the accidents I've been having people have been so supportive- running errands, volunteering to take EG to school and to pick up groceries for us, etc.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Purim Parties in the South Bay
Here is the list of South Bay Purim Parties, and information I've collected. For more information, please visit this link via JKidLA.
Congregation Ner Tamid
5721 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes
Saturday, March 15, 2014: 6pm
Cost: Free
Features: Megillah reading, costume parade, then showing of Star Wars original or lego version with a pizza dinner.
Temple Beth El
1435 West Seventh St, San Pedro
Saturday March 15, 2014: 6:30p.m
Cost: $25/adult, babysitting $5/child (reservations required)
Features: Cocktails, Dinner, costumes, Silent auction, opportunity drawing. ADULTS ONLY.
Congregation Tikvat Jacob
1829 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach
Saturday, March 15, 2014: 7:30pm
Cost: Free
Features: Jello shots, costume contest, snacks, singing
Temple Menorah: FROZEN
1101 Camino Real, Redondo Beach
Sunday, March 16, 2014: 10am (megillah) 11:30am (carnival)
Cost: Free (tickets needed for games, foods and rides)
Features: Snow slide, Bouncers, Shows, Carnival games, entertainment. Food for purchase
Temple Akiba:
5249 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City
Sunday, March 16, 2014: 10am
Cost: Free/unknown
Features: Food, New games, prizes, Silent Auction, Costumes, megillah reading.
Stephen S. Wise Temple Purim Carnival at the Santa Monica Pier
380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
Sunday, March 16, 2014: 10am
Cost: Various ($10/food card, $40 unlimited rides)
Features: Pier games, rides, food, ocean
Mishkon Tephilo Purim Fiesta Carnival
206 Main Street, Venice
Sunday, March 16, 2014: 10:30am (Megillah) 11am (Fiesta)
Cost: $7:50/child or $5/child with donation of a can of food. Adults are free
Features: Games, Bouncers, Music, Pinata, Prizes. Food for purchase.
Temple Beth El
1435 West Seventh St, San Pedro
Sunday, March 15, 2014: 11am
Cost: $7/lunch ticket
Features: Purim Shpiel, costumes, games and prizes
JCC of the Beach Cities: From Behind the Mask
2108 Vail Ave, Redondo Beach
Sunday, March 16, 2014: 4pm
Cost: $20/adult, $10 child (pre-register)
Includes: Laser Tag, Full buffet dinner, Megillah Reading, Photo booth
Congregation Ner Tamid
5721 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes
Saturday, March 15, 2014: 6pm
Cost: Free
Features: Megillah reading, costume parade, then showing of Star Wars original or lego version with a pizza dinner.
Temple Beth El
1435 West Seventh St, San Pedro
Saturday March 15, 2014: 6:30p.m
Cost: $25/adult, babysitting $5/child (reservations required)
Features: Cocktails, Dinner, costumes, Silent auction, opportunity drawing. ADULTS ONLY.
Congregation Tikvat Jacob
1829 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach
Saturday, March 15, 2014: 7:30pm
Cost: Free
Features: Jello shots, costume contest, snacks, singing
Temple Menorah: FROZEN
1101 Camino Real, Redondo Beach
Sunday, March 16, 2014: 10am (megillah) 11:30am (carnival)
Cost: Free (tickets needed for games, foods and rides)
Features: Snow slide, Bouncers, Shows, Carnival games, entertainment. Food for purchase
Temple Akiba:
5249 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City
Sunday, March 16, 2014: 10am
Cost: Free/unknown
Features: Food, New games, prizes, Silent Auction, Costumes, megillah reading.
Stephen S. Wise Temple Purim Carnival at the Santa Monica Pier
380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
Sunday, March 16, 2014: 10am
Cost: Various ($10/food card, $40 unlimited rides)
Features: Pier games, rides, food, ocean
Mishkon Tephilo Purim Fiesta Carnival
206 Main Street, Venice
Sunday, March 16, 2014: 10:30am (Megillah) 11am (Fiesta)
Cost: $7:50/child or $5/child with donation of a can of food. Adults are free
Features: Games, Bouncers, Music, Pinata, Prizes. Food for purchase.
Temple Beth El
1435 West Seventh St, San Pedro
Sunday, March 15, 2014: 11am
Cost: $7/lunch ticket
Features: Purim Shpiel, costumes, games and prizes
JCC of the Beach Cities: From Behind the Mask
2108 Vail Ave, Redondo Beach
Sunday, March 16, 2014: 4pm
Cost: $20/adult, $10 child (pre-register)
Includes: Laser Tag, Full buffet dinner, Megillah Reading, Photo booth
Monday, October 28, 2013
Pick a Parasha: Lech Lecha Discussion
Back on October 1st I challenged everyone to join in our effort to read more of the Torah with Pick a Parasha. Here we are to discuss the Parasha from October: Lech Lecha.
Most of the commentaries about Lech Lecha focus on a few things. That Abram left when G-d told him to, leaving behind his world, and how we should take the leap of faith. That we have a 'go forth' moment, to move beyond and above. Others focus on the story of Sarai and Hagar- choices Sarai makes when struggling with fertility. Lots call attention to the name changing of Abram to Abraham, and the words of the covenant. But as a new mom, I read something different.
When G-d tells Abram to leave his home things are looking pretty good. He's married, 75 years old, and G-d tells him that everything is going to be alright. Actually, more than alright- things are going to be absolutely fantastic:
When we follow along in Abram's story we see that he traveled here and there, and then goes to Egypt. Where he lies. A bold-faced lie. He turns his wife into his sister. The father of our nation, and the first thing he really does on his G-d directed journey is tell a lie to the Pharoah.
And he profits from this lie. He profits big! With cows, sheep, etc. He lets Pharoah take Sarai as a wife in order to gain favor and $. He's the first pimp in the Torah! Thankfully G-d intervenes, and Sarai is returned to Abram and they depart.
I haven't been able to find much commentary on this particular point, but it sticks with me as an interesting message for us parents. (I tried! Nothing here, or here, or here. Here they say he just doesn't lie!? I did find other woman (a mother!) and one commentator trying to piece together thoughts.)
No, I'm not being factious. The message I see is two fold. First, that you have to let go, regardless of your own fears. The fact that everyone has to "go to yourself" at some point. Abram had the best of all possible situations. G-d told him directly that he would bless him, and curse those who curse him. We couldn't have asked for more to send our children off with. But Abram still makes bad choices. Choices that we probably don't support, or understand.
The second message is one about our response. What does G-d do? Does he punish Abram or turn his back on him?
He intervenes. He sends plagues and strife on Pharaoh's house and Pharaoh learns that Sarai is Abram's wife. Not only does G-d not turn his back, but Abram is embraced, and the end of the portion is the covenant of Abraham with G-d.
Our children will leave our homes. They will go forth, and we have to wait and watch and be like G-d is with Abram. Sometimes we will need to step in, but we must also allow our children to make their own choices, even when there are great risks. We must understand that they get to make mistakes as much as we get to, and that we are the net they can fall back on when they need to.
We can't always intervene to the way G-d does for Abram, but we can always be there for our children to turn to. Though they must 'go forth' we can still be their champions.
Most of the commentaries about Lech Lecha focus on a few things. That Abram left when G-d told him to, leaving behind his world, and how we should take the leap of faith. That we have a 'go forth' moment, to move beyond and above. Others focus on the story of Sarai and Hagar- choices Sarai makes when struggling with fertility. Lots call attention to the name changing of Abram to Abraham, and the words of the covenant. But as a new mom, I read something different.
When G-d tells Abram to leave his home things are looking pretty good. He's married, 75 years old, and G-d tells him that everything is going to be alright. Actually, more than alright- things are going to be absolutely fantastic:
"I will make your name great,
And you shall be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you
And curse him that curses you;"
If only we had such assurances that our children would be so well looked after when they leave our homes. He left his father's home married at age 75, which is a great many years. Unfortunately it's not so easy for us. We have no idea what will happen to our children when they leave our homes, where they will travel, who they will meet, and what choices they will make. Rarely here in America do they leave married, though sometimes they do. He left after more years then you or I can even reasonably expect to know our children, forget about how long they live at home! And you shall be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you
And curse him that curses you;"
When we follow along in Abram's story we see that he traveled here and there, and then goes to Egypt. Where he lies. A bold-faced lie. He turns his wife into his sister. The father of our nation, and the first thing he really does on his G-d directed journey is tell a lie to the Pharoah.
And he profits from this lie. He profits big! With cows, sheep, etc. He lets Pharoah take Sarai as a wife in order to gain favor and $. He's the first pimp in the Torah! Thankfully G-d intervenes, and Sarai is returned to Abram and they depart.
I haven't been able to find much commentary on this particular point, but it sticks with me as an interesting message for us parents. (I tried! Nothing here, or here, or here. Here they say he just doesn't lie!? I did find other woman (a mother!) and one commentator trying to piece together thoughts.)
No, I'm not being factious. The message I see is two fold. First, that you have to let go, regardless of your own fears. The fact that everyone has to "go to yourself" at some point. Abram had the best of all possible situations. G-d told him directly that he would bless him, and curse those who curse him. We couldn't have asked for more to send our children off with. But Abram still makes bad choices. Choices that we probably don't support, or understand.
The second message is one about our response. What does G-d do? Does he punish Abram or turn his back on him?
He intervenes. He sends plagues and strife on Pharaoh's house and Pharaoh learns that Sarai is Abram's wife. Not only does G-d not turn his back, but Abram is embraced, and the end of the portion is the covenant of Abraham with G-d.
Our children will leave our homes. They will go forth, and we have to wait and watch and be like G-d is with Abram. Sometimes we will need to step in, but we must also allow our children to make their own choices, even when there are great risks. We must understand that they get to make mistakes as much as we get to, and that we are the net they can fall back on when they need to.
We can't always intervene to the way G-d does for Abram, but we can always be there for our children to turn to. Though they must 'go forth' we can still be their champions.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Shul Shopping: Review JCC Beach Cities
Last Friday I invited everyone to join us at the JCC of the Beach Cities for their Tot Shabbat. Here's our review of the event:
We arrived slightly after 6pm, which was the advertised time. When we arrived there were kids playing the in playground, and some adults mulling around. Though I didn't check my watch I think it's safe to say that the programming didn't start until after 6:10pm.
When the programming started there were two women (Rebbetzins) who sat at the front and led the services. The service consisted of traditional Jewish songs, including Bim Bom, and David Melach Yisrael. Then they had a certain group of children from the preschool stand up on the bimah and sing a rehearsed song.
Following that they invited any child with a birthday in the month of October onto the bimah. They received birthday crowns and were given a book as a present. Following that there was a puppet show led by the rabbi.
Tonight's puppet show talked about a King going out on a journey. He got a little lost and ended up taking up dinner and the night at a Jewish cottage. He exclaimed about the delicious meal, how wonderful everything was, especially the bread. The Jewish host let him take some home so his royal chef could make some. Despite the royal chef's best attempts, the bread never came out as delicious.
The King decided to send his driver back to the Jewish house to ask why the bread wasn't as good. He was then informed that he was eating it on the wrong day, and that it takes so special when you are celebrating the Shabbat.
After the puppet show everyone was invited downstairs for a little nosh. There was potato kugel, egg salad, pasta salad, tuna fish, gefilte fish and rugelah. There was also a birthday cake for the birthday kids.
We did the blessings over wine and bread and dug in. Tons of kids running around, with ages ranging from just under 12 months to about 5 years old.
Overall it was an enjoyable evening, and definitely worth going to. As far as religious services go, it definitely wasn't that. But it was an enjoyable opportunity for the family to get together and enjoy ushering in the Shabbat in a way that was fun and exciting for the youngest of our families.
We arrived slightly after 6pm, which was the advertised time. When we arrived there were kids playing the in playground, and some adults mulling around. Though I didn't check my watch I think it's safe to say that the programming didn't start until after 6:10pm.
When the programming started there were two women (Rebbetzins) who sat at the front and led the services. The service consisted of traditional Jewish songs, including Bim Bom, and David Melach Yisrael. Then they had a certain group of children from the preschool stand up on the bimah and sing a rehearsed song.
Following that they invited any child with a birthday in the month of October onto the bimah. They received birthday crowns and were given a book as a present. Following that there was a puppet show led by the rabbi.
Tonight's puppet show talked about a King going out on a journey. He got a little lost and ended up taking up dinner and the night at a Jewish cottage. He exclaimed about the delicious meal, how wonderful everything was, especially the bread. The Jewish host let him take some home so his royal chef could make some. Despite the royal chef's best attempts, the bread never came out as delicious.
The King decided to send his driver back to the Jewish house to ask why the bread wasn't as good. He was then informed that he was eating it on the wrong day, and that it takes so special when you are celebrating the Shabbat.
After the puppet show everyone was invited downstairs for a little nosh. There was potato kugel, egg salad, pasta salad, tuna fish, gefilte fish and rugelah. There was also a birthday cake for the birthday kids.
We did the blessings over wine and bread and dug in. Tons of kids running around, with ages ranging from just under 12 months to about 5 years old.
Overall it was an enjoyable evening, and definitely worth going to. As far as religious services go, it definitely wasn't that. But it was an enjoyable opportunity for the family to get together and enjoy ushering in the Shabbat in a way that was fun and exciting for the youngest of our families.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Shul Shopping: Join us tonight!
Tonight is the JCC Tot Shabbat. It starts at 6pm and is a family friendly event featuring music and prayers for the toddlers among us.
2108 Vail Avenue
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Maybe we will see you there? I will be back with a review of the whole experience. We plan to visit some of the other Beach Cities/South Bay synagogues, and hopefully review all the Tot programs in the area.
2108 Vail Avenue
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Maybe we will see you there? I will be back with a review of the whole experience. We plan to visit some of the other Beach Cities/South Bay synagogues, and hopefully review all the Tot programs in the area.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
High Holy Day Services review
ROSH HASHANA
We ended up joining some friends at the Adventure in the Park, courtesy of Temple Israel. We had preregistered, and I'm glad we did. Though I may drive on Rosh Hashana, and we went out for lunch afterwards at a restaurant, the idea of a temple asking me for money on the High Holy Days gives me the heebejeebes.
First off, the park location was really difficult to find. We ended up being very late to the event. They had some signage, which ended up being helpful, but we could definitely have used a bit more directional assistance. We had to park very far away, but the park was pretty, and there were TONS of people.
They had a female rabbi, female cantor, and they the services were centered around a stage. They had tons of pup-up tents, since it was so, so so hot. They also had water on offer. They had an adorable little service booklet to follow, and there were families everywhere. Lots of people on picnic blankets, with folding chairs.
It was absolutely the perfect place to bring a toddler. Bubbles, and toys all around. And a torah making it's rounds. Perfectly simple for a young family.
They blew the shofar, handed out apples and honey sticks. Broke challah and had wine. It was a complete service, with the amidah, singing, all the traditional elements. Lots of families had brought picnic lunches and were eating them after the event. EG really enjoyed wandering around, and feeding her challah to the ducks, turtles and geese in the lake.
When it was over, we went to a restaurant around the corner for lunch.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Though we arrived late, there was still a spirit of the holiday. No pressure to act a certain way, no problems with letting our littlest Jew be just the toddler that she is. Next time, however, I would remember to bring our lunch, bring a blanket, and I would definitely register in advance. $12 per person for a bite of challah and some apple was a bit much, but it was absolutely worth it to be together, as a family, with meaningful tesuvah.
That was it for our Rosh Hashana services. Friday passed in a fog of family. Wonderful, happy fog of family.
YOM KIPPUR
We atteded Kol Nidre at the Shul by the Shore in Long Beach. We had decided to attend this location because they stated they had Children's Programming. To me, this meant that there were activities related to the holidays for our littlest ones. To them, it meant babysitting in another part of the building.
They were very, very nice and welcoming. Initially we tried to bring the babies in with us (EG with the ladies, her boyfriend with the boys). But that lasted only about 5 minutes. So we took the babies to babysitting, and tried to focus and switch out. I don't think I would do it again, though they were very kind to us, and the babies had a good time.
We went to Saturday Services at the JCC of the Beach Cities.
This was a communal family event. We attended the Tot/preschool event. It was totally participatory, and lively, just very engaging and exciting. They read stories, built a beit hamikdash, told the story of Jonah and the whale, and got to see the Torah. They also had a puppet show which the kids really liked. The puppet show was nice, but I didn't think the story was very appropriate for a holy day. It involved wizards, witches and dragons. It also involved breaking the rules and trying to lie. Oh well, you can't have it all.
They served a snack at the synagogue, allowing all us parents to relax just a bit more and not have to stress about preparing yet another meal. This JCC also had a more traditional family service for the older kids in another space. Family seating, but still a traditional call to worship. A great compromise when the kids get a bit older, but you still want to be a bit more relaxed.
We ended up joining some friends at the Adventure in the Park, courtesy of Temple Israel. We had preregistered, and I'm glad we did. Though I may drive on Rosh Hashana, and we went out for lunch afterwards at a restaurant, the idea of a temple asking me for money on the High Holy Days gives me the heebejeebes.
First off, the park location was really difficult to find. We ended up being very late to the event. They had some signage, which ended up being helpful, but we could definitely have used a bit more directional assistance. We had to park very far away, but the park was pretty, and there were TONS of people.
They had a female rabbi, female cantor, and they the services were centered around a stage. They had tons of pup-up tents, since it was so, so so hot. They also had water on offer. They had an adorable little service booklet to follow, and there were families everywhere. Lots of people on picnic blankets, with folding chairs.
It was absolutely the perfect place to bring a toddler. Bubbles, and toys all around. And a torah making it's rounds. Perfectly simple for a young family.
They blew the shofar, handed out apples and honey sticks. Broke challah and had wine. It was a complete service, with the amidah, singing, all the traditional elements. Lots of families had brought picnic lunches and were eating them after the event. EG really enjoyed wandering around, and feeding her challah to the ducks, turtles and geese in the lake.
When it was over, we went to a restaurant around the corner for lunch.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Though we arrived late, there was still a spirit of the holiday. No pressure to act a certain way, no problems with letting our littlest Jew be just the toddler that she is. Next time, however, I would remember to bring our lunch, bring a blanket, and I would definitely register in advance. $12 per person for a bite of challah and some apple was a bit much, but it was absolutely worth it to be together, as a family, with meaningful tesuvah.
That was it for our Rosh Hashana services. Friday passed in a fog of family. Wonderful, happy fog of family.
YOM KIPPUR
We atteded Kol Nidre at the Shul by the Shore in Long Beach. We had decided to attend this location because they stated they had Children's Programming. To me, this meant that there were activities related to the holidays for our littlest ones. To them, it meant babysitting in another part of the building.
They were very, very nice and welcoming. Initially we tried to bring the babies in with us (EG with the ladies, her boyfriend with the boys). But that lasted only about 5 minutes. So we took the babies to babysitting, and tried to focus and switch out. I don't think I would do it again, though they were very kind to us, and the babies had a good time.
We went to Saturday Services at the JCC of the Beach Cities.
This was a communal family event. We attended the Tot/preschool event. It was totally participatory, and lively, just very engaging and exciting. They read stories, built a beit hamikdash, told the story of Jonah and the whale, and got to see the Torah. They also had a puppet show which the kids really liked. The puppet show was nice, but I didn't think the story was very appropriate for a holy day. It involved wizards, witches and dragons. It also involved breaking the rules and trying to lie. Oh well, you can't have it all.
They served a snack at the synagogue, allowing all us parents to relax just a bit more and not have to stress about preparing yet another meal. This JCC also had a more traditional family service for the older kids in another space. Family seating, but still a traditional call to worship. A great compromise when the kids get a bit older, but you still want to be a bit more relaxed.
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