Ever heard someone yell, “Yalla!”
While it might look like “Ya’ll,” (our popular southern term), “Yalla” is the word used in Israel to mean “Let’s go!” Yalla is also the name of a new Temple Emanu-El Initiative.
Yalla will stand for: Youth and Loving Adults.
Yalla events bring families and their young children* together to strengthen friendships and create new ones.
Families with little ones often live in a whirlwind. Loving adults are constantly looking for events where they can turn to one another and say, “Yalla! Let’s go!”
While it isn’t for everyone in the congregation (just like many of our specialty groups: Sisterhood, Brotherhood, Tribe, Booming Sababa, etc.), we wanted to spread the word so that YOU can help spread the word to your TE friends/family who fit this life stage.
Our Vision
No-babysitter-required social activities for adults and their kid(s) to enjoy together. We want to prioritize outdoor, nonstructured events like mornings or afternoons at a brewery, parks, picnics, the Battery, JCC, etc.
Spiritual gatherings that speak to little ones and the adults.
We want to continue to come together in prayer and song through Tot Shabbat and Kid-ish.
Social justice events make room for hands-on activities for all ages.
We want to find ways for little hands and big hands to work together for change.
FAQs
Do you have to be a member to attend?:
Outside of Tot Shabbat, Yes! This group is a perk of belonging to Temple Emanu-El. If you have a friend interested in learning more about Temple Emanu-El they are welcome to accompany you to ONE event to check things out. The rabbis would LOVE the chance to connect with your friends as they explore the right synagogue-home for their family.
Who watches the kids at these events?:
You do! The loving adult(s)! While the event is for everyone, parents will be responsible for their own kiddo(s) throughout the events.
Will the events cost money?:
Sometimes! Sometimes it’ll just be meet ups, other times there will be small costs to cover expenses.
What if I have one kid who is in the targeted age range and one who is not?:
These events are for loving adults, kids in the specified age group, and their siblings. Remember, the goal is no babysitter needed!
Our first social event will be July 15th. If this speaks to your life stage I hope you’ll sign up and say, “Yalla! Let’s God!”
9:30am Brook Run Park Playground Meet Up
Register HERE
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Rachael
*Who are young children? We imagine a range of babies through elementary school. But to be honest…we’re not entirely sure. We’re interested in seeing how this forms organically!
