For years, Temple Shalom has been known as the place for fun, friendship and learning for all ages. They strive to be a welcoming synagogue where everyone feels at home. With the addition of Munchkins Minyan and Tots Academy, their young family program has truly flourished. This new growth was witnessed by all on Saturday, June 11 as Temple Shalom hosted a very special Saturday Morning Worship Service. In honor of Shavuot, Temple Shalom Clergy wanted to give a gift to the community--the first annual Blessing of the Babies. As parents and children gathered on the Bima, Rabbi Andrew Paley emphasized the significance of this moment. “Celebrating with our families with newborns and young children was an awesome sight to behold.  Recognizing the incredible gifts that children are for families in the context of their Temple Shalom family was especially sweet.  I believe the verses from 1 Samuel 27-28 were definitely on the lips and in the hearts of parents and grandparents who were present, ‘ I prayed for this child, and God has granted me what I have asked’. It was a powerful reminder of what community and family and Temple Shalom are all about.” After introducing the youngest members of the congregation which ranged in age from  three months to  three years, Rabbi Paley called up the grandparents to assist with the blessings. “Having the parents, grandparents and children all under the chuppah together for a blessing was really special.  If the chuppah represents a family’s home, then what I hoped would happen is for them to see that their home is connected to others who are sharing the same experience who are also connected to a community who cares about them.  I prayed that we would be able to celebrate many happy occasions under a chuppah.” 

After the baby blessing it was time for the service to continue. With guitar in hand, Ray Farris led the congregation in prayer and song. When it was time for the Torah portion, he called up the young and young at heart to stand on the Bima with the Torah. Finally, it was time for tambourines and instruments for the kids as they sang Miriam’s Song. Watching the congregation sing and play instruments as small children danced and marched around the  Epstein Chapel makes you realize that Temple Shalom really is a place for fun, friendship and learning for all ages.  This informal service concluded with grape juice and homemade challah, but most importantly, it left everyone with a heartfelt feeling and a sense of Shalom.