“Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, ‘grow, grow.’”
–Talmud
Sholom Sprouts is Congregation Rodeph Sholom’s home for families with young children and the grown-ups who love them! We welcome you into our vibrant Jewish community through Shabbat and holiday celebrations, grown-up and me classes, opportunities for adult connection and more. Sholom Sprouts is open to the community—no synagogue membership is required.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working hard to ensure all our offerings prioritize the health and safety of your family above all else. While most of our programming remains virtual at this time, when we do come together in person we follow all suggested and mandatory guidelines. If you have any questions about the many ways we are striving to keep our community safe, please email Lisa at lschiff@crsnyc.org.
Parent Testimonial–
“Sholom Sprouts has been an incredible way of staying connected to Judaism and Jewish traditions. My kids have embraced and absorbed Jewish songs and rituals in the initial years of their lives because of this amazing program!”
–Laura Boucai
Come and experience the magic of Shabbat at Congregation Rodeph Sholom! We have something for everyone!
Singin’ Swingin’ Shabbat
(for children 0–5 years old and their grownups)
Join us virtually via Zoom. Click here for more information.
Every Saturday, 9:00–9:45 AM
This playful and joyous weekly Shabbat is especially for little ones. Come and dance, make a happy noise with Tkiya, meet other parents, and get to know our clergy.
Sholom Sprouts Shabbat Dinner and Singalong
Our new Friday evening Shabbat Dinner and Singalong feeds the whole family in every way. Conducted monthly by Rodeph Sholom clergy and a vibrant songleader from Tkiya, these family dinners allow you and your kids to get your Shabbat on before bedtime with songs, stories, and crafts. (Grown-ups even have their own special Kiddush—l’chaim!)
Sprouting Soon! Check back for future dates.
3–5-Year-Old Shabbat Experience (follows Singin’ Swingin’ Shabbat)
Sprouting Soon! Check back for future dates.
Join us for elevated art and social justice projects based on Jewish values, holidays and Torah stories.
*No pre-registration required
Enroll your sprout in one of our many classes for children and their grownups at Congregation Rodeph Sholom!
Learning Together
(for kiddos 12–24 months and their grownups)
15-class sessions
$700 for members/$800 for non-members
Learning Together classes introduce children to the richness of a school setting. Each session children experience different classroom activities, including free choice, group time, and playtime in our mini gym. All classes incorporate celebrations of Jewish holidays and Thursday/Friday classes celebrate Shabbat with a special visit from our clergy. For more information, email Lisa Schiff at lschiff@crsnyc.org.
We are planning for in-person classes, capping at 6 participants and prioritizing the health and safety of our families at every step. For more information, please reach out to Lisa at lschiff@crsnyc.org.
Spring 2021
9–16-Month-Olds (and their grownups)
Tuesdays, 4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Mar 9–May 25 (skipping Mar 22, Mar 30)
12–22-Month-Olds (and their grownups)
Fridays, 11:15 AM–12:15 PM
Feb 5–May 28 (skipping Feb 19, Apr 2)
To be placed on a waitlist, please email Lisa Schiff.
16–24-Month-Olds (and their grownups)
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM–10:30 AM
Feb 2–May 25 (skipping Feb 16, Mar 30)
To be placed on a waitlist, please email Lisa Schiff.
22–30-Month-Olds (and their grownups)
Thursdays, 10:15 AM–11:15 AM
Feb 4–May 27 (skipping Feb 18, Apr 1)
To be placed on a waitlist, please email Lisa Schiff.
Fridays, 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Feb 5–May 28 (skipping Feb 19, Apr 2)
To be placed on a waitlist, please email Lisa Schiff.
Wee Jam Sholom Outside
(for children 4–12 months old)
3 Wednesdays
$120 for members/$135 for non-members
Wednesday mornings rock with Wee Jam Sholom—a fun and interactive singalong with a Jewish twist led by acclaimed songleaders from Tkiya. Each session is packed with singing, stories and more! Each child will receive their own shaker and bubbles to use for the class. This class will take place outside with all physical distancing measures followed and registration will be capped at 8 grownup-and-child pairs. We hope to see you there!
Spring Sessions
3 Wednesdays, 11:15 AM–12:00 PM
Session 1: April 14, 21, and 28
Register Here
3 Wednesdays, 11:15 AM–12:00 PM
Session 2: May 5, 12, and 19
Register Here
3 Wednesdays, 11:15 AM–12 PM
Session 3: May 26, June 2, June 9
Register Here
Maccabees in Motion Outside
(for children 12–24 months)
3-class sessions
$120 for members/$135 for non-members
Specially designed for you and your little Maccabee, this movement-based class will have your toddler learning to balance, run, kick, and play. Taught by a Jewish Educator and an experienced instructor from Super Soccer Stars Kick and Play along with puppet friends, Mimi and Pepe, we’ll take you through a soccer experience combining Jewish concepts with exciting physical activity—come have a blast!
Spring Sessions
3 Tuesdays, 11:15 AM–12:00 PM
Session 1: April 13, 20, and 27
Sold Out: Please email Lisa Schiff to be added to a waitlist for this section.
3 Tuesdays, 11:15 AM–12:00 PM
Session 2: May 4, 11, and 18
Sold Out: Please email Lisa Schiff to be added to a waitlist for this section.
3 Tuesdays,12:15 PM–1:00 PM
Session 2B: May 4, 11, and 18
Register Here
3 Tuesdays, 11:15 AM–12:00 PM
Session 3: May 25, June 1, June 8
Sold Out: Please email Lisa Schiff to be added to a waitlist for this section.
Sholom Adventures
A twice-monthly program for Pre-K–2nd Graders
Join us at CRS for our Sholom Adventures program. Through lively discussions, creative projects, and engaging activities, these programs foster students’ wonderings and curiosities about themes and values in Judaism.
Shabbat Arts Workshop
(for 3–5-year-olds and their grownups)
Join us after Singin’ Swingin’ Shabbat for a special arts workshop designed just for 3–5-year-olds and their families! We’ll meet outside and work with a professional art teacher to create sun catchers, hear a Shabbat story, sing, and more! This free offering will take place outside with all physical distancing measures followed. Registration will be capped at 7 families. One grownup per child/children please.
Tentative Spring 2021 Dates: April 10, April 24, May 2, May 22, June 5
What’s a holiday without music, friends, and fun? Come to one, come to some, come to all.
Ages 0–5, except where otherwise noted
These holidays have passed, but there’s always next year!
High Holy Days || Sukkot || Simchat Torah || Chanukah || Purim
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Why should kids have all the fun? Come and learn with us, make new friends and more!
New Moms Group
(0–16 weeks)
Led by Rabbi Juliana Karol and Hannah Lavan, LMSW, this group will meet weekly to discuss what is relevant to you—recovery from childbirth, bottle- and breastfeeding, and the anxieties and pleasures of these early days during this unsettling time. Our conversation is grounded in Jewish values, but is open to all. Enjoy some social time and a safe space to discuss new motherhood. Let’s navigate this journey together.
Future dates will be announced soon. For more information contact Lisa Schiff at lschiff@crsnyc.org.
Director, Sholom Sprouts
Lisa Schiff is an experienced Jewish educator with an expertise in early childhood family education. Lisa has been with our congregation for 5 years and lives on the Upper West Side with her husband David and their children Shayna and Ari. You can reach out to Lisa and learn more at lschiff@crsnyc.org.
Associate Rabbi
Rabbi Greg Weitzman has a lot of experience working in both formal and informal Jewish education. He spent fifteen summers at Eisner Camp as a camper, counselor, songleader, and Education Director. Rabbi Weitzman lives in Manhattan with his wife Ashley, their daughter Eden, their son Jonathan, and their Golden Doodle, Chewbacca. You can reach Rabbi Greg at rabbiweitzman@crsnyc.org.
