Tot Shabbat is one of the most common entry points into Jewish communal life for families with young children, yet it is rarely examined with the same rigor applied to other areas of Jewish education. Leaders often inherit program models or rely on intuition when making decisions about structure, facilitation, and goals, leaving uncertainty about what truly supports meaning, participation, and sustained engagement for families with children ages 0–8.
This workshop is grounded in the research that formed the basis of my doctoral dissertation, which examined Tot Shabbat programs across multiple Jewish settings. Drawing on data from both facilitators and families, the session explores how specific design and facilitation choices shape the experience of Shabbat for young children and their grown-ups. While the research centers on programs explicitly called Tot Shabbat, the findings apply to any facilitated Shabbat experience intentionally designed for children ages 0–8 and their grown-ups, regardless of program name.
Objectives
• Summarize key findings from doctoral research on Tot Shabbat programs
• Identify design and facilitation elements that support meaningful participation for young children and grown-ups
• Analyze how structure, language, and leadership choices shape family experience
• Apply research insights to the design or refinement of Tot Shabbat–style programs
Audience
Clergy, ECC Leadership, Music Specialists, Jewish educators, songleaders, and program leaders
This workshop is available in person or remotely and is adapted to the audience, setting, and goals. Please email to discuss format, timing, and fit.
For educators seeking ongoing support, curriculum, and professional development, this workshop connects to the broader songleading support system Songleading for Kiddos Support Squad.
