Young Families
Young Families
Families with young children are an important part of our community. By providing family-oriented holiday programs throughout the year, Emeth helps parents introduce their children to the richness of our Jewish heritage and demonstrates how the Jewish community celebrates holidays.
We often have events in preparation for the upcoming holidays such as storytime, crafts, and snacks hosted by the congregation at BookSmart.
High Holy Days
All children are welcome to all of our High Holy Day services. We have a special Family service on Erev Rosh Hashanah, Tashlich on Rosh Hashanah afternoon, and all are encouraged to hear the final shofar blast at the end of Yom Kippur.
Sukkot 
Members of Emeth, assisted by Jewish Studies students, build and decorate a sukkah behind the synagogue before Sukkot. They also set up tables inside the sukkah so that members can dine there during the eight-day festival. On the Friday night during Sukkot, Emeth members enjoy a community dinner in the sukkah. Our rabbi explains the festival and leads members in celebration.
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah, which immediately follows Sukkot, celebrates the end of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the start of a new cycle. At Emeth, the Torahs are removed from the ark and congregants dance around the room and sing with the Torahs. Then, either one scroll is completely unrolled in front of everyone who attends the service or two scrolls are opened to show the end and beginning of the Torah. Afterwards, the scrolls are rolled back and returned to the ark.
Chanukah
During Chanukah, Congregation Emeth celebrates in the social hall, sanctuary, and on our front steps. Families often share a dinner in the social hall on the Friday night during Chanukah. Afterward, everyone brings their chanukiah to the front of the sanctuary and lights the candles. On another night during the eight-day holiday, Congregation Emeth holds a community celebration with a candle lighting ceremony in front of the synagogue.
Tu BiShvat
Tu BiShvat, the holiday celebrating the birth of the trees, observed in different ways at Congregation Emeth. It may be a family hike---enjoying trees. There may be an Oneg Shabbat focused on fruit of the trees.
Purim
All families are part of our Purim celebrations here at the synagogue starting with a Purim Shabbat dinner followed by a joyous service with Purim spiel (story). Costumes are encouraged and hamentashen are enjoyed. We invited children of all ages (through adults) to make some noise with groggers (noisemakers) at the service and with bowling pins at our annual Purim bowling event.
Pesach (Passover)
One of Congregation Emeth's most popular events for families is the traditional community Seder, held on the second night of Passover.
Shabbat Family Services
Once a month, Congregation Emeth holds Family Services as part of the Religious School curriculum. This informal Erev Shabbat service provides students with the opportunity to learn the meaning of the prayers and discuss the Torah portion of the week. The service is led by Rabbi Dantowitz and is appropriate for children of all ages as well as for adults.
Shabbat in the Redwoods
Every summer, Congregation Emeth heads to Mt. Madonna County Park for an annual "Shabbat in the Redwoods." The park, dominated by a redwood forest, lies to the west of Gilroy in the Santa Cruz Mountain range. This event typically features a morning service, tree exploration, a picnic lunch, and family hike in the Redwoods. Families are also invited to reserve a campsite the night before and welcome Shabbat together in the Redwoods.
PJ Library Program
In addition to holding family-oriented holiday programs and Shabbat services, Congregation Emeth participates in the PJ Library program sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. The program assists young Jewish families in developing a positive Jewish identity and connection with their local Jewish community. Children enrolled in the PJ Library program receive monthly mailings of free Jewish children's books and CDs. Go to PJ Library for more information.
PJ Library’s educators and experts curate the best Jewish books to match each developmental stage of a child’s journey from infancy to independent reader. In North America, these experts select an age-appropriate board book, picture book, or early chapter book every month for kids ages 0 to 8. Older readers ages 9 to 12 get to choose their own middle-grade book each month from a selection of fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels. Go to PJ Library for more information or Sign Up for PJ Library here.
Please check Congregation Emeth's online calendar for the dates of upcoming family-oriented programs.
Sun, February 16 2025
18 Shevat 5785
Opportunities to help Los Angeles Fire Victims
We pray for everyone impacted by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. The following charities are providing services to those in need now:
Wildfire Crisis Relief Jewish Federation Los Angeles
Upcoming Events
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Tuesday ,
FebFebruary 18 , 2025
Tuesday, Feb 18th 11:30a to 1:00p
Divas Who Dine will meet at Westside Grill, 8080 Santa Teresa, Gilroy, CA, 95020. Please RSVP by Sunday, February 16th. -
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 19 , 2025
Wednesday, Feb 19th 5:00p to 6:00p
Experience tranquility and self-discovery through weekly online meditation sessions with Dr. Eve Kedar. These one-hour gatherings blend gentle guided meditations with meaningful discussions, helping you connect with your inner joy and navigate life's journey with greater clarity and purpose. We will bring our Jewish perspective into our experience. Join us every Wednesday at 5 PM from the comfort of your home as we create a supportive virtual community dedicated to mindfulness and personal growth. Whether you're new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, these sessions offer a welcoming space to nurture your spiritual well-being. To participate, simply email evekedar@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link. Come discover how meditation can transform your perspective and help you embrace your most joyful self. **When**: Wednesdays at 5 PM **Format**: One-hour online sessions via Zoom **Contact**: admin@emeth.net -
Saturday ,
FebFebruary 22 , 2025
Shabbat, Feb 22nd 10:00a to 12:00p
Shabbat Morning Service -
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 26 , 2025
Wednesday, Feb 26th 5:00p to 6:00p
Experience tranquility and self-discovery through weekly online meditation sessions with Dr. Eve Kedar. These one-hour gatherings blend gentle guided meditations with meaningful discussions, helping you connect with your inner joy and navigate life's journey with greater clarity and purpose. We will bring our Jewish perspective into our experience. Join us every Wednesday at 5 PM from the comfort of your home as we create a supportive virtual community dedicated to mindfulness and personal growth. Whether you're new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, these sessions offer a welcoming space to nurture your spiritual well-being. To participate, simply email evekedar@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link. Come discover how meditation can transform your perspective and help you embrace your most joyful self. **When**: Wednesdays at 5 PM **Format**: One-hour online sessions via Zoom **Contact**: admin@emeth.net -
Friday ,
FebFebruary 28 , 2025
Friday, Feb 28th 7:00p to 8:30p
Shabbat Friday Night Service -
Tuesday ,
MarMarch 4 , 2025
Tuesday, Mar 4th 7:00p to 9:00p
When you hear the words “New Orleans Mardi Gras” you might think of “masking”, “drunken revelry”, and “debauchery”. You would not be wrong! However, if you suspect that there may be something more to a city-wide celebration so popular with visitors that the number of people in the city doubles in size, and so attractive to the vast majority of locals - including families with children - that year after year they invest their time, money and energy to participate in its colorful traditions, you would also be correct. Congregation Emeth is hosting a program at 7 p.m. on the evening of March 4th that will offer a peek into the multitude of big messy parades, balls, parties, and festivities that make up what New Orleanians refer to as “the Carnival Season.” Join us then to find out more about Mardi Gras’ historical and religious underpinnings, its multiple forms of celebration, and even its dirty little secrets. New Orleans’ style refreshments to follow. About our Presenter: In 1979, Julie Schwartz was lured down to New Orleans by a man and a job. After a hurricane almost chased her away, she developed an insatiable appetite to learn about the history and culture of the town they call “The Big Easy.” In 2008, she made it official and became a licensed tour guide. From that point on, she harangued whoever would listen with a multitude of facts. Yet, people continue to come. You did! We hope you enjoy! -
Friday ,
MarMarch 7 , 2025
Friday, Mar 7th 7:00p to 8:30p
Shabbat Family Service with Lior Ben Hur -
Sunday ,
MarMarch 9 , 2025
Sunday, Mar 9th 2:30p to 4:00p
Roll into the Purim spirit with a night of strikes and celebration! Join us for an exciting Purim Bowling Party, fun for all ages Don’t miss this joyful, family-friendly event! -
Friday ,
MarMarch 14 , 2025
Friday, Mar 14th 6:00p to 8:00p
Purim Meets Pi Day – A Celebration Like No Other! 🎭 Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with fun, food, and festivity! 🍕 Purim Pizza on Pi Day – Celebrate 3.14 with a slice (or two) of delicious pizza! 📖 Family Service & Megillah Reflections – Experience the story of Purim with meaningful insights and reflections. 🎤 Karaoke Extravaganza – Sing your heart out with Purim parodies and classic hits! Don’t miss out on this exciting night of joy, community, and celebration! -
Friday ,
MarMarch 14 , 2025
Friday, Mar 14th 7:00p to 8:30p
Shabbat Friday Night Service
Congregation Emeth | 17835 Monterey Street | Morgan Hill, California 95037 |
CONTACT US | (408) 778-8200 | ADMIN@EMETH.NET |
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