Youth & Family Programs at CAO

Youth & Family Programs at CAO

At Congregation Ahavat Olam, Jewish learning and community don’t begin and end in the classroom. Our Youth & Family Programs bring students and families together through music, holiday celebrations, book discussions, and shared experiences that spark curiosity and connection. From our youngest learners to teens and young adults — and the grown-ups who support them — these programs are designed to make Jewish life joyful, meaningful, and rooted in community at every stage.

Chagigah for Purim, March 1, 2026

A Joyful Purim Celebration for Preschoolers

On the morning of March 1, 2026, we celebrated Purim with a joyful, music-filled morning designed especially for preschoolers ages 3–5 and the adults who accompany them. Through songs, movement, and hands-on activities, children explored  Purim traditions in a warm, welcoming Jewish community setting created just for young learners.

Purim Magic Extravaganza, March 1, 2026

A Community-Wide Celebration for Grades K–9

What an incredible family Sunday aftrnoon we shared at our Purim Magic Extravaganza! Our Hebrew School students, grades K–9, and their families had a magical afternoon of Purim fun. This high-energy celebration will be filled with creativity, laughter, community spirit — and a featured live Magician Magic Show! Relive the Magic ✨

As Rabbi Idan Irelander reflected, the afternoon was truly magical — from students creating and performing their own Purim Spiel, to showcasing the magic they learned, and opening for the incredible magician, Jerry Cadabra.
 
Families came together to prepare and exchange Mishloach Manot, and the day culminated in a joyful community potluck filled with connection, laughter, and celebration.
We are so grateful to our Hebrew School parent volunteers for the care, creativity, and planning that made this day so special.
 
Take a moment to relive the joy — or experience a bit of the magic for yourself. 🎭🎩💫

Tiny Tutti Returned to CAO, March 21, 2026

A Live Music Experience for Little Ones, Ages 3-6, in collaboration with the PJ Library.

We were delighted to welcome Tiny Tutti back to the Shul@1600 for a joyful, music-filled afternoon designed especially for our youngest learners — and the grown-ups who love them.

Through lively songs, stories, and interactive moments, Tiny Tutti engages children in a playful exploration of letters, numbers, colors, animals, and core values like kindness and respect — all in a warm and welcoming Jewish community setting.

Tween Book Club (Pilot Program), March 25, 2026

For Grades 4–6 (Ages 10–13)
In collaboration with PJ Our Way

We launched a new Tween Book Club designed especially for students in grades 4–6. Offered in partnership with PJ Our Way, this pilot program brought tweens together around a shared story — encouraging thoughtful conversation, peer connection, and meaningful dialogue in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Participants received a copy of our first book, Linked, to read independently at home. We then gathered at Shul@1600 for a teen-led discussion, supported by CAO staff — and, of course, pizza dinner.

We hope to continue the Tween Book Club as a recurring program.

CAO Tween Book Club, For Grades 4–6 (Ages 10–13), in collaboration with PJ Our Way.