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Mishpachot (Families): Programs for Families and Children

Families are the roots of Emanu-El!  We know that these first few years of your child’s life are such an essential time to find your kehillah (community) and believe that we are always stronger together.  Our goal is to cultivate environments for families to meet, nosh and pray, so that you can find lasting connections with one another.  Our hope is that you will find other families to enjoy Shabbat dinners with, celebrate lifecycle events, have meaningful conversations with and to build a sense of community that will help shape who your children become!   

Please take a look below at several opportunities to find your people. 

You can reach out to Sarah Balagey for more information!

Emanu-El Baby Groups are BACK!

Mishpachot at Emanu-El

Baby Group (0-16 months)

Mondays 10:00-11:30

Toddler Group (16-36 months)

Wednesdays 10:00-11:30

Our programming meets the four main developmental domains on infant development as highlighted in California Infant/Toddler Learning & Development Foundations (2009). 

• Social-Emotional Development Domain
• Language Development Domain
• Cognitive Development Domain
• Perceptual and Motor Development Domain

We offer sessions for babies (0-16 months) and toddlers (16-36 months). Our weekly meetings will be guided by esteemed early childhood educator, Emma Kelly, who will lead intentional discussions about our children, our hopes and our concerns, share learning opportunities and answer any questions you have about your child’s development. 

Each session will include nosh, music with Jonathan Bayer, and ample time for children and parents to connect and explore. Our goal is to make lasting connections, build a sense of community and allow the space for our children to play. The goal in these programs is to support community building and a strong parent support system, therefore we ask that each child is accompanied by their parent(s).

SERIES 1: Kesher Connection

Babies (0-16 months) March 13 through April 3. Register here.

Toddlers (16-36 months) March 15 through April 5. Register here.

Building a sense of connection with fellow parents. Not only are connections foundational to Jewish life as adults, but social connections serve as conduits of healthy development even in infancy. In the earliest weeks and months of life, supportive social connections set the stage for healthy social, emotional, and physical development. We are in this together! Make lasting connections and support your child’s development.

Cost: 

Member Children $100 for four sessions

Non-Member Children $144 for four sessions.

Drop In (space permitting)

Feel free to email [email protected] to find out about space or with any questions.

Tot Shabbat

First Friday of the month! Next Tot Shabbat is a special PASSOVER SHABBAT April 7, 5:00-6:00 pm.

Tot Shabbat

Join us in Martin Meyer Reception at 5:00 pm to connect with fellow families while children nosh. Followed by a joyful and engaging 30-minute service in Martin Meyer Sanctuary from 5:30 – 6:00 pm. 

PJs highly encouraged!

No membership required! ALL kids 6 and under, their adults and older siblings are welcome, free of charge. 

*Registration required, preferably in advance but, if unable to register, please come and we will take your information at the gate.*

Register here.

B’Bayit Groups (Small Groups)

Are you a new parent looking to build a sense of community, develop lifelong friendships and connections, get advice from fellow parents? Look no further than our B’Bayit small groups!

• Expecting Parents Full
• Building Families Through Adoption Space Available
• Families w/ Elementary Aged Children (NOPA/Alamo Square) Space Available
• Parenting Without Parents Space Available
• New Parents Mission Dolores Hangout Space Available
• SF Young Families (2016-2020 Babies) Space Available

See details here.

Contact Sarah Balagey for more details!

Jewish Baby Network

The Jewish Baby Network San Francisco (JBNSF) is a pluralistic community where parents of babies and toddlers from all kinds of families and backgrounds connect, share, and celebrate together. We often partner for Shabbat activities. 

If you would like more information about events or would like to be added to the newsletter, feel free to reach out to the JBNSF program manager, Alyssa Zagorie. Follow this link to sign up for a FREE membership!

Free Jewish Books

Sign up for the PJ Library, and receive free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture for families with children from birth through 12 years old.

Young Family Holiday Videos From Our Clergy