THE J
Grow & Play
The J offers families the opportunity to enjoy playdates, community events and holiday celebrations that connect families and build friendships. Our goal is to foster connections, enhance community ties and introduce Jewish values through play-based programs, early childhood education and camp. There are programs for families with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and elementary-age children. Enjoy regularly occurring programs such as our weekly Tot Shabbat and monthly Handstands & Havdalah plus daily enrichment opportunities for play, learning, creativity and more.
The J’s family programs are designed to help families connect with Jewish values, traditions and holidays while building a kehila—community—of families with young children. Our programs are child-centered, inclusive and hands-on, creating opportunities for children and their grown-ups to learn, play and connect.
Regularly Occuring Programs
Playscape Experience
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Designed for children ages 0- 3
Join us for an interactive session that includes reading, singing and dancing. This program is designed to help young children build early literacy and social skills while creating opportunities for children and their grown-ups to play, connect and build community together. This a is free drop-in program.
Open Gym and Tot Shabbat
Fridays | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Designed for children 5 and under
Celebrate Shabbat with your friends and family with open gym in the gymnastics center followed by musical services. Open gym will begin at 10:00 AM in the gymnastics center, followed by music and services at 11:00 AM in the lobby. Registration for Open Gym is required, and cost is $6. Tot shabbat is free and no registration is needed.
Handstands and Havdalah
Select Saturdays | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Designed for children 5 and under; all are welcome!
As shabbat ends, bring the children to our once monthly Handstands & Havdalah program! Starting at 4:00 PM, kids can jump, tumble, climb and play with friends at our Open Gym. Open Gym is followed by a 5:00 PM, interactive song session Havdalah service in our lobby, where we bid farewell to Shabbat and welcome the week ahead. Open Gym requires advanced registration and costs $6. Havdalah is free and no registration is required.
Birthday Parties!
Celebrate your little one’s birthday at the Playscape! Children can climb through tunnels, race down the slide, drive the firetruck and explore together. The Playscape also includes a dedicated infant area where our youngest guests can safely practice crawling and climbing.
Parties include access to a separate party room for food, cake and continued celebration.
In addition to our recurring programs, we offer special holiday celebrations and other family experiences throughout the year. Check our calendar for upcoming programs, and keep an eye out for our family eblasts highlighting what’s coming up at the J.
For more information, contact mfisher@erjcchouston.org.
