Kol Ami is actively working to build the programs to provide our children with strong connections to Jewish traditions, culture and ethics as well as prayers and the Hebrew language. We accomplish our goals by offering children, from young to older, a variety of programs. The following information provides brief synopses of our current programs. As more families join our community we grow and broaden these programs and services.

We invite you to become a Kol Ami: NVRC family and infuse these programs with your energy and creativity. We function with the participation and generosity of members’ time, energy and expertise. The success of our programs relies on this volunteer involvement.

The location for all programs unless otherwise noted is the Unitarian Universalist Church. Arlington. 

To learn more about these programs, please contact the Coordinator of Kol Ami's Children and Family Programs at children[at]kolaminvrc.org

• Shabbat Services 
• Jewish Children’s Education Program (JCEP)
• Youth B’nai Mitzvah
• High Holiday Children's Services
• Hanukkah Celebration
• Purim Celebration

Shabbat Services:
Shabbat Services (for all ages): Over the course of each month we hold three Shabbat services. They are held either on Friday night or Saturday morning. Check the events page for leaders and types of services. Our services vary from rabbi led to lay led and from a poetry service, to musical service and much more. Come join us!

Children of all ages are welcome at our Shabbat Services. Our services are informal, and filled with singing, sounds of varied musical instruments and open dialogue. We delight in the sights and sounds of children of all ages!

In addition, the teachers and children from our Jewish Children’s Education Program (JCEP) conduct a few services for the community. Prior to these services the community will enjoy dinner together (usually pizza and salad). Please check our events page for these services. Please RSVP for dinner to  the Coordinator of Kol Ami's Children and Family Programs at children[at]kolaminvrc.org.

For children about 3 to 6 years old: We welcome children of all ages to join our main Shabbat services. However, we also realize that young children’s attention is short and may not be able to attend the entire service.

Jewish Children’s Education Program (JCEP)
Our Jewish Children’s Education Program (JCEP) is growing as more families join our congregation and as our children get older. Children from about 6 years of age are welcome to join this program which is held 5 – 6:30 pm on Sunday evenings at UUCA except if they coincide with holidays or school breaks. Children are divided into several classes based on age and abilities.

JCEP is taught by several volunteer members of our community. Our teachers are dedicated to making religious education fun and engaging. JCEP includes a focus on Jewish traditions and ethics as well as history. Children will begin to learn key prayers and their meaning as well as the Hebrew language. Check the events calendar for class dates.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in this program, please feel free to contact the Coordinator of Kol Ami's Children and Family Programs at children[at]kolaminvrc.org. We are happy to connect you with one of the teachers to learn more about the program. We are also open to having you come sit in on a class and observe. We do require that families who have children enrolled in the school become members of Kol Ami. The additional registration fee for JCEP is $300 if you have one child in JCEP, $475 if you have two or more children in JCEP.

Review the bios for our JCEP teachers Erin Bueno de Mesquita, Steve Pershing, and Jen Sklarew.

B'nai Mitzvah:
Children (and their parents) interested in becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah are encouraged to review the B’nai Mitzvah Program Policy and Expectations. Parents may also wish to review the FAQs for Kol Ami B’nai Mitzvah Service and Celebration and Securing Shabbat Hosts for B’nai Mitzvahs. Several Kol Ami members, as well as Rabbi Leila Gal Berner may be available to work with your child and family to provide B'nai Mitzvah consultation and/or training. If you have questions contact children[at]kolaminvrc.org.

High Holidays Children’s Services

Kol Ami offers high holiday services for two age groups of children – young children (ages 3- 6 years) and school age children (ages 7 – 12 years) during the first day of each holiday. At least one parent of the younger children must stay with your child/children during the service. Children aged 13 and older are welcome to attend our main services. In addition, younger children are also welcome to join their family at the main services.

Our High Holiday Children's Services will provide children with the meaning of the holidays and involve them with age-appropriate singing and crafts as well as hearing the shofar demystified and blown. A welcoming visit to the main service is included. For non-members families we would appreciate a donation.

Hanukkah Celebration:
Kol Ami holds a community-wide Hanukah celebration at the UUCA. Check the events calendar for details.

Purim:
Kol Ami holds a community-wide Purim celebration at UUCA. It is lead by community volunteers. Check the events calendar for details.

To learn more about these programs, please contact the Coordinator of Kol Ami's
Children and Family Programs at children[at]kolaminvrc.org.