The High Holidays are almost here, and there are lots of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services in and around Boston geared to kids and families, from crafts to sweets to stories and puppets. Here’s a selection of High Holiday services for kids, with more to come as the dates draw closer.
Al fresco fun
Chabad of Natick hosts an al fresco, hourlong family Rosh Hashanah gathering on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 12:15 p.m. Munch sandwiches, enjoy holiday-themed kids’ activities complete with games and prizes, hear the shofar and frolic outside. RSVP here.
High Holiday workshop and story time
Visit Sharon’s Temple Israel on Sunday, Sept. 10, for a workshop and community meet-and-greet with breakfast, social time, food, board games and more. It starts at 9 a.m. RSVP here.
The synagogue will also partner with Norwood Library for a High Holiday story time on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 4 p.m. Register in advance.
Hybrid celebrations
Boston Workers Circle offers an assortment of High Holiday programming geared to the whole family on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, with in-person and virtual options for those who can’t quite make it out of the house. It’s geared to kids 4-8. Register here.
The Boston-Area Jewish Education Program at Brandeis University hosts in-person and virtual High Holiday services, including a 45-minute Rosh Hashanah children’s service on Saturday, Sept. 16, and a Yom Kippur children’s service on Monday, Sept. 25, at 9:30 a.m. There’s also a children’s room for adult services. Register here.
Poetry, storytelling and lots more
Temple Beth Avodah hosts a family service for kids 12 and under with Rabbi Keith Stern and cantorial leader Emma Rehfeld starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, with songs, poetry and storytelling. The temple will also host Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur children’s programs for kids in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, with help from teen leaders, on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 10:30 a.m., and on Monday, Sept. 25, at 10:30 a.m.
Last, but not least: The temple is hosting a Yom Kippur interactive family experience, where families will set an intention for tikkun olam (repairing the world) with time for singing, praying and learning, plus interactive nature-based activities. It’s geared toward families with kids 12 and under. It happens on Monday, Sept. 25, at 9 a.m. Register here.
Puppet parties
Temple Hillel B’nai Torah in West Roxbury will host the ever-popular Caravan Puppets troupe for Rosh Hashanah story time on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. Visit the temple website for details closer to the date.
Quick and simple
Join Temple B’nai Brith in Somerville for a free, 45-minute tot and family High Holiday service on Rosh Hashanah on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., and again for Yom Kippur on Monday, Sept. 25, at the same times. Register here.
Sweet celebrations
Chabad of Cape Ann hosts a pre-Rosh Hashanah fair on Monday, Sept. 4, at 12 p.m., hosted in conjunction with PJ Library. Enjoy challah-baking, crafts, honey-dipping apples and lots more. RSVP here.
Tot Rosh Hashanah
Temple Shalom of Medford hosts an hourlong Tot Rosh Hashanah on Saturday, Sept. 16, for kids up to 5, and a separate service for older kids, both starting at 10 a.m. Tot Rosh Hashanah includes songs, prayers, puppets and a craft with stickers. Regular services start at 9 a.m., with lunch at 1:30 p.m. Non-members can request tickets here.
View all Rosh Hashanah events and Yom Kippur events.
