Young Families

Fun, engaging first Jewish experiences now…

Memories to last a lifetime

Programs for families with kids ages 1-7, and anyone who loves to laugh!

Shabbat

Havdalah

Holidays

Fun!

Our programs include:

Music – singing, dancing, drumming
Crafts, stories, games
Plays, puppets
Jewish values
Multi-generational activities involving the whole congregation
A nosh—shared meals & snacks
Wonderful surprises!

Share the joys of Jewish culture with your own family while getting to know your Jewish community family here in northern Vermont.

We celebrate diversity — everyone is welcome. Temple Sinai membership is not required to attend our Young Families programs.

Like everyone, our programming has been impacted by the pandemic. We embrace the challenge! Watch the Temple home page and newsletter for information on ZOOM access and other programming. Meanwhile, we all look forward to celebrating in person when the danger has passed!

Join us, we’d love to see you!

K-1 Classroom panorama - Murals, climbing wall — Climb the Wall – Cross the Red Sea!

Visit the Young Families blog page - Events, Resources, Fun Stuff!

Testimonials

I cannot put into words

what Saragail Benjamin does for Temple Sinai and the Jewish community of Vermont. If you have small children from 1-8, please join her for a truly transformative experience in Judaism, life, and love. — Gabriel Taylor-Marsh

Before the pandemic hit, I loved attending havdalah potlucks

with my family at Temple Sinai. There was such a welcoming community of families and Saragail always came up with fun activities for the kids. Now that we can’t meet in person, we enjoy connecting over Zoom for the many fun activities and services planned by Saragail. We feel so fortunate to have this community of families and it’s a huge part of the reason we became members of Tempe Sinai. We’re so happy to see it becoming more and more vibrant over the years.
— Julie Baer

Our girls, Arielle and Madeline, were a part of the young families programs for years

and they always loved the activities. So when Saragail approached them to be a part of the Temple Sinai Goblin Players, they were delighted to perform in the Chanukah show for the smaller kids. This as been a great part of our family’s Temple life!
— Linda Greenblatt

The young families events are a perfect way

for our busy young famiiy to experience Jewish culture. Saragail does an amazing job of keeping our toddler twins engaged, while still making it fun for the older kids. The events are interactive, exciting, and really tailored to the developmental level of the kids. I’m glad we participate!
— Jessica Faraci

Joyful, imagintative, creative programming

My family always loves participating. Special favorite—helping to act out the story of Jonah for Yom Kippur, with Jonah and a ship puppet bouncing on a sea the kids create together.
— David & Eliza Weissberger

The children are engaged

The children’s programs at Temple Sinai have been most enjoyable! We have participated in our granddaughters’ events with Saragail. She brings much energy, enthusiasm, musical talent and holiday excitement to these celebrations. because Saragail interacts with them. These events are a wonderful introduction for our youngest members.
— Ginny Greenblott

Our Director of Young Families Programming

Saragail Benjamin

Saragail comes to us with 30+ years of working with Jewish education, arts education, music, performance, drum circle facilitation, and community building. From schools and camps nationwide to meeting rooms of global giants like Reebok-Adidas and Deloitte, she’s brought thousands of people together with her diverse skill set.

In addition to being the Director of Young Family Programming, Saragail teaches K-1 in our religious school. She is thrilled to be sharing her love of kids, families, and Jewish tradition with the families of Temple Sinai.

Email Saragail