Join us for Family Shabbat on Saturdays!

Consider this an open invitation, and we hope to see you there!

My name is Melanie. My family and I are new members of the Holy Blossom. I have two children, ages 9 and 12 that have been attending the Hebrew School at Holy Blossom and loving it! We recently had the pleasure of attending Family Services at Holy Blossom for the first time back in December. It was such a lovely experience to attend the Family Service. Rabbi Eliza McCarroll is so warm and welcoming and leads a terrific service. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming to children of all ages. The musical accompaniment with David Gershon (and occasionally Avishai Sol) made the service fun for all. My kids enjoyed going into a breakout room with our shinishinit, Ella. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that we all enjoyed a delicious lunch after the service complete with bagels (with all the fixings), fruit and lots of treats.

I also had the chance to reflect on how important it is for children to attend Shabbat services to complement what they are learning in Hebrew School (whether it be day school or otherwise). The way I think of it, attending Shabbat services is an integral part of the Hebrew School experience. The Family Service in particular is a fun and interactive way for children to see what they have been learning at Hebrew school put into action and allows the Hebrew school experience to extend beyond the classroom. The children can proudly chant prayers they have been learning and sing along with the congregation. Attending Shabbat services in conjunction with Hebrew School has also helped our children feel part of the Holy Blossom community and has helped to further foster the love they have for Judaism.

In addition, going to Shabbat services as a family creates lasting Jewish memories for children! No matter what age you are, you will learn something from attending a Family Service at Holy Blossom. At the Family Service that we most recently attended in January, my eldest daughter was proud to have been called up to the Bimah with a new friend that she met at Hebrew School to read a special poem.
I can’t wait to meet more of our wonderful community at the next Family Service.

Family Services for the remainder of 2023 are March 11, April 15, May 13, and June 11.