We would love to see your child participate more actively in Shabbat services! There are many opportunities for children of all ages to take part in the prayers.
Girls 5-10 years old, and boys 5-12, may do one or more of the following:
1) Assist with opening and closing the Ark when we remove/return the Torah scrolls
2) Carry the Sefer Haftarot (post-Bar Mitzvah boys may carry the Torah)
3) Stand at the Tevah and assist in chanting Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday night), Nishmat Kol Hai, Yishtabach, Shema Yisrael, El Adon, Kedusha or Ein Kelohenu. The Rabbi will make recordings of these prayers available to you for practice and preparation at home.
Boys who can read Hebrew and are 7 years of age or older may read an Aliyah of the Torah and/or Haftara on Shabbat. Girls who can read Hebrew may prepare to chant a section of Shir Hashirim on Friday Night, or a portion of one of the Megillot on Purim, Pesah, Shavuot or Sukkot. The Rabbi or Hazzan will gladly work with you privately to prepare him/her in advance for this.
Please contact the Rabbi at rjmaroof@yahoo.com or the Gabbai and make arrangements for your child to take advantage of one of these beautiful opportunities for participation in our services.