Congregation Netivot Shalom is a community that prides itself on its rich opportunities for learning. There are programs for people of all ages, from pre-school to adults. Explore the options below for information about our youth programs and adult classes.

Our Audio Guide for Davening has sound files for Shabbat morning, Kiddush, grace after meals, and Havdalah.

Netivot Shalom Preschool

Netivot Shalom Preschool offers a high-quality Jewish Early Childhood Education that provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for children ages 18 months through pre-K. Our program is developmentally appropriate, play-based, and immerses children in a rich Judaic environment. The curriculum naturally aligns with the Jewish calendar, thoughtfully responding to the children’s emergent interests and needs.

Netivot Shalom Preschool is an inclusive and welcoming community. Our school accepts families of all religions, cultures, races, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities.

Our daily activities emphasize middot (Jewish values), fostering each child’s exploration of their Jewish identity while nurturing their holistic growth. We are committed to developing the whole child—socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and cognitively—in a community that honors compassion, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our core program runs from 9 am – 1 pm, with options to extend for a full day between 8 am until 5:30 pm. Our preschool offers rolling admission for children ages 18 months through 5 years. Our kehillah (community) is open whenever you are ready to join.

🌟 Why Choose Us?

  • A loving and safe space guided by Jewish values.
  • A play-based, emergent curriculum designed to support your child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.
  • Engaging and age-appropriate activities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and learning through play.
  • Flexible schedules to accommodate your family’s needs, including core-hour and extended day options.

👶 Program Highlights:

  • Small class sizes for individualized attention and care.
  • Experienced and compassionate educators dedicated to helping your child grow and thrive.
  • A community-centered approach that fosters friendships and a sense of belonging.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Enroll your child today and join our loving preschool community.

📞 Contact Us: For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Alison Sorscher, Interim Preschool Director, at preschool@netivotshalom.org or call 510-549-9447, ext. 4.

 

Children’s Shabbat Programskidsshabbat2

Netivot Shalom welcomes people of all ages on Shabbat with great excitement and delight! Netivot Shalom offers a range of child care and programming for children ages two through high school, including Mishpacha Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning. For more information, see Children’s Shabbat Programs.

New: Pre-Amitim (4th and 5th grades)

We are now offering a 4th and 5th grade Pre-Amitim Program.  If you or someone you know is interested in joining this new youth program, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Hillary Fox for more information at youth@netivotshalom.org.
Members and Non-members welcome!

B’nei Mitzvah – Amitim (6th and 7th Grades)

Amitim, meaning friends and fellowship, is Netivot Shalom’s B’nei Mitzvah program. Amitim provides a community where students and families share a special learning and growing experience together. This program helps to provide a foundation of Hebrew and synagogue skills, as well as engaging students in social action and Tikkun Olam.

The Amitim curriculum is divided into two components: Jewish Studies and Synagogue Skills. The Jewish Studies component is then further divided into trimesters for each of the two years of the Amitim Program. The topics for each year include: 

Jewish Studies Year 1

  • Where Do I Stand? (Judaism’s Great Debates)
  • Mentsch Training Academy (Social Justice & what it means to be part of a Jewish community) 
  • Torah & Haftarah, culminating with 2-3 group sessions on how to write a drash *facilitated by Rabbi Chai* at the end of the year

Jewish Studies Year 2

  • Kevah & Kavanah (What/Who is God and what is my relationship with God)
  • Na’aseh V’nishmah (Social Justice and Tikkun Olam)
  • Where do I Stand? (Philosophy)

Amitim meets on Tuesdays. Click here to register for Amitim. For more information, contact Hillary Fox, Youth and Family Programming Coordinator, at youth@netivotshalom.org.

Amitim students: click here to hear recordings of prayers and trope.

TEEn Activities

Teens in 8th grade through high school are welcome and encouraged to participate in our teen programs including youth group, madrichim, monthly youth gatherings, as well as, local and regional USY events.

For more information, contact Hillary Fox, Youth and Family Programming Coordinator, at youth@netivotshalom.org.