The Village is our place for families with young children (ages 0 – 5) to joyfully celebrate Jewish life, while meeting new friends and having fun together. Throughout the year we create a variety of opportunities to help connect families with one another. Here at the Village, there is something for everyone! Come experience TGIS (Thank Goodness it’s Shabbat), held in our spacious garden and playground. Take part in one of our festive Havdalah-themed events or holiday block parties.
All are welcome at Village gatherings: Temple Israel members, non-members, interfaith families, partnered, adopting, or single parents, LGBTQ+ parents, Black Jews, White Jews, and Jews of color. Come check us out!
We are happy to validate your parking if you park at the lot located at 375 Longwood Avenue.
What We Offer
TGIS: Thank Goodness It’s Shabbat
TGIS is a livelyand interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 5 days and 5 years. Led by beloved local musician Wayne Potash and the Temple Israel clergy, TGIS includes dancing, singing, playing, and praying. On the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month, we meet onsite at Temple Israel, and if the weather allows we gather outside in the garden. Come enjoy bagels, cream cheese, and Shabbat challah.
Havdalah Themed Family Events
We love coming together for Havdalah! From challah making to playground meetups, to pajama parties, and more, we offer multiple ways to connect.
Holiday Celebrations
The Village joyfully celebrates Jewish holidays as they occur, with music, crafts, puppetry, prayer, and more. You will always find a member of our clergy at Village events.
Shabbat Mishpachah
Come to Family Shabbat at Temple Israel. We start with a taco bar followed by services. During the service, the kids will join the education staff for an ice-cream sundae bar and games. Babysitting is provided for kids 3 and under. Questions? Contact Roberta Axeloons.
Rainbow Room Playspace
Families are welcome to bring their children ages 0 – 3 to the Rainbow Room (Room 105). We have puzzles, a dollhouse, blocks, and more. Diapers and snacks are also available. Arrange a Rainbow Room playdate with your child’s friends! Feel free to drop by the Rainbow Room whenever Temple Israel is open.
What We're Hearing
Upcoming Events
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
September 20, 2025
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...
Young Family Erev Rosh Hashanah Service
Date
September 22, 2025
Time
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM EDT
Calling all children ages 0 - Grade 1 and their grownups! Get ready to sing, dance, and play as we celebrate together with Temple Israel clergy and ...
Young Family Rosh Hashanah Service
Date
September 23, 2025
Time
9:15 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
Calling all children ages 0 - Grade 1 and their grownups! Get ready to sing, dance, and play as we celebrate together on Rosh Hashanah morning. At 9...
Young Family Kol Nidre Service
Date
October 1, 2025
Time
4:30 PM - 5:15 PM EDT
Calling all children ages 0 - Grade 1 and their grownups! Join Temple Israel clergy and special guests for an early evening Kol Nidre service. ...
Young Family Yom Kippur Service
Date
October 2, 2025
Time
9:15 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
Calling all children ages 0 - Grade 1 and their grownups! Get ready to sing, dance, and play as we celebrate together on Yom Kippur morning. At 9:15...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
October 4, 2025
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...
Sukkot Celebration for Families with Young Children
Date
October 7, 2025
Time
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
Children ages 5 and under are invited to have fun in the Temple Israel sukkah, onsite, as we sing, play, and learn more about the harvest holiday of ...
Simchat Torah Celebration for Families with Young Children
Date
October 14, 2025
Time
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
Children ages 5 and under are invited to dance and sing and play as we celebrate Simchat Torah together, onsite. Our interactive service will feature...
Shabbat Puppet Show
Date
October 18, 2025
Time
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT
Come to our Shabbat puppet show, featuring Anna Sobel from Talking Hands Theater. Alternating between songs and stories, our puppeteer will retell the...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
November 1, 2025
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
November 15, 2025
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...
Pajama Havdalah
Date
November 22, 2025
Time
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM EDT
Come to a fun gathering featuring toys and bedtime stories. Parents will join Rabbi Suzie Jacobson for conversation and a delicious dinner from Cafe L...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
November 29, 2025
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
December 6, 2025
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...
Village Soccer Party
Date
December 6, 2025
Time
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
Come to a soccer party for families with young children, led by Super Soccer Stars. Our coaches will create a fun and non-competitive environment for ...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
December 20, 2025
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
January 3, 2026
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
January 17, 2026
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
January 31, 2026
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! - at TI
Date
February 7, 2026
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
TGIS is a joyful and interactive service that meets on select Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for anyone between the ages of 6 days and 6 years. ...
Thank Goodness It's Shabbat! (TGIS) Featuring TI's Shabbat performer Wayne Potash
Help Support The Village!
Village programs are free and open to the community. If you would like to help support the effort with a contribution, you may do so by visiting our Village donation page. All donations large and small are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!
