Wiggles Welcome: 3 Tips for High Holiday Services with Little Ones

August 31, 2026 | Shabbat and Holidays

By Amy Goldberg

Bringing little ones to High Holiday services can feel like a lot. Will they sit still? What if they get loud? What should you bring? And how long should you realistically expect them to stay?

Here’s the good news: High Holiday services with young children do not have to be picture-perfect to be meaningful. With realistic expectations and opportunities to experience Jewish community in age-appropriate ways, even the wiggliest little ones can begin creating positive connections to the High Holidays.

We asked three local early childhood education leaders to share their insights and guidance: Rachel Pototsky, Early Childhood Director at E.B. Hirsh Early Childhood Center at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation; Michelle Gold, Director at Goldsmith Early Childhood Center at Chizuk Amuno Congregation; and Danielle Frye, Senior Director of Stoler Early Learning Center at the Jewish Community Center.

Here are three things to keep in mind as your family gets ready for the High Holidays.

1. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

Young children are not expected to sit quietly through a long service, and that is okay!

Before the holidays, talk with your child about what they may see and hear. Tell them about the shofar, special songs, people praying and friends or familiar faces they might see. Knowing what to expect can help make the experience feel more comfortable.

During services, bring a quiet activity or book, take movement breaks as needed and celebrate the moments when your child does participate.

Even a short visit can be meaningful. Hearing the shofar, singing one song or simply being surrounded by Jewish community can help children begin to build a sense of belonging and familiarity with Jewish traditions.

A little wiggle does not take away from the holiness of the moment. Sometimes, it is part of it!

2. Ask About Childcare and Family Programming in Advance

A little planning before the High Holidays can make the day easier for everyone.

Reach out to your synagogue ahead of time to ask what options are available for young children. Find out whether there is babysitting, childcare, a children’s service or other family-friendly programming. It can also help to confirm ages, timing, drop-off expectations, parent participation and whether snacks are provided.

If you have children of different ages, ask whether there are separate programs or whether your family may need to divide and conquer.

Knowing what to expect before you arrive can take away some of the uncertainty. These programs can also give grown-ups an opportunity to participate in services while children are nearby, safe and enjoying an experience designed with them in mind.

3. Give Yourself and Your Child Grace

It is not developmentally appropriate to expect preschoolers to sit quietly through an entire High Holiday service.

It is okay to step out, take a break or walk around when your child needs it. And yes, leaving early is okay too.

Every child is different, and there is no one “right” way for your family to experience the High Holidays. Your child may love hearing the shofar but struggle during a longer prayer. They may happily participate in a children’s program and then need a break. That’s all part of experiencing something new.

The goal is not a perfectly behaved child or a perfectly peaceful service. It is helping little ones build a positive relationship with synagogue, Jewish traditions and Jewish community.

They may not remember every prayer or how long they stayed in their seat. But they can remember the sound of the shofar, seeing familiar faces, singing a favorite song or simply knowing that synagogue is a place where they belong.

Those little moments can add up to something pretty meaningful.

Looking for ways to celebrate the High Holidays with your family? Explore our High Holiday Round Up for services, family-friendly programs, community celebrations and more happening throughout the Baltimore area.