If a shul wants to attract young families as members, then it must be attractive to young families. If a child is welcomed in the shul he learns to be comfortable there and gradually begins to participate. At my shul, there are family services downstairs at least twice monthly led by the assistant Rabbi and the program director. This service is extremely family friendly and the parsha is explained at a child’s level of understanding. Also, at the back of the main sanctuary there is spot with small tables, toys and games – if there is no family service that week, the program director sits with the children. There are several small plush toys shaped like Torahs and the children are invited to carry one of them behind the Torah procession. When it is time to sing Eink Eloyhanu and Adon Olam, all the children are invited up to Bimah to participate. It isn’t unusual for a child to stroll across the bimah during the service or for a child to come up with his parent while he has an Aliyah. It brings a smile to everyone’s face to see the children enjoying themselves. These kids will grow up knowing that shul isn’t tedious or unfriendly.
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