Faith Bloomed at Temple Tikvah's Tot Shabbat Dinner

The faith of several children blossomed through song and various activities at the annual Tot Shabbat dinner on Friday.

Rabbi Randy Sheinberg thinks the Temple's Tot Shabbat provides a pathway into the children's faith. Sheinberg says music and stories are a great way to learn.

“The kids love the singing, the music is great," she said. "They can always participate.”

The stories always involve the children as well, offering their creative input. 

Connecting with the children early and watching them grow is something Sheinberg finds important.

“You see the seeds that were planted, you see them flowering," Sheinberg said. She also added that she sees their pride and that they feel a sense comfort at Temple.

Each year Tot Shabbat has grown, adding more new faces to the crowd. Sheinberg is committed to having them enjoy Temple and knows it creates a community. Children gain friends and make special connections.

Tot Shabbat liason and mother of three Shari Rotstein had her kids attend Tot Shabbat and she really believes it is a great way for kids to “get in touch with Judaism.”

“It’s like a stepping-stone, a stairway," Rotsein said. "You are always very comfortable, this place is like a second home.”

The service gives children repetition, but in a fun way, which Rotstein stated makes the children able to understand. Making it relatable let’s the children learn through activities that they enjoy the most.

Rotstein said it taught her children a lot about Judaism.

“My kids received an introduction, they got a little bit of everything and a feel of everything," she said.

At this Shabbat, children were able to put their handprints on a tablecloth that will be present at all of the future Tot Shabbat’s. Children were also given the opportunity to say thank you to God and say one thing they were thankful for.

The next Tot Shabbat will be held on Saturday, March 5 at 10:15 a.m.