Family Education 2025-2026
Jewish Learning is a life-long journey. That’s why our unique approach prioritizes family learning, where adults learn alongside their children and model the value of exploring Jewish text, culture, spirituality and traditions.
We offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of children ages 0-13.
After age 13, we work with each family to find the right offering
in the wealth of amazing and varied post-b’mitzvah Jewish learning experiences.
Programs for Children
Tot Shabbat
Ages 0-7
Nehar Shalom offers Tot Shabbat programming for children ages 0-7. Parents attend alongside their children and are an integral part of the community. Just bring yourselves for this half hour long program at 10am on the first and third Saturdays of the month as well as the Chagim (please check the Nehar calendar for up to date program scheduling). This half hour is interactive for the children and includes movement, singing, stories, and puppetry. We learn through songs and stories about Tefillah (prayer), community, Shabbat and Chag (festival) rituals, and Hebrew language. Our time together in Tot Shabbat is rooted in Nehar’s values of community, ritual, and inclusion.
Yuvalim Learning
Ages 4-9
Nehar Shalom is excited to invite you to join our growing Sunday school program—Yuvalim! Children ages 4–9 are invited to gather from 2:30–4:00 pm, two Sundays a month, from September 20 through June 6. A full list of dates can be found on the registration form; for up-to-date scheduling information through the year, please refer to the Nehar Shalom calendar.
Yuvalim’s programming builds a greater connection to Jewish identity, Jewish values, and one another in community, while deepening familiarity with Torah and the ritual rhythms of Jewish life. Participants will spend time learning together and in groups tailored to their age. We value educating our children and aim to empower them to participate in community with a sense of ownership and engagement with their tradition.
Yuvalim means “tributaries”– Come join us where the smaller streams that feed and build the river of Nehar Shalom’s community gather to learn, play, and grow together.
Nakhalim
Ages 9-11
Nakhalim is a two-part program offered by Nehar Shalom Community Synagogue, designed to support students in deepening their Jewish identity, Hebrew skills, and sense of community.
1. Nakhalim Beit Midrash Cohort Learning - meets on Sundays, twice a month, from 4:30–6:00 PM at Nehar Shalom.
Students gather as a cohort for engaging sessions with Rabbinic Intern Julia Spiegel. Through conversation, text study, creative projects, and interactive activities, they explore:
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Their evolving Jewish identities
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Jewish spiritual and religious practices
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Jewish culture, history, and community life
2. One-on-One Tutoring
In addition to cohort learning, each student meets individually with a tutor to build Hebrew proficiency and develop other foundational skills for Jewish life and learning. Families work with the tutor directly to coordinate a schedule.
B-Mitzvah Program
Preparation for Becoming a Responsible Community Member
Our B-mitzvah program welcomes students and families with diverse backgrounds and Jewish educational experiences. We work with each student and their family to define goals that will feel like a meaningful accomplishment while not being stressful or scary. B-mitzvah cohorts create a supportive community of families to accompany and support each other through the process. The program offers opportunities for students to explore their Jewish identities as well as their personal relationship to Jewish history, Jewish community, mitzvot and practice, antisemitism and other forms of oppression, and justice work. In addition to individual tutoring, the program includes family workshops, attending Shabbat services, working with an adult mentor who is a member of the community, and an independent project of some kind.
Please contact Rabbi Leora for more information.
