Families & Early Years
Nurturing young minds, building Jewish roots, and connecting families.
At Hertfordshire Progressive Synagogue, children are never expected to sit quietly in the back—they are at the very heart of our community. We offer warm, interactive, and joyful programs designed to help young families learn, play, and grow together.
A Space for Every Family
We celebrate the diversity of modern Jewish life. Interfaith families, single parents, LGBTQ+ parents, and neurodivergent children are fully embraced in all our family programs. Non-Jewish parents and grandparents are warmly encouraged to participate in every stage of their children's Jewish journey.
Families & Early Years @ HPS
- Tot Shabbat & Early Years (Ages 0–5)
Our early years sessions introduce toddlers and preschoolers to the warmth of Shabbat through music, movement, and play.
- Singing & Storytelling: Interactive, acoustic music sessions filled with child-friendly Hebrew songs, instruments, and engaging Bible stories.
- Challah & Juice: Sessions conclude with a gentle kiddush where toddlers share challah, fruit, and juice with their parents and grandparents.
- Parent Connection: A relaxed environment for new parents and carers to meet, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.
- Sunday Primary Religion School
Our Sunday morning learning hub offers a lively, modern Jewish education for primary-aged children.
- Living Judaism: Experiential lessons covering Jewish culture, values, festival traditions, and ethics through arts, drama, and cooking.
- Hebrew Literacy: Modern, accessible teaching methods that build reading confidence step-by-step at each child's own pace.
- Community & Fun: Group projects, holiday celebrations, and trips that create strong peer friendships across Hertsmere.
- Family Services & Festivals
We host regular multi-generational services tailored for families throughout the year.
- Family Shabbat: Short, intergenerational participatory Saturday morning services where children take the lead on the bima, help open the Ark, and sing alongside our rabbinic team.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Hands-on festival fun including Sukkah decorating, Chanukah craft workshops, Purim costume parades, and family Passover Seders.
