Children of all ages are welcome to participate, along with parents, in our engaging, fun, inclusive programs and activities, including free informal social activities, Shabbat and holiday programs, and our Children and Youth programs. Or Shalom offers a several programs for families of young children through to Bar/Bat/Simchat Mitzvah age:
Youth Education | Meet the Team!
We’re thrilled to welcome our new youth education staff—all members of Or Shalom—including our very own Youth & Family Coordinator! Exciting things ahead!
Youth & Family Coordinator | youtheducation@orshalom.ca
Carla Frenkel | In her role as Youth Education Coordinator, Carla will lean on her background in design, ecology and community organizing to enliven the curriculum and culture of the Or Shalom learning community. A mom to 3 school aged children, she hopes to share the deep sense of joy, connection and spirituality she experienced in Jewish Youth Group and while working as an undergraduate at Hillel.
Shabbat Sheli (Ages 3-5) | Register here
Cantor Michael Zoosman | A member of Or Shalom along with his wife and young daughters, Michael is an ordained cantor who serves as a multifaith Spiritual Health Practitioner with mental health and addiction outreach teams across the city.
Bright Lights Alef (Ages 6-8) & Bet (Ages 9-11) | Register here
Galit Mastai | Galit grew up in the Vancouver Jewish community and brings a wealth of experience in Jewish education to Or Shalom. She is passionate about plants, fiber arts, and good food.
B’Yachad (Ages 11 or 12-13) | Register here
Stefanie Sternagel | With a scientist’s curiosity and a lifelong love of learning, Stefanie is excited to inspire and guide B’Yachad students on their Jewish journeys.
Elysia Tessler | As a playwright and performer who produces work almost exclusively on Jewish themes, Elysia is excited to share the joys and wrestlings of this incredible tradition with B’Yachad students in 5786!
Shabbat Sheli (Ages 3-5) | Register here
Shabbat Sheli welcomes families with children ages 3-5, once a month, Saturdays, 11am – 12pm from October – June.
Shabbat Sheli warmly welcomes families with children ages 3–5 for joyful, meaningful Saturday mornings rooted in Jewish story, song, and ritual. Together with a growing cohort of young Or Shalom families, participants connect through hands-on, holistic experiences—whether dancing in the Torah procession or exploring the hidden wonders of the Or Shalom gardens. Parent participation is essential in building connection and community.
This program is free to attend.
To continue offering meaningful Jewish experiences for all, we rely on the generosity of our community. Please consider making a donation.
Bright Lights Alef (Ages 6-8) | Register here
Bright Lights Alef is Or Shalom’s welcoming entry point into Jewish experiential learning for younger children. Meeting every other week, this joyful cohort explores stories from the Tanakh, Jewish history, Hebrew language, holidays, and core Jewish values and practices—all through a creative and age-appropriate lens. Classes blend accessible text study, music, movement, and hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and nurture spiritual growth.
Twice monthly on Wednesdays 5pm – 6:30pm | October – June
Registration for 2025-6 coming soon!
Member $325.00 / Regular $455.00 | Become a Member here
Bright Light Bet (Ages 9-11) | Register here
Bright Lights Aleph is Or Shalom’s welcoming entry point into Jewish experiential learning for younger children. Meeting every other week, this joyful cohort explores stories from the Tanakh, Jewish history, Hebrew language, holidays, and core Jewish values and practices—all through a creative and age-appropriate lens. Classes blend accessible text study, music, movement, and hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and nurture spiritual growth.
Twice monthly on Wednesdays 5pm – 6:30pm | October – June
Registration for 2025-6 coming soon!
Member $325.00 / Regular $455.00 | Become a Member here
B’Yachad (Ages 11 or 12/13) | Register here
B’Yachad (“Together”) is Or Shalom’s two-year simchat mitzvah program designed to support youth during this transformative stage of life with meaningful, reflective Jewish learning.
Through a dynamic mix of text-based study, Hebrew and prayer literacy, Jewish history, thought, and culture, students explore what it means to take on Jewish responsibility. Classes also include hands-on projects and opportunities for community service, nurturing a sense of purpose, ethical awareness, and connection to the broader community.
Students are divided into two cohorts—Alef and Bet—based on their year of study, allowing for age-appropriate progression and deeper engagement over time.
Please note, a rate of 75% attendance of all aspects of the course is required, in addition to attendance at a minimum of six Shabbat morning services per year.
Wednesdays 5pm – 6:30pm | October – June
Registration for 2025-6 coming soon!
Pricing:
2 years, Or Shalom membership.
$1,650.00 for two years (Members only) | Become a Member here
$500 Simchat Mitzvah fee, when Simchat is hosted at Or Shalom.
$750 Simchat Mitzvah fee, when Simchat is hosted off site.
Additional costs may arise, depending on personal celebration preferences.
We welcome parent engagement and value your input. Please contact our youth education coordinator with questions at youtheducation@orshalom.ca.
Course subsidies are available.
Please email rabbiarik@orshalom.ca for more information.
Resources
Everyday blessings that your family might enjoy practicing:
https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pjblog/august-2016/blessings-for-everyday-situations
