Join Us for Our Young Families Programs!
Welcome! Young Families of Alexandria and Arlington offers a place where families raising Jewish children can meet one another, celebrate together, and build community.
In addition to Shabbat and holiday programming, we offer many other opportunities for families to "do something Jewish" with friends and neighbors. Some of these events are organized by Agudas Achim and others by volunteers. All families are welcome, regardless of synagogue membership or affiliation.
Check back often for information about upcoming events and helpful resources. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram or sign up to receive emails from Agudas Achim Young Families. Interested in meeting Young Families who live in your neighborhood? Fill out this Google form and we'll put you in touch with other families in your zip code. We hope to see you soon!
Resources
Young Families Shabbat Services
Saturdays, December 2, 9 and 16 | 11 a.m.
Families with children birth to age five are invited to join us for this family-friendly Shabbat celebration. We gather almost every Saturday morning during the school year to celebrate Shabbat, enjoy a Torah story, and have fun with friends.
The first Shabbat of the month is led by Morah Jen; all other Shabbatot are led by trained Rhythm n' Ruach instructor Ariel Michaelson.
Next Up...Hanukkah!
Hanukkah runs from December 7 - December 15 this year
With Hanukkah just around the corner, Young Families has several fun programs for you and your family to celebrate this holiday season.
Hanukkah in Del Ray!
Sunday, December 10 | 6:30 p.m.
Come and join Rabbi Rein, Hazzan Dienstfrey, and Morah Jen for songs, sufganiyot, and celebration as we light the fourth candle at the Del Ray* Community Menorah. ALL are welcome! We hope to see you there.
*Del Ray is a neighborhood in Alexandria. Meet us in the parking lot at Mt. Vernon Avenue and East Oxford Avenue near St. Elmo's Coffee Pub and Bagel Uprising.
CommUNITY Menorah Lighting at Mosaic District
Thursday, December 14 | 5:30 p.m.
Join the commUNITY on the last night of Hanukkah at the Mosaic District in Fairfax to light the candles, sing songs, enjoy entertainment, spin the dreidel and more! Activities begin at 5:30 p.m.; the menorah lighting begins at 6 p.m.
Tinok Time with Moral Ariel
Mondays, November 20, 27; December 4, 11 | 10:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Click here to register; cost: $50
Tinok Time* is BACK!
Come and join Morah Ariel in the Agudas Achim Preschool for free play, snack, and a Rhythm 'n' Ruach class. Rhythm 'n' Ruach is a joyful music and movement experience. We will explore different instruments, songs, and connect you and your child to each other and the community through music.
About Morah Ariel: Morah Ariel has been Agudas Achim Preschool's music teacher since 2018 and has led Young Families programs since 2020. She has her bachelors in music and psychology from American University and is a certified Rhythm 'n' Ruach instructor.
*Tinok (baby in Hebrew) Time is for children 18-36 months and their caregiver
Sing-a-Long with Hazzan Dienstfrey
Sundays, monthly, next session: December 10 | 11 a.m.
Click here to register
Families with children birth to age five are invited to join Hazzan Diesntfrey at Fairlington park for a music-filled Sunday morning. It's a great way to introduce children to Judaism through song and a chance to connect with other families from the community.
Looking for something to do as a family? These are events you won't want to miss.
Click on an event below to register.
Fri, December 1 2023 18 Kislev 5784