Young Families
Find community and support as you navigate the epic journey and joys of parenthood.
Contact Us
Clergy Leader
Rabbi Amy B. Ehrlich
Email Us
212-507-9603
Children bring a unique blessing into the world. Temple Emanu-El offers a number of engaging and entertaining opportunities to share the wonders of Jewish culture and holidays together as a family.
Now Available: Fall 2026 Class Registration
Boker Tov, Baby (Ages 12-24 Months)
Meets Tuesdays, September 8— December 15 | 10:00 — 10:45 AM
Join early childhood specialist and musician Hadar Orshalimy for a lively 45-minute program for children 6 to 24 months and their grownups; each week is filled with music, movement, Jewish holidays, a taste of Hebrew, and free time to make friends and connect with other families.
Shalom, World! Music, Art & Blessings (Ages 12-24 Months)
Meets Tuesdays, September 8— December 15 | 11:00 — 11:45 AM
Toddlers and their grown-ups explore the world through a joyful Jewish lens of music, art, and blessings. Each session includes a collaborative “take-home” art project, creating a meaningful keepsake collection. Led by musician and educator Hadar Orshalimy, this 45-minute class offers a special opportunity for creative exploration and connection.
Little Mensches (Ages 0-12 Months)
Meets Tuesdays, September 8— December 15 | 12:00 — 12:45 PM
Led by musician and educator Hadar Orshalimy, this 45-minute class invites babies, parents and caregivers to explore Hebrew lullabies and melodies through song, movement, and sensory play. Together, families will experience the rhythms of Jewish life, from playful clapping songs to peaceful Shabbat moments.
Toddlers and Twos (Ages 12 Months and Older)
Meets Wednesdays, September 9— December 16 | 10:15 — 11:15 AM
Explore helpful parenting skills with Dr. Juliet Cooper and Rabbi Amy Ehrlich, such as negotiating family roles, effective co-parenting, establishing positive and consistent routines, incorporating Jewish ritual into your family life, and finding a healthy balance as a parent. For parents with children ages 12 months and older.
Ramblin’ Dan’s Freewheelin’ Band (Ages 1-3 Years)
Meets Thursdays, September 10— December 17 | Multiple Times Offered
Join Ramblin’ Dan and his Freewheelin’ Band every Thursday for early childhood music the whole family will enjoy! Ramblin’ Dan’s Freewheelin’ Band provides high energy and engaging music classes driven by playful musicality and skillful guitar work.
- 9:30-10:15 AM: For Ages 0-3 Years
- 10:30-11:15 AM: For Ages 0-36 Months
- 11:30 AM-12:15 PM: For Ages 0-24 Months
- 12:30-1:15 PM: For Ages 0-12 Months
Registration details to follow.
Save the Date for 2026-2027 Young Families Shabbats
Tot Shabbat | Select Saturdays from 9:00-10:00 AM
October 3, November 14, December 5, January 23, February 6, March 6, April 3, and May 8
Baby Shabbat | Select Fridays from 9:15-9:45 AM
October 23, November 20, December 11, January 15, February 12, March 5, April 2, and May 14
Shabbat Programs for Young Families
Baby Shabbat
Fridays, once a month from 9:15-9:45 AM
Friday, September 12, 2025 – Friday, May 15, 2026
Enjoy the company of other families as we celebrate Shabbat with music, blessings and a taste of challah! Baby Shabbat is a 30-minute program led by Rabbi Amy Ehrlich and Cantor Sara Anderson. The program is designed for children up to 20 months. Baby Shabbats are held in the Library. Enter through 1 East 65th Street.
Tot Shabbat
Once a month, alternating between Fridays from 4:30 PM-5:30 PM and Saturdays from 9:00-10:00 AM
Tot Shabbat is created just for preschool and nursery school-aged students and their families. Join Rabbi Amy Ehrlich and Cantor Sara Anderson to share joyful music and meaningful rituals in your growing family’s life. Be sure to invite grandparents and other loved ones to join us! Babies are welcome, too! There is no charge for this program.
Upcoming Young Families Programs
Join Ramblin’ Dan and his Freewheelin’ Band every Thursday for Early Childhood Music the Whole Family will Enjoy! Ramblin’ Dan’s Freewheelin’ Band provides high energy and engaging music classes driven by playful musicality and skillful guitar work. Our priorities are having fun, providing a pressure-free and comforting atmosphere, and helping kids gain confidence. At a […]
All families with nursery-age children and younger are invited to join our rooftop party on Sunday, June 7 from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM featuring The Bubble Dad! Bring a hat, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and a swim diaper. RSVP to youngfamilies@emanuelnyc.org.
Join early childhood specialist and musician Hadar Orshalimy for a lively 45-minute program for children 12 to 24 months and their grownups; each week is filled with music, movement, Jewish holidays, a taste of Hebrew, and free time to make friends and connect with other families. Tuesdays, September 8— December 15 | 10:00 — 10:45 […]
Toddlers (12-24 months) and their grown-ups explore the world through a new and exciting Jewish lens of music, art, and blessings. Each session offers a special “take-home” Jewish art project crafted together in class, leading to a one-of-a-kind, cherished collection. Led by musician and educator Hadar Orshalimy, this 45-minute class offers a unique opportunity for […]
Related Programs for Young Families
PJ Library
