Mini Mensches
A Community of Families with Children Five and Under
Mini Mesnches make major memories!
The littlest members (and their grownups) of our CBI community gather for Tot Shabbat on the first and third Saturday of each month for a sweet Shabbat celebration just for them. Build community (and cuteness!) as you sing, dance, play, and hear stories from CBI clergy and staff.
These gatherings make an easy, joyful introduction to Judaism for little ones, and follow the cycle of the Hebrew calendar, from apples and honey for Rosh Hashanah to amazing costumes for Purim. In the summer, we even meet off campus in Portland parks and splash pads.
This community-building program is open to all families with young children—interfaith families, LGBTQ families , multigenerational families, CBI members and nonmembers alike—anyone who wants to celebrate and grow with us.
Our full schedule of Tot Shabbat services, as well as other holiday observances and programs for little ones can be found on our events calendar.
- What is a Mensch?
A mensch is an upright citizen who lives out our Jewish values in daily life. A mensch is exactly who you want your child to be! A mensch is someone to admire and emulate, someone of noble character.
- Who can be a Mini Mensch?
Mini Mensches are families with children ages 0-5. This program is free and open to all in our community. You do not have to be a member of Congregation Beth Israel to join Mini Mensches.
- What does a Mini Mensch do?
Tot Shabbat (all ages): A sweet 30 minute Saturday morning service with CBI’s clergy, music, crafts and snacks! We hold these on the first and third Saturday of each month.
Classes offered for parents and grandparents of young children that are specific to the challenges and day to day things you face (like time management and visioning).
More is being added all the time! We provide programming based on the needs and wants of our community. If you’d like to see a certain type of event, let us know. We’d be happy to help make it happen!
Music for Mini Mensches
Signing (and dancing!) together is always a highlight of our Mini Mensch celebrations; watch this space for a playlist to help you celebrate at home!
Join the Fun
We invite you to join our mailing list by filling out the form below, join our Facebook group, or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information!