The “Joyfully Jewish” summer program for children ages 5 to 10 wrapped up on Saturday, August 19, the conclusion of a four-session Shabbat morning initiative by Ann Hurwitz, chair of the shul’s Education Committee. In addition to learning about Jewishness, the youngsters made new friends and looked forward to being together on the four Saturday mornings.

Dawn Teyuca, an early childhood educational professional, led the program, which focused on  experiences that prepared the children to become active participants in Jewish life — holidays and observances, blessings and prayers, stories, the Hebrew language, and togetherness with other Jewish children here on the North Fork.

Clearly one of the highlights for the children was an invitation to participate in the morning’s Torah Service. When Rabbi Gadi invited the children to the bimah for an Aliyah, it was a race to see who could get there first. Members and guests in the sanctuary enjoyed sharing the children’s enthusiasm. On the bimah, the children clustered around Rabbi Gadi and, with him, recited the blessings before and after the Torah reading.

“Rabbi Gadi, Dawn Teyuca and myself were pleased with the way the program developed and the children’s response to it. We were delighted with the children’s active engagement both in their special space and in the sanctuary,” said Ann Hurwitz.

Parents interested in enrolling their children for next summer’s “Joyfully Jewish” program can email ctigreenport@gmail.com with a message for Ann Hurwitz.