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:
Shabbat Sheli welcomes families with children ages 3-5, once a month, Saturdays
11am – 12pm
September – June.
Shabbat Sheli welcomes families with children ages 3-5 on Shabbat morning to create meaningful connections to Jewish story, melody, and ritual with a cohort of young Or Shalom families. Whether dancing in the Torah procession or discovering the secrets of the Or Shalom gardens, families will love these monthly Shabbat mornings full of community and holistic education! Parent participation is included.
This program is free to attend, but is not free of cost. Please consider making a donation.
DATES: September 28, 2024, October 19, 2024, November 23, 2024, December 14, 2024, January 25, 2024, February 22, 2025, March 8, 2025, April 26, 2025, May 24, 2025
*June 20 , 2025 – Friday June 20, 2025 – Kabbalat Shabbat Sheli
Register here by Sat, Sep 28
Late registration, please email programs@orshalom.ca
| Bright Lights is Or Shalom’s entry point for our younger children into the world of Jewish experiential learning. |
Bright Lights Aleph (Ages 6-8)
Bright Lights is Or Shalom’s entry point for our younger children into the world of Jewish experiential learning. Meeting every other week, the cohorts engage in a unique blend of activities that include stories from the Tanakh, Jewish history, Hebrew language study, holidays, and Jewish values and practices. Additionally, there will be opportunities for community members to come and teach hands-on workshops to the Bright Lights kids, enriching their learning experience with practical and engaging activities.
Classes will combine accessible text study, music, videos, fun activities, and the exploration of Judaism’s toolbox for thinking and flourishing as human beings.
Twice monthly on Wednesdays 5pm – 6:30pm | September – June (18 classes)
Sep 11, 2024, Sep 25. 2024 (Rosh Hashanah Chugim), Oct 9, 2024, Oct 16, 2024 (Sukkot Chugim), Oct 30, 2024, Nov 20, 2024 (Chugim), Nov 27, 2024, Dec 18, 2024 (Chaunkah Chugim), Jan 15, 2025, Jan 29, 2025, Feb 12, 2025 (Tu B’shvat Chugim), Feb 26, 2025, Mar 12, 2025 (Purim Chugim), Apr 9, 2025 (Pesach Chugim), Apr 16, 2025, May 14, 2025 (Lag BaOmer Chugim), May 21, 2025, Jun 18, 2025 (Chugim)
Member $325.00 / Regular $455.00 | Become a Member here
Register here
For questions, please email programs@orshalom.ca
Bright Light Bet (Ages 9-11)
Bright Lights is Or Shalom’s entry point for our younger children into the world of Jewish experiential learning. Meeting every other week, the cohorts engage in a unique blend of activities that include stories from the Tanakh, Jewish history, Hebrew language study, holidays, and Jewish values and practices. Additionally, there will be opportunities for community members to come and teach hands-on workshops to the Bright Lights kids, enriching their learning experience with practical and engaging activities.
Classes will combine accessible text study, music, videos, fun activities, and the exploration of Judaism’s toolbox for thinking and flourishing as human beings.
Twice monthly on Wednesdays 5pm – 6:30pm
September – June (18 classes)
Sep 18, 2024, Sept 25, 2024 (Rosh Hashanah Chugim), Oct 9, 2024 (Chugim), Oct 16, 2024 (Sukkot Chugim), Nov 6, 2024, Nov 20, 2024 (Chugim), Dec 4, 2024, Dec 18, 2024 ( Chanukah Chugim), Jan 22, 2025, Feb 5, 2025, Feb 12, 2025 (Tu B’shvat Chugim), Mar 5, 2025, Mar 12, 2025 (Purim Chugim), Apr 9, 2025 (Pesach Chugim), Apr 23, 2025, May 14, 2025 (Lag BaOmer Chugim), May 28, 2025, Jun 18, 2025 (Chugim)
Member $325.00 / Regular $455.00 | Become a Member here
Register here
B’Yachad (Ages 11 or 12/13)
In preparation for their simchat mitzvah ceremonies, these classes provide meaning and reflection during this formative time of life, grounding youth in authentic Jewish learning and practice. Classes integrate text-based learning, Hebrew literacy, and liturgy, Jewish history, thought, and culture through a variety of activities.
In addition to traditional studies, the program includes opportunities for hands-on projects and community service fostering a sense of social responsibility and connection to the broader community.
This is a 2-year program for Or Shalom members. B’Yachad students are divided into two cohorts, “Alef” and “Bet”, depending on their year of study.
Please note, a rate of 75% attendance of all aspects of the course is required, in addition to attendance at a minimum of six (6) Bayit based Shabbat morning services per year.
Wednesdays 5pm – 6:30pm
September – June (34 classes)
September 11, 2024, September 18, 2024, September 25, 2024, October 9, 2024, October 16, 2024, October 30, 2024, November 6, 2024, November 13, 2024, November 20, 2024, November 27, 2024, December 4, 2024, December 11, 2024, December 18, 2024, January 8, 2025, January 15, 2025, January 22, 2025, January 29, 2025, February 5, 2025, February 12, 2025, February 19, 2025, February 26, 2025, March 5, 2025, March 12, 2025, April 2, 2025, April 9, 2025, April 16, 2025, April 23, 2025, May 7, 2025, May 14, 2025, May 21, 2025, May 28, 2025, June 4, 2025, June 11, 2025, June 18, 2024
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.
See each program link for more details and to register your child.
We welcome parent engagement and value your input. Please contact our program coordinator with questions at programs@orshalom.ca.
Resources
Everyday blessings that your family might enjoy practicing:
https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pjblog/august-2016/blessings-for-everyday-situations
