Shul Memories: Tips for Navigating Synagogue with Young Children
August 19, 2025 | Shabbat and Holidays
By Addie Klein
I loved taking my toddler to the family shabbat programs at our synagogue. He would curl up in my lap and clap along happily with the music and he was thrilled by the challah and grape juice.
When he was in PreK, instead of sitting in my lap for the service he wanted to hide under the table with a friend and giggle. I tried to entice him to come back to the group and sit on my lap again, but the wise mother of the other little boy touched me gently on the arm and said, “It’s ok. They’re making shul memories. They are still absorbing the prayers. The most important thing at this age is that they have positive shul memories.”
I still think about her advice when I see parents of young children struggling at synagogue. To help you prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, I reached out to the rabbis at many local synagogues to ask for their advice about how to navigate synagogue attendance with young children. I hope these tips and recommendations help your family have a sweet and happy New Year.
Baltimore Hebrew Congregation
What families can expect:
Baltimore Hebrew Congregation (BHC) offers multiple “doorways” into Jewish life that are joyful, inclusive, and rooted in tradition.
Special services for children/families:
- Tots Service: For preschool ages, offered at 9:00 am on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
- Family Service: For children ages 6+, starting at 10:15 am.
- All the Streams Connect: Neighborhood Tashlich gatherings at streams across Baltimore and nearby counties.
Highlight experience:
Rosh Hashanah Under the Stars at Oregon Ridge Park is a must-see outdoor service, combining spirituality with a relaxed family vibe.
Contact/More info:
For questions or to connect, reach out to Jillian Manko.
Beth Am Synagogue
What families can expect:
Children are always welcome at Beth Am services. The congregation offers dedicated family programming during the High Holidays and throughout the year.
Special services for children/families:
- Young Families Service: Free service for kids ages 0–5 with clergy and music, followed by snacks and courtyard play.
- Babysitting: For potty-trained children up to age 5, with holiday activities and stories.
- Camp Tekiah: For K–7, including a family service, snacks, activities, and outdoor play.
Highlight experience:
Families can enjoy weekly Shabbat services with youth programming for all ages, plus a hot kiddush lunch.
Contact/More info:
Susannah Kolstad at skolstad@bethambaltimore.org
Beth El Congregation
What families can expect:
Beth El offers a range of services created to help children and teens connect with the spirit of the holidays in ways that feel meaningful and inspiring.
Special services for children/families:
- Early Childhood Service: Music, stories, and a warm introduction to the holidays for young children.
- Family Service: Welcoming to all ages, designed for children and parents to celebrate together.
- Teen Service: A thoughtful experience for teens to explore Jewish meaning at their own level.
Highlight experience:
Friday evening Shabbat services are especially family-friendly, with music, toys, grape juice, and lollipops to help kids feel at home.
Contact/More info:
Email Emily Ellentuck at emily@bethelbalto.com
Beth Israel Congregation
What families can expect:
Beth Israel highlights children as stewards of Jewish tradition, encouraging them to lead and teach during services.
Special services for children/families:
- Youth-Led Family Services: Students co-lead prayers and reflections with their peers.
- First Day of Rosh Hashanah: Children join the main sanctuary for shofar blowing, then enjoy stories, crafts, and conversation.
Highlight experience:
Families can witness kids stepping into leadership roles while still participating in meaningful communal worship.
Contact/More info:
Visit Beth Israel’s website for details.
Bolton Street Synagogue
What families can expect:
Bolton Street offers accessible High Holiday experiences that bring families together in a welcoming, open environment.
Special services for children/families:
- Erev Rosh Hashanah in the Meadow: A picnic, musical prelude, and outdoor service highlighted by dozens of shofar blasts. No tickets required.
- Tot High Holy Day Services: 45-minute services filled with singing, music, shofar blasts, and stories. No tickets required.
Highlight experience:
The community picnic and joyful shofar chorus make Erev Rosh Hashanah in the Meadow unforgettable for kids and families.
Contact/More info:
Visit Bolton Street Synagogue
Chizuk Amuno Congregation
What families can expect:
Chizuk Amuno’s family services are joyful, celebratory, and centered on forgiveness—helping children see their parents model accountability.
Special services for children/families:
- Family Services: Designed for children in grades K–4 and their parents, with opportunities to pray together and witness forgiveness.
- Original Plays: Performances during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur that feature adults, teens, and a guest circus performer.
Highlight experience:
This year’s lineup includes Batman, Joker, Teshuvah Man, Jonah, and more—teaching High Holiday themes in fun, memorable ways.
Contact/More info:
Visit Chizuk Amuno’s website for details.
Kol HaLev
What families can expect:
Kol HaLev celebrates the High Holidays as a joyful time to embrace your truest self and connect deeply with Jewish life.
Special services for children/families:
- High Holiday Services: Framed as times of joy and reflection, especially welcoming to families with children.
- Reverse Tashlich: Instead of tossing bread, families gather to clean a local waterway together.
Highlight experience:
Reverse Tashlich is a powerful, hands-on way to teach kids that cleansing the world also cleanses ourselves.
Contact/More info:
Visit Kol HaLev’s website for details.
Wherever you go this High Holiday season, remember that synagogue with kids doesn’t have to look “perfect.” Whether they’re curled in your lap, under the table giggling, or wide-eyed at the blast of the shofar, they’re building memories that will stay with them for life. May your family’s experiences this year be filled with joy, connection, and sweetness.