Jewish mamas: tot shabbat, what to expect

Slobina

We had a naming ceremony for Ruby a few weeks ago, and the rabbi mentioned bringing Ruby to tot shabbat.  There's one this weekend at 10.  I'm thinking of going, but just wondering what to expect.  What do they do?  Can we sit on the floor?  Do you have to dress up?  Also, Ruby is babbling a lot right now, so I hope it is ok if the kids make noise.

Amy

Update: I just heard back from the folks at Temple Beth Shalom, and there is no tot shabbat this Saturday.  Boo.  I'd still love to hear about it anyway if you have any thoughts.

MrsAJL

Are y'all TBS members?  We're CBI members so I can only speak to their Tot Shabbat.   Generally I would sit on the floor with DS (I haven't taken DD to one yet).  There were songs and then the rabbi would either read a story from a book whose theme coincided with the Torah portion that week or he would do a super kid friendly d'var torah.  There was a snack and sometimes a crafty activity after wards. CBI is really casual so no, we didn't dress up.

CBI also does a family Friday evening service at 5:30 once every six weeks or so.  There are songs, candle lighting, a very short topic, and then motzi over challah. Then it's followed by a kid friendly meal.  

misjenn

Slobina:

We had a naming ceremony for Ruby a few weeks ago, and the rabbi mentioned bringing Ruby to tot shabbat.  There's one this weekend at 10.  I'm thinking of going, but just wondering what to expect.  What do they do?  Can we sit on the floor?  Do you have to dress up?  Also, Ruby is babbling a lot right now, so I hope it is ok if the kids make noise.

Amy

Update: I just heard back from the folks at Temple Beth Shalom, and there is no tot shabbat this Saturday.  Boo.  I'd still love to hear about it anyway if you have any thoughts.

We are TBS members but in the process of switching over to CBI. Tot Shabbot is so much fun! Abby is awesome. There is a lot of music. The kids get to play instruments and the Rabbi is there to read a short story. There is also a parade with the Torah. Then everyone goes out to the hall for some grape juice and challah. Afterwards a lot of the parents take the kids to the playground and we let them play for a bit.

MrsAJL

off topic, but misjenn, do you mind sharing why y'all are switching? if you don't feel comfortable, that's cool. you can email me if you want. DH and I have been considering a switch from CBI.

gloria dot litt@gmail

misjenn

MrsAJL:

off topic, but misjenn, do you mind sharing why y'all are switching? if you don't feel comfortable, that's cool. you can email me if you want. DH and I have been considering a switch from CBI.

gloria dot litt@gmail

YGM

Slobina

MrsAJL:

off topic, but misjenn, do you mind sharing why y'all are switching? if you don't feel comfortable, that's cool. you can email me if you want. DH and I have been considering a switch from CBI.

gloria dot litt@gmail

I'd like to know too, if you wouldn't mind.  a underscore hardison at yahoo dot com.

mrs.wildman

I haven't done Tot Shabbat yet, but want to. The Rabbi from TBS married me and DH and I can't speak highly enough of him. We're not members of the congregation yet, but looking to join one in the next year or so and I def. want to check this out! I should note that the services were a bit "campy" for my taste (guitar, etc.) but DH really liked them. He's not Jewish, so I'll take what I can get and it meant a lot that he enjoyed services. 

Slobina

mrs.wildman:

I haven't done Tot Shabbat yet, but want to. The Rabbi from TBS married me and DH and I can't speak highly enough of him. We're not members of the congregation yet, but looking to join one in the next year or so and I def. want to check this out! I should note that the services were a bit "campy" for my taste (guitar, etc.) but DH really liked them. He's not Jewish, so I'll take what I can get and it meant a lot that he enjoyed services. 

The Rabbi from TBS married us too, and he just did Ruby's naming ceremony.  We absolutely adore him.  In the same boat as you also - not members yet, looking to join.

mrs.wildman

Slobina:

mrs.wildman:

I haven't done Tot Shabbat yet, but want to. The Rabbi from TBS married me and DH and I can't speak highly enough of him. We're not members of the congregation yet, but looking to join one in the next year or so and I def. want to check this out! I should note that the services were a bit "campy" for my taste (guitar, etc.) but DH really liked them. He's not Jewish, so I'll take what I can get and it meant a lot that he enjoyed services. 

The Rabbi from TBS married us too, and he just did Ruby's naming ceremony.  We absolutely adore him.  In the same boat as you also - not members yet, looking to join.

Maybe we should have a Tot Shabbat GTG/playdate  

MrsAJL

mrs.wildman:

Slobina:

mrs.wildman:

I haven't done Tot Shabbat yet, but want to. The Rabbi from TBS married me and DH and I can't speak highly enough of him. We're not members of the congregation yet, but looking to join one in the next year or so and I def. want to check this out! I should note that the services were a bit "campy" for my taste (guitar, etc.) but DH really liked them. He's not Jewish, so I'll take what I can get and it meant a lot that he enjoyed services. 

The Rabbi from TBS married us too, and he just did Ruby's naming ceremony.  We absolutely adore him.  In the same boat as you also - not members yet, looking to join.

Maybe we should have a Tot Shabbat GTG/playdate  

This would be so fun!

Slobina

MrsAJL:

mrs.wildman:

Slobina:

mrs.wildman:

I haven't done Tot Shabbat yet, but want to. The Rabbi from TBS married me and DH and I can't speak highly enough of him. We're not members of the congregation yet, but looking to join one in the next year or so and I def. want to check this out! I should note that the services were a bit "campy" for my taste (guitar, etc.) but DH really liked them. He's not Jewish, so I'll take what I can get and it meant a lot that he enjoyed services. 

The Rabbi from TBS married us too, and he just did Ruby's naming ceremony.  We absolutely adore him.  In the same boat as you also - not members yet, looking to join.

Maybe we should have a Tot Shabbat GTG/playdate  

This would be so fun!

Ditto!  I'm in.

misjenn

Slobina:

MrsAJL:

mrs.wildman:

Slobina:

mrs.wildman:

I haven't done Tot Shabbat yet, but want to. The Rabbi from TBS married me and DH and I can't speak highly enough of him. We're not members of the congregation yet, but looking to join one in the next year or so and I def. want to check this out! I should note that the services were a bit "campy" for my taste (guitar, etc.) but DH really liked them. He's not Jewish, so I'll take what I can get and it meant a lot that he enjoyed services. 

The Rabbi from TBS married us too, and he just did Ruby's naming ceremony.  We absolutely adore him.  In the same boat as you also - not members yet, looking to join.

Maybe we should have a Tot Shabbat GTG/playdate  

This would be so fun!

Ditto!  I'm in.

Us too!