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 (Ages 3-5)
Shabbat Sheli welcomes families with children ages 3-5, once a month, Saturdays, 11am – 12pm from September – 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. Register here
Bright Lights Alef (Ages 6-8)
Bright Lights Alef is Or Shalom’s welcoming entry point into Jewish experiential learning for younger children. The major theme for this cohort is rhythm and ritual. What is Jewish time and why does it matter? How does Judaism mark the seasons of the year and the milestones of a life?
Together, we will explore Shabbat, the Jewish holidays, and lifecycle traditions through stories from the Torah, Talmud, and Jewish folklore. Through music, movement, crafts, storytelling, and playful exploration, children will begin to discover the joy, wisdom, and rhythms of Jewish living while nurturing curiosity, creativity, and spiritual growth.
Schedule: Shabbat mornings on the second Saturday of each month, plus 2–3 Wednesdays each month from 5:00–7:00 pm (includes a light dinner) | September–June
Fees: Member $540 | Regular $720 | Register here
Become a Member here
Bright Light Bet (Ages 9-11)
Bright Lights Bet is our “Mensch Makers” cohort, where children begin to explore how Jewish wisdom shapes the kind of people we become. Through mitzvot, middot (Jewish character traits), and Jewish values, students discover practical ways to cultivate kindness, courage, gratitude, responsibility, and compassion in everyday life.
Students also develop Hebrew reading and vocabulary through prayer, music, games, and creative learning. Classes weave together text study, discussion, movement, and hands-on projects that inspire children to see Judaism as a living tradition that helps them make the world a better place.
Schedule: Shabbat mornings on the second Saturday of each month, plus 2–3 Wednesdays each month from 5:00–7:00 pm (includes a light dinner) | September–June
Fees: Member $540 | Regular $720 | Register here
Become a Member here
B’Yachad (Ages 11-13)
B’Yachad (“Together”) is Or Shalom’s two-year Simchat Mitzvah program, supporting youth as they enter one of the most meaningful periods of Jewish and personal growth.
Through text study, Hebrew and prayer literacy, Jewish history, philosophy, culture, and hands-on projects, students deepen their understanding of what it means to live a thoughtful, engaged Jewish life. Community service and shared learning encourage a growing sense of responsibility, purpose, and belonging.
The two year program is divided into two cohorts—Alef and Bet.
Alef: History & Heritage
Students explore the journey of the Jewish people across time, discovering how their own story fits within the larger story of Judaism. Alongside this, they continue developing Hebrew fluency and confidence.
Bet: Text & Meaning
Students engage deeply with Jewish texts, explore the meaning of becoming a Simchat Mitzvah, and build familiarity with the structure, prayers, and spiritual flow of the Shabbat morning service.
A minimum attendance of 75% is required, along with participation in at least six Shabbat morning services during the year.
Schedule: Wednesdays from 5:00–7:00 pm and the second Saturday of each month (includes a light dinner on Wednesdays) | September–June
Fees: Members only | $1,950 tuition and $800 ceremony fee | Register here
Become a Member here
Additional costs may arise depending on individual celebration preferences.
We welcome parent engagement and value your input. Please contact our youth education coordinator. Youth & Family Coordinator | youtheducation@orshalom.ca
Course subsidies are available.
Please email office@orshalom.ca for more information.
Resources
