Youth Department

Step into the vibrant and dynamic world of the OZ Youth Department, where a warm welcome awaits you. Immerse yourself in a community that thrives on our shared Jewish values and connection as you and your family embark on a journey filled with engaging Shabbat morning groups, thrilling events, and abundant, exciting,  chesed opportunities. Our dedicated youth directors are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where you can participate in various enriching activities and forge lasting friendships. Come and be a part of something extraordinary! Experience the joy of belonging in the OZ community, the thrill of exciting events, and the fulfillment of personal growth. Join us at the OZ Youth Department, where every moment is a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Here is a sampling of what we offer:

• Weekly Shabbat Morning Youth Groups
• Weekly Shabbat Afternoon Meetup in the Park
• Seasonal and Holiday Events
• Ongoing Teen Programming
• Parent-Child Learning
• Occasional Family Shabbat Dinner
• Youth Tutoring
• And More!

The Youngest Group: 0-3 years old:

The youngest group caters to children who rely on their caregivers’ presence to engage in group activities meaningfully. This group begins with free play time with the various toys in the room facilitated by parents, youth leaders, and typically one of the youth directors. There is coffee and fruit for the parents to enjoy; a snack is served to the children. After a free-play time, we go upstairs to the *new* social hall playroom, where the kids can run around in a gym-like environment. Following the playroom, we return downstairs for circle time, which includes Shabbat songs, morning prayers, and story time. We then say kiddush and enjoy food together. Parents can choose to stay and shmooze or bring their child into the sanctuary for Adon Olam at the conclusion of services.

The Toddler Group: 3-6 years old:

The toddler group is for children who are comfortable being dropped off by their parents and led by youth leaders for the duration of the groups. This group, too, begins with free play time in the room facilitated by youth leaders. The children enjoy snack time and then go downstairs to the *new* social hall playroom, where the kids have a chance to run around in a gym-like environment. Following time in the playroom, a youth director joins the group for circle time, which includes Shabbat songs, morning prayers, and an age-appropriate parsha discussion. We then say kiddush and enjoy food together while the children continue to play until the end of services. Parents of this age group can either pick up their child and bring them into the sanctuary for Adon Olam or the child will remain in the room with a youth leader until services conclude and a parent returns for pick up before the kiddush.

The Older Children Group: 6+ years old:

The boys and girls meet separately on the third floor in the older groups, which we define as six years old and above. Each group engages in activities that they enjoy—such as board games, sports, or other contests—with youth leaders present. Once a quorum has gathered, each group proceeds with a more extensive Shabbat morning davening, followed by a robust discussion about this week’s Parsha and seasonal Jewish events and holidays. Snacks, treats, davener of the week prizes, and raffle tickets are all part of the Shabbat morning fun!