PJ Library Shabbat Across Chicago

PJ Shabbat Across Chicago

PJ Library invites your family to join our partner synagogues in celebrating Shabbat. Each experience will feature hands-on interactive activities especially designed for families with preschool aged children including crafts, music, dancing, theater, and of course PJ stories.  Look for a PJ Shabbat near you!

North Shore Congregation Israel 

Friday | 3.3 | 5:00 PM

1185 Sheridan Rd, Glencoe

Join us for Purim and Pajamas  in your pajamas (or a costume) to celebrate Purim and Shabbat. Includes a musical service, story, project and dinner.

Cost: Free

RSVP


Temple Chai

Saturday | 3.18 | 5:00 PM

1670 Checker Rd, Long Grove

Grab your comfy PJs and join us for Havdalah (the special ceremony to end Shabbat) on Saturday, March 18th starting at 5:00pm. Programs last about 45 minutes and always include: singing, blessings, crafts, challah, grape juice and snacks!

Cost: Free

RSVP

Joliet Jewish Congregation

Sunday | 3.19 | 11:00 AM 

250 N Midland Ave, Joliet

Families with children 5 and under are invited for a program celebrating Spring and Jewish music! 

Cost: Free

Email jolietjewish1@gmail.com to RSVP

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Select an area of the map or the name of a region in the listing below.

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Congregation Rodfei Zedek


5200 S Hyde Park Blvd
Chicago, IL 60615
Phone: 773-752-2770
Email: rabbi@rodfei.org
Contact: Rabbi David Minkus

The first Shabbat of each month at CRZ is a special place for young families and all are welcome!  Join master educator / storyteller Arun Srimani for stories and activities from 10-11 am, followed by "Minyan Katan" - a Shabbat morning experience geared towards children 0-5.  Sing, learn, and pray together, followed by challah and juice. Stay for kiddush lunch with our wonderful community. More info at www.rodfei.org .  

Sinai Preschool


15 W. Delaware
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: 312-867-7000
Email: fkatz@chicagosinai.org
Website: chicagosinai.org
Contact: Fern Katz

 This music filled service will be conducted in our Chapel by one of our rabbis and is ideal for children under the age of 5 years.  Joel Frankel will be sharing his music and songs. Dinner and entertainment in the social hall will immediately follow service. Please check the temple's website for upcoming dates. 

Emanuel Congregation


Shabbat-A-Tot
5959 N Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60660
Phone: 773-561-5173
Email: info@emanuelcong.org
Website: www.emanuelcong.org
Contact: Cantor Michelle Freidman

Emanuel Congregation periodically provides Shabbat-A-Tot programming aimed to engage 0 to 6 year olds and their family and friends. Participants will enjoy songs, prayers, stories, nosh, and arts and crafts! There is no charge to attend, and all are welcome. Please contact Emanuel Congregation for upcoming dates.

Anshe Emet Synagogue


Shalom Shabbat
3751 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: 773-868-5121
Email: mhandelman@ansheemet.org
Website: http://www.ansheemet.org/youthfamilyservices
Contact: Maxine Handelman

Shalom Shabbat is Anshe Emet's well-loved Shabbat morning service for children 4 and under and their parents, every Shabbat morning 10-10:45am. Join us for singing, dancing with the Torah, great stories, and Kiddush. Stay and hang out for Kiddush Lunch, a little after noon. ​​​​​​​ Babysitting  is offered for kids 18 months and up from 10-12:30pm every Shabbat morning! The Bennett Library is now our quiet  Nursing Room .

Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel Congregation


Tot Shabbat
540 W Melrose St
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: 773-248-9200
Email: shul@asbi.org
Website: http://www.asbi.org/

 Tot Shabbat is for children 2 and under with at least one parent.  It is an opportunity for children to learn basic liturgy and sing Shabbat songs in an Orthodox environment.  Each child has the chance to hold a tot-sized Torah.  10:45 AM - 11:30 AM in the ASBI Social Hall every Shabbat.

Temple Sholom of Chicago


3480 N Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773)-435-1542
Email: emma@sholomchicago.org
Website: www.sholomchicago.org
Contact: Emma Harmon

Join Temple Sholom and Gan Shalom Early Childhood Center for an engaging and meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat service, designed for families with children under 5. Sing, dance, and celebrate as the Temple Sholom clergy and education team invite your youngest family members to experience the joy of Shabbat through familiar songs, prayers and rituals. Tot Shabbat at Temple Sholom is usually themed around our calendar of Jewish holidays, is totally free and open to all, and lasts 30 minutes. Dinner afterwards is optional but requires pre-registration and $36 fee per family. 

CJDS LEAP into Shabbat


3730 N California Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: 773-271-2700
Email: aroth@chicagojewishdayschool.org
Website: https://www.chicagojewishdayschool.org/leap-into-shabbat
Contact: Abbe Roth

Each week, from 10:30-11:15am, you and your child will experience different activities related to  Shabbat , and you will take a piece of the workshop home with you. Sing about, decorate, and take home your very own toolbox of  Shabbat Judaica , which will enhance your family's  Shabbat  experience. Our very own Director of Jewish Studies and Campus Life, Tamar Cytryn , will be leading each session along with our Music Specialist, Sara Goodman

KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation


1100 E Hyde Park Blvd
Chicago, IL 60615
Phone: 773-924-1234
Email: lreeves@kamii.org
Website: kamii.org
Contact: Lauren Reeves

Tot Shabbat is a great introduction to the songs and ritual of Shabbat for families with young children! Ideal for infants and tots (0-3 years), we meet once a month on Saturday mornings at 9:30 am in the Chapel. Families are also welcome at our weekly Family Shabbat Service Friday evenings at 6:00 pm. Please visit our website for upcoming events.

Heller JCC Lakeview


2nd Fridays & 3rd Saturdays @ JCC
524 W Melrose
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: 847-763-3603
Email: ljlevine@jccchicago.org
Website: http://www.jccchicago.org/shabbat
Contact: Lawrence Levine

Spend quality time with your family on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon with our community at JCC. 2nd Fridays @ JCC: relax and unwind from your week in a relaxed atmosphere.  We'll start with family friendly Shabbat songs, followed by a delicious dinner and family activity.  Open to the community.  Fee applies, must register by Wednesday prior.   3rd Saturdays @ JCC: Spend a Saturday with family friendly activities which may include: hands-on workshop, themed craft, snack, song session and Havdalah (a great way to end Shabbat, and welcome a new week together as a community).  Open to the community.  Free.  Advance registration is appreciated, but not required - walk-ins welcome.  Locations: Bernard Weinger JCC (Northbrook), Lake County JCC (Lake Zurich) and Florence Heller JCC (Chicago/Lakeview).




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Lakeside Congregation for Reform Judaism


Toteinu
1221 County Line Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone: 847-432-7950
Email: agelman@lakesidecongregation.org
Website: www.lakesidecongregation.org
Contact: Allison Gelman

"Toteinu" is a Hebrew/English make-believe word. Take the English word "tot" and add the Hebrew ending "-einu" and you get, "Our Tots".  Join Cantor Davis for a fun Shabbat gathering for young children and their parents and grandparents. Toteinu is held on the 2nd Friday of every month, 5:30pm to 6:00pm

North Shore Congregation Israel


1185 Sheridan Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
Phone: 847-835-0724
Email: susane@nsci.org
Website: www.nsci.org
Contact: Susan Ellenby

Tot Shabbat-Facebook  Fridays at 5pmJoin one of our rabbis and Alan Goodis to bring in Shabbat with music, story, family-togetherness and fun!  

B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim


1201 Lake Cook Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
Phone: 847-940-7575
Email: bjbe@bjbe.org
Website: bjbe.org
Contact: Sandy Robbins

Tot Shabbat at BJBE is a joyful hour of prayer, music, stories and a snack for our youngest members and their parents and grandparents.  One of our clergy leads an interactive and age-appropriate service, followed by snack, an arts and crafts project and storytime. Check our website for more information.  

CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM


3433 Walters Ave.
Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: 847-498-4100
Email: mschneider@BethShalomNB.org
Website: www.BethShalomNB.org

Nearly every Saturday we have something special for Shabbat for our families with young children!  We offer Aleph Beth Shalom, a Shabbat experience for 2-5 year olds and their siblings.  We also have Ark Adventures, led by artist and educator Jonathan Shmidt Chapman.  This program is geared toward children ages birth through 4 and is filled with sensory storytelling, music, puppetry, and imagination!  Each Saturday morning program is followed by our congregation kiddush luncheon which is always delicious!  Once a month on Fridays we have a families with young children Shabbat dinner.  Check our website for the most current programs. 

Am Yisrael Congregation


Shabbat Morning Family Programming
4 Happ Road
Northfield, IL 60093
Phone: 847-446-7215
Email: csherman@amyisrael.org
Website: https://amyisrael.org
Contact: Charlie Sherman

Join us for a morning of fun and engaging programming, beginning with separate age appropriate educational activities including lively songs, jewish stories and crafts, and spirited prayer. A highlight of our family service is hearing children as young as 5 read from the Torah. The program culminates with the entire congregation in the main sanctuary for closing prayers followed by a kiddish lunch. There is no charge for this program.  Please RSVP.  Check the synagogue's website for information about upcoming dates.

North Suburban Synagogue Beth El


B'yachad Family Services
1175 Sheridan Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone: 847-432-8126
Email: adrumm@nssbethel.org
Contact: Ali Drumm

Please join us on Saturday mornings for B'yachad Family Shabbat for children in 1st grade and younger b'yachad - together with parents, grandparents and friends!  Playtime and singing begin at 10:45 am; services begin at 11:00am.  Special theme changes each week. Every Shabbat 11:00 am-12:00 noon

Beth Emet Synagogue


1224 Dempster
Evanston, IL 60202
Phone: 847-869-4230
Email: kkaberon@bethemet.org
Website: www.bethemet.org
Contact: Kathy Kaberon

Come sing, dance, play and pray at Tot Shabbat! It's open to everyone. It's free and fun and brings Shabbat virtually into your house during shelter-in-place. Click the links for each Shabbat experience!Shabbat 1Shabbat 2  

Beth Hillel Congregation Bnai Emunah


3220 Big Tree Lane
Wilmette, IL 60091
Phone: 847-256-1213
Email: communications@bhcbe.org
Website: www.bhcbe.org
Contact: Aaron Frankel

Join a wonderful group of Families with Littles (1st grade and under) at Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah every Saturday morning at 10:45 for a spirited and interactive Shabbat experience with songs, stories, prayers, puppets and props. Cross the Red Sea! Grab a plush Torah for a joyous Torah march, followed by a mini Kiddish! Then head to the main sanctuary as the kids lead Ein Keloheinu, followed by a warm community lunch.  And if you arrive before the service, children can bond and play with toys in Gan Mishpachah in the back of the sanctuary!     

Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC)


303 Dodge Avenue
Evanston, IL 60202
Phone: 847-328-7678
Email: bsilverman@jrc-evanston.org
Website: jrc-evanston.org
Contact: Bonnie Silverman

Joel Frankel and Bonnie Silverman lead a celebration of Shabbat in music and movement for very young children.  We welcome everyone with a Bim Bom Shabbat Song at 10 a.m. and end with a juice and challah oneg snack before 11.  A great combination of original tunes and familiar chants in English and Hebrew.  Everyone is welcome and everyone can sing along!  Check the temple's website for upcoming dates.  

Kol Sasson Congregation


Shabbat Tots & Adults
3601 W. Dempster Street
Skokie, IL 60076
Phone: 773.749.1574
Email: lerubinlcsw@gmail.com
Website: www.kolsasson.org
Contact: Leah Rubin

We have an amazing parent led 'hour' of song and play for our youngest congregants. The Shabbat Tots and Adults is nestled within the children's free play as they explore age appropriate toys during adult t'filot in the other room. While children are welcome from 9:45 until the end of Shabbat morning t'fila, we invite parents to join their children for songs and stories together from 10 to 10:45 am.  Shabbat Tots & Adults is held every Shabbat mornings at 10 am.

Moriah Congregation


200 Taub Drive
Deerfield, IL 60015
Phone: 847-948-5340
Email: lkaplan@moriahcong.org
Website: www.moriahcong.org
Contact: Lisa Kaplan

Songs, stories, snacks and more! Led by parent volunteers...Mingle and meet new friends while observing Shabbat with your Tots!  Visit congregation's website for information about upcoming dates.

Congregation Hakafa


Held at our offices at the North Shore United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 409
Glenco, IL 60022
Phone: 847-242-0687
Email: conghakafa@hakafa.org
Website: www.hakafa.org

All young families are welcome to join Rabbi Elder and families with children ages five and younger (including parents, siblings, and/or extended family) for our fun and engaging Tot Shabbat.  Come sing, dance, hear a story, and pray together! Our fun 30-minute service is followed by a kiddush of challah, grape juice, and cookies.  There is no charge for this program and no RSVP required.  We hope you will join us!   Visit the congregation's website for information about upcoming programs.   

Temple Beth Israel


Shalom Shabbat
3601 W. Dempster St
Skokie, IL 60076
Phone: 847-675-0951
Email: info@tbiskokie.org
Website: http://www.tbiskokie.com
Contact: Andrea Blain

This program was created especially for families with children including tots through 2nd grade. Join us as we welcome Shabbat for special family friendly services. Dinner and Israeli dancing to follow.  Shalom Shabbat will be great fun, and we hope to celebrate Shabbat with you! $10 per adult; $5 per child; $25 maximum per household.  Check temple's website for information about upcoming programs.

Temple Beth-El


3610 Dundee Rd
Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: 847-205-9982
Email: jhadesman@templebeth-el.org
Website: http://templebeth-el.org
Contact: Janice Hadesman

Please join us on the first Friday of the month for a fun and enjoyable Shabbat experience for children up to age seven. Older siblings and grandparents are always welcome to attend and participate. The evening begins at 5:30 pm with a complimentary pizza & pasta dinner followed at 6:00pm by age appropriate singing, story, prayers, crafts and oneg. Please RSVP for dinner, no charge. Check temple's website for information about each month's theme!

Temple Jeremiah


937 Happ Road
Northfield, IL 60093
Phone: 847.441.5760
Email: Dina@templejeremiah.org
Website: www.templejeremiah.org
Contact: Dina Bauwens

Join us on the first Friday of the month for Tot Shabbat. We begin at 6:00 p.m. with a complimentary pizza dinner, followed by a 30 minute Tot Shabbat, and then crafts & snacks. Preschoolers and their families are invited to join our clergy on the bimah as we welcome in the weekly day of rest. This program gives our tots the opportunity to sing songs, listen to stories, and recite the Shabbat blessings. Bring your little ones for a fun, warm introduction to the joys of Shabbat. We welcome all tots and their families for this fun evening, taking place every month on the first Friday. We hope to see you there! 

North Suburban Synagogue Beth El


Tot Shabbat Services
1175 Sheridan Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone: 847-432-8126
Email: adrumm@nssbethel.org
Website: nssbethel.org
Contact: Ali Drumm

Tot Shabbat is an engaging experience for families with children ages 0-7. We welcome all members of the family to participate and support engagement, whether in person or over Zoom. Our live experiences will include time on the Beth El playground and a contactless Kiddush. Following the example of our Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Preschool, we will offer alternating live and virtual Tot Shabbatot on Shabbat mornings at 11:00 am through November. Live in-person: November 7 and November 21, 2020; on Zoom: November 14 and November 28. All Tot Shabbatot after November are currently planned to happen over Zoom.

Lubavitch Chabad of Skokie


4059 Dempster St
Skokie, IL 60076
Phone: 847 677 1770
Email: yona@skokiechabad.org
Website: www.SkokieChabad.org
Contact: Yona Posner

Children enjoy a program with beloved educator Mrs. Zeesy Posner, that includes davening, interactive games, snacks, and stories, as well as supervised play.Every Shabbat (Saturday) at 10:30 am

Weinger JCC/Northbrook


2nd Fridays & 3rd Saturdays @ JCC
300 Revere Dr
Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: 847-763-3603
Email: ljlevine@jccchicago.org
Website: http://www.jccchicago.org/shabbat
Contact: Lawrence Levine

Spend quality time with your family on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon with your JCC community! 2nd Fridays @ JCC: relax and unwind from your week in a relaxed atmosphere.  We'll start with family friendly Shabbat songs, followed by a delicious dinner and family activity (varies by location, open swim at Bernard Weinger JCC/Northbrook).  Open to the community.  Fee applies, must register by Wednesday prior.  3rd Saturdays @ JCC: Spend a Saturday with family friendly activities which may include: hands-on workshop, themed craft, snack, song session and Havdalah (a great way to end Shabbat, and welcome a new week together as a community).  Open swim at Bernard Weinger JCC/Northbrook.  Open to the community.  Free.  Advance registration is appreciated, but not required - walk-ins welcome.  Locations: Bernard Weinger JCC (Northbrook), Lake County JCC (Lake Zurich) and Florence Heller JCC (Chicago/Lakeview). 

Beth Tikvah Congregation


Tot Shabbat
300 Hillcrest Blvd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
Phone: 847-885-4545
Email: preschool@beth-tikvah.org
Website: www.beth-tikvah.org
Contact: Ellyn Weisz

Please join us from 10:30am-12:00pm for a energetic and fun Tot Shabbat. Feel free to bring the Grandparents and family to celebrate Shabbat the Beth Tikvah Tot Shabbat way!  

Temple Beth-El


Shabbat Yeladim
3610 Dundee Road
Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: 847-205-9982
Email: jhadesman@templebeth-el.org
Website: http://www.templebeth-el.org/
Contact: Janice Hadesman

An enjoyable introduction to temple and services for children up to age 7. Occurs on the first Friday of the month. Siblings are welcome to attend and participate too. There will be complimentary pizza and pasta dinner at 5:30pm followed by singing, story, craft projects, age-appropriate prayers, and an oneg from 6:00-7:00pm.  Please contact the temple for upcoming dates.

Anshe Tikvah


Hawthorne School
200 Glendale
Wheeling, IL 60090
Phone: 847-917-7726
Email: Ros8080@aol.com
Website: www.anshetikvah.org
Contact: Rosalyn Wolfe

Rabbi Jury will lead the tots in worship and song, followed by a mini oneg.  5:30 p.m. worship, 6:00 p.m. oneg.  Tot Shabbat is the first Friday of every month.  

Congregation Beth Am


1370 Abbott Court
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Phone: 847-383-5017
Email: rabbiprass@bethambg.org
Website: https://www.bethambg.org/
Contact: Rabbi Prass

Join us each month for a Shabbat program filled with songs, story and more. For families with young children (3rd grade and younger). No cost to attend, but a non-perishable food donation for our food pantry is appreciated. Everyone is welcome! Please bring your family and friends. Visit our website to learn about upcoming dates.

Congregation Or Shalom


21 Hawthorn Parkway
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Phone: 847-362-1948
Email: tzivin@orshalomlc.org
Website: www.orshalomlc.org
Contact: Tanya Zivin

Introduce your child to worship at our Young Children's Service. Children with birthdays that month are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift for a child in need. An Oneg Shabbat will follow service. 

Temple Chai


1670 Checker Road
Long Grove, IL 60047
Phone: 847-537-1771
Email: cschwartz@templechai.org
Website: www.templechai.org
Contact: Cathy Schwartz

A fast paced, interactive Worship experience geared for kids 6 and under, their parents and grandparents. March with stuffed Torah's, enjoy story-time and a mini Oneg with time to schmooze afterwards.  Visit the temple website for information on upcoming dates.

Lake County JCC


2nd Fridays & 3rd Saturdays @ JCC
23280 N. Old McHenry Road
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Phone: 847-763-3622
Email: ljlevine@gojcc.org
Website: http://www.jccchicago.org/shabbat
Contact: Lawrence LeVine

Spend quality time with your family on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon with our community at JCC. 2nd Fridays @ JCC: relax and unwind from your week in a relaxed atmosphere.  We'll start with family friendly Shabbat songs, followed by a delicious dinner and family activity.  Open to the community.  Fee applies, must register by Wednesday prior.  3rd Saturdays @ JCC: Spend a Saturday with family friendly activities which may include: hands-on workshop, themed craft, snack, song session and Havdalah (a great way to end Shabbat, and welcome a new week together as a community).  Open to the community.  Free.  Advance registration is appreciated, but not required - walk-ins welcome.  Locations: Bernard Weinger JCC (Northbrook), Lake County JCC (Lake Zurich) and Florence Heller JCC (Chicago/Lakeview). 

JCYS Northwest Family Center


1700 Weiland Road
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Phone: (847) 279-0900
Email: jwarshauer@jcys.org
Website: www.jcys.org/BuffaloGrove
Contact: Jamie Warshauer

Experience a semi-structured playtime and a first introduction to preschool while enjoying the security of having a parent or caregiver nearby.  Help your child take their first step toward preschool through story time, finger plays, playtime, songs, and arts & crafts, as we share the joys of Shabbat and other Jewish holiday themes throughout the year.  You and your child will experience our learning-through-play philosophy in our age-appropriate, fully-equipped classrooms, playground and gymnasium. Held every Friday morning from 9:15 - 10:15 am

West Suburban Temple Har Zion


1040 N. Harlem Ave.
River Forest, IL 60302
Phone: 708-366-9000