We are excited to welcome your children and teens for High Holy Days at IKAR! Here are quick notes about our program:

To ensure a safe and meaningful High Holy Day experience for all IKARites, children must be with their grown-ups or in our children’s program at all times.

Additionally, every single child must be registered. For members, children are free, and you should have received a membership link. You can still renew your membership here to receive the children’s registration link. For non-members, please use this link to register your children.

6th and 7th graders registered for our programming are expected to sign up for at least one 1-hour volunteer slot. You can sign up here. Teens can volunteer to help in the classrooms here.

Schedule

Erev Rosh Hashanah
6:30pm ages 2-5th grade Children’s Programming

Rosh Hashanah Day 1
8:30am-2pm – age 2-5th grade Children’s Programming
9-9:45am – 3rd-5th Family Friendly Services
10-10:45am – K-2nd Family Friendly Services
10:45-11:15am – Bite Size (age 0-5) Family Friendly Services
9am-1:30pm – 6th + 7th grade lounge + volunteer slots
9am-1:30pm – Teen lounge

Rosh Hashanah Day 2
10-10:45am – 2nd-6th Family Friendly Services
10:45-11:15am – age 0-1st grade Family Friendly Services
9-1:30pm – 6th + 7th grade lounge + volunteer slots
9am-1:30pm – Teen lounge

Kol Nidrei
5:45-8:20pm – age 2-5th grade

Yom Kippur
9am-7:15pm – Children’s Programming
9:30-10:15am – K-2nd Family Friendly Services
10:20-11:05am – 3rd-5th Family Friendly Services
11:15-11:45am – Bite Size (0-5) Family Friendly Services
9-2:45pm – 6th + 7th grade loungg + volunteer slots
9am-7:15pm – Teen lounge
7:15pm – All children are picked up
7:15pm – Havdalah and Children’s Light Show (Don’t miss the best part of High Holy Days!)
7:30 pm – Break Fast: reg. required (members check email) and guests register here.

FAQs

What is children’s programming?

  • Picture the best parts of childcare, camp and school and you have IKAR’s Children’s program. Kids will explore themes of the High Holy Days through makerspace challenges, sports, obstacle courses, drama, puppets and more. We’ll provide snacks and meals throughout the days.

How do I register my kids?

  • For security purposes and to receive an IKARd entry badge, children over 2 years old must be registered, even if they are enrolled in our ECC or in Limudim.

If my family is just coming to Family Friendly services, do I still need to register my child who is 2 or older?

  • Yes, all children 2 and older need to be registered so they receive an IKARd entry badge.

What if I want my child to sit with me?

  • All children must be with their grown-ups or in a children’s program.  In order to ensure we have room for all of our adults, we kindly request that children below the age of B’nai Mitzvah join our children’s programming or find seating in the outdoor davening tent.

Are there services for kids and families?

  • Family Friendly Services are an opportunity for kids to enjoy High Holy Day Highlights. Ages 4+ will attend these services with their teachers, so no parent/caregiver is required (but are welcome to join in). Two and three-year-olds will experience mini-services in their classrooms. Parents are welcome to attend Family Friendly Services with their children. Families can also bring their infants and toddlers too young to be in child care to our Bite Size Family Services.

My child is attending childcare and is still in diapers. What’s the plan?

  • This year, our ECC teachers who are working High Holy Days will change diapers. Please provide all necessary supplies including a labeled bag with diapers and wipes.

Will my child be able to nap during childcare?

  • Yes, 2-4-year-olds will have the option to nap on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur afternoons. We will provide nap mats. Please bring a blanket or anything else your child might need.

What should my child bring/not bring?

  • Please bring a labeled water bottle. We will provide snacks and lunch, including gluten free and dairy free options. Because of Shalhevet’s strict kashrut policy, please do not send food with your child.

  • We suggest bringing a labeled sweatshirt in case of air conditioning.

  • With the number of people coming through our doors on High Holy Days, there is a high risk of toys/stuffies getting lost. We recommend not bringing anything your child deeply cares about.

My child is in 8th grade or older. What’s the plan for them?

  • Teens in 8th grade or older are invited to volunteer in our children’s program. They can sign up to volunteer here. They are also welcome to join services.

I know someone who would love to work at IKAR’s children’s program. Is there still availability?

  • We’re so glad you asked. We are looking for additional staff for Yom Kippur. Please invite them to fill out this form.