Youth, Family & Teens

For Our Youngest Families

Thrilling Thursdays

Our Thrilling Thursdays program is a drop-in playgroup for children ages 0-5 and their favorite adults. Songs, games, crafts, stories, gross motor play, special guests and kosher snacks are part of the fun, led by our well-loved teachers and clergy.

Young Families on Shabbat

Our vibrant community of young families connect on Shabbat by participating in our youth services, Kehillah Kids and Me and My Toddler.

At the end of services, they join our main congregation, just in time for Kiddush, candy and hugs.  And we offer a kid-friendly Shabbat lunch following services, of pasta, bagels and more, at kid-size tables where bonds of friendship are forged. (And in the summer, weather permitting, there’s playtime outside and Shabbat picnics).

Our youngest members, born each year, are celebrated on the second day of Rosh Hashanah morning – with our heartwarming Tiny Treasures ceremony. Let us know if you have a child or grandchild to celebrate this year.

For Teens

Teen Talks

Regular learning sessions with the Rabbis, for students in grades 8-12. Explore topics as diverse as tattoos and piercings, video games and music lyrics, and discuss the Jewish take on what goes on in your lives. Come for refreshments and casual conversation! Watch our calendar for dates and topics!

Madrichim

Teen leaders in our Religious School guide and help tutor younger students, and receive additional training in Jewish leadership and mentoring. For more information, contact Ari Reis, Director of Youth and Family Learning, at areis@shaareyzedek.org or 248.357.5544.

Motor City USY (MCUSY)

Our local and award-winning chapter of United Synagogue Youth pulls together teens from all of the local Conservative synagogues in our area to create a powerhouse group of Kadimaniks (grades 6-8) and MCUSY (grades 9-12). Join them for team-building events, special Shabbatot, social action, regional leadership training, and more! Check us out at mcusy.weebly.com.