Toddlers learn about Passover at Temple Emanu-El's Tot Shabbat

By Ian Swaby
| 10:00 a.m. April 14, 2024

Rabbi Brenner Glickman speaks to the group about Passover.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rabbi Brenner Glickman said with new children always being born, there are always new generations entering Tot Shabbat.

Held once a month at Temple Emanu-El for the past 18 years, the event, open to the community, brings young children and their parents or guardians together to explore the Jewish faith.

On April 13, however, the experience had a special significance due to the upcoming holiday of Passover.

Glickman led the session focusing on what he called "one of our principal, most important foundational holidays of the year."

The morning featured songs and prayers, crafts, snacks and a Passover-themed photo booth.

"This is a way of introducing the little tots to the traditions of Passover: the story, some of the foods, and getting them excited for the holiday that's coming up," he said.

As Tot Shabbat begins on the playground before heading inside, kids had a chance to both learn and socialize.

Adam Parker called the event a chance for his son Isaac Parker, 2, to experience Jewish life, as well as to play with the other kids.

Karen Hershman brings her grandson Brian Hershman, 2, from the playground into Tot Shabbat.

Natalie Stein, 4, and Evan Stein, 6, clap their hands along with a song.

Tot Shabbat assistant Marni Mount accepts a project to laminate from Jacob Shefrin, 6.

Shayna Shefrin and Maya Shefrin, 1, listen as Rabbi Brenner Glickman discusses Passover.

Billy Bishop, 2, decorates himself with stickers.

Layla Goldman, 3, and Tot Shabbat assistant Marni Mount.

Mike Perlman and his granddaughter Claire Perlman perform the art activity.

Sinead Goldman and Callum Goldman, 1, clap their hands to a song.

Adam Parker and Isaac Parker, 2, perform the art activity.

Layla Goldman, 3, performs the art activity.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.