Temple Chai offers plethora of children's activities
Ongoing activities for boys and girls from first through eighth grade are an integral part of Temple Chai, a Reform Jewish congregation in Long Grove.
"There are three youth groups for these grades and a children's choir for grades two through eight,"said Scott Goode, the temple's assistant director of Education, Youth and Engagement.
First- and second-graders join Chalutzim, or "young pioneers." Members explore the temple from the sanctuary to the kitchen, play games and make crafts that begin to explain the meanings of some Jewish holidays.
Club 345, for third- through fifth-graders, focuses on programs that help create long lasting friendships that extend beyond religious and Hebrew school. In the fall, its members enjoyed apple picking and honey tasting to usher in a sweet new year. The club also plans social action events.
JrChAmPy, the group for sixth- through eighth-graders, helps to show them that there is temple life after B'nei Mitzvah. Members engage in activities that prepare them to give back to their communities and that promote leadership skills.
"Special needs students are welcome in each of our youth groups," said Goode. "We make every effort to accommodate their needs so that they can fully participate to the best of their abilities.
"This year," said Goode, "Temple Chai is initiating four Youth Days for the three youth groups from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., immediately following religious school."
In December, the Youth Day featured magician Danny Dubin's "Magic and Miracles" and a Hanukkah Extravaganza. Club 345 and Junior Champy made craft kits for children's hospitals, while Chalutzim made Hanukkah presents for their friends and families.
Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5, will begin with a Chili Cook Off. The day will feature events and fundraising for the temples youth programs. April 30 will commemorate Israel's Independence Day with a celebration. During each Youth Day, the temple's brotherhood, The Chai Guys, and the Women of Temple Chai are planning concurrent programs for the families of youth group members.
"The temple is also hosting a generational family education day for its third- through sixth-grade families," said Goode.
After family programs, youth group members will split off for dinner and activities with fifth- and sixth-graders having sleepovers at the temple. Sixth-graders and their families will also continue their intergenerational work.
On Jan. 24, fourth-graders and their families will discuss life cycle events. On March 18, fifth-grade students will explore Jews around the world with their families.
"A vital part of our youth program is the Youth Task Force," said Goode. "Parents evaluate what we have done in the past, brainstorm innovative ideas for our youth programs, and help with recommendations and marketing.
"While the activities of each youth group are important, even more rewarding are the opportunities for group members to make friendships," said Goode. "We hope that many of those friendships will endure all lifelong."
For information about the children's programs at Temple Chai, contact Goode at sgoode@templechai.org.
Temple Chai's cantor, Scott Simon, whose wife, Gail, directs the Rauach! (Spirit!), children's choir, said that "the choir's goal, like that of the temple, is to create beauty while being inclusive and engaging, and, of course, to have fun!"
No auditions are required to join.
"Reach!" said Simon, "fills a yearlong calendar of service opportunities, including visiting and performing at senior centers; participating in the annual community wide Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration; and singing at monthly Shabbat services at the temple, among others.
"Our children's choir adds a sense of purity, innocence, and hope when they perform and these values are intrinsic elements of holiness," said Simon.
"The choir adds youthful excitement, re-energizing the messages and melodies of our community and makes them accessible to our younger members, while continuing to inspire us all."