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

We offer children’s programming (childcare) for all of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur for children ages 2 years to 7th grade. All children ages 2 and older need to be registered to attend High Holy Days at IKAR.

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

  • We offer children’s programming for children ages 2-years-old through 5th grade during all IKAR services.

  • 6th + 7th graders should be with their adults or in our dedicated middle school program on Rosh Hashanah Day 1 and on Yom Kippur.

  • Teens (8th and older) can volunteer in our children’s program, hang in our teen lounge (room 210) or attend services.

  • We invite grown-ups to join us for family services on Rosh Hashanah Day 1, Rosh Hashanah Day 2, and Yom Kippur in the Beit Midrash (rooftop).

  • Every child 2-years-old and older must register in advance for the children’s program. You can register here.

Schedule

Erev Rosh Hashanah (Monday 9/22) 

  • 6:30-8:00pm – age 2-5th grade

Rosh Hashanah Day 1  (Tuesday 9/23)

  • 8:30am-2:00pm – age 2-5th grade

  • 9:00-9:45am – 3rd-5th Family Friendly Services

  • 10:00-10:45am – K-2nd Family Friendly Services

  • 10:45-11:15am – Bite Size (age 0-5) Family Friendly Services

  • 9:00-11:00am – 6th + 7th grade programming at Tom Bergin’s

  • 11:00am-12:00pm – 6th + 7th grade volunteering at Shalhevet

Rosh Hashanah Day 2  (Wednesday 9/24)

  • 10:00-10:45am – 2nd-6th Family Friendly Services

  • 10:45-11:15am – age 0-1st grade Family Friendly Services

Kol Nidre  (Wednesday 10/1)

  • 5:45-8:20pm

Yom Kippur  (Thursday 10/2)

  • 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

  • 9:30-11:30am – 6th + 7th grade programming at Tom Bergin’s

  • 11:30am-12:30pm – 6th + 7th Grade volunteering at Shalhevet

  • 2:00-7:00pm – Children’s Programming (ends at 7:00pm)

  • 7:00pm – Havdalah and Children’s Light Show (Don’t miss the best part of High Holy Days!)

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, lunch and dinner (on Yom Kippur).

  • 6th +7th graders will engage in holiday-themed programming at Tom Bergin’s.

How do I register my kids?

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.