Youth & Family Programming

At Or Shalom, we believe that we are not just passing the next generation the beauty of Judaism, but also giving them the opportunity to remake it as their own—creating the Judaism that our world, our individual communities, and our own spirits need in this moment in time.

Through engaged community action, critical thinking, creative expression, and opportunities for deep spiritual blossoming, our children develop positive Jewish connections to tradition, family, friends, and themselves. This year, our core Or Shalom Community School curriculum will dive into the beauty and mystery rooted in the elements around us, allowing young people to embody and sense into the Jewishness that bridges mind, body, and spirit.

Our programs cater to different needs—from immersive weekly learning for kids, to field trips and family participation, to B’Mitzvah preparation and Hebrew language learning.

All families are embraced, including unaffiliated, single- and multi-parent, multi-faith, multi-ethnic, multi-abled, and LGBTQ+ families. Financial aid is available, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. All of our programs are open to members and non-members—we welcome you to join this beautiful, ever-evolving community! 

Click here to find out more about Reconstructionist Judaism.

Here's a quick breakdown of our 2025-2026 programming:

Or Shalom Community School
Designed for: Youth in grades 1st - 6th.
Program runs: 4:30 – 6:00 pm, Weekly on Tuesdays, October 2025 - May 2026 (23 sessions).
Focus: Hands-on learning with a progressive curriculum. Immersive activities include art and outdoor classes. We hold two Shabbat services  (one in fall and one in spring). Multi-age groups and small class sizes support friendship/mentorship across ages. 
Location: Bernal Heights, both in the office and outdoors.
Cost: $1,050 for members, $1,350 for new members (tuition and membership are bundled together).

Learn more about our Community School

Sunday Family Program
Designed for: Families with children aged 4-10.
Program runs: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Monthly on Sundays, Sept 2025 - May 2026 (9 sessions).
Focus: Building Jewish community and experiential practice through field trips and hands-on collaborations! From making diverse Jewish foods to celebrating holidays together, we explore contemporary Jewish life through activities and accessible adventures. 
Location: Various locations throughout San Francisco, rotating monthly.
Cost: $360 per family regardless of membership status.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SUNDAY FAMILY PROGRAM

B’Mitzvah Program
Designed for: 7th graders and older students pursuing a B’ Mitzvah in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Program runs: Two Wednesdays a month from 4:30 – 6:00pm, Sept 2025 - May 2026, with additional family education and one-on-one sessions with Rabbi Faryn.
Focus: A joyful journey of Jewish identity and rites of passage, Torah learning, and community collaboration! Students and families will prepare for their individual B' Mitzvah ceremonies while collectively designing and carrying out a social justice Mitzvah project. 
Location: Bernal Heights.
Cost: $3,300 for members, $3,800 for new members (tuition and membership are bundled together).

Learn More about our B'Mitzvah Program

Family Alef-Bet Class
Designed for: Families with children in 4th-7th grades
Program runs: 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Wednesday nights, Sep – Dec 2025 (11 sessions).
Focus: Young people and their grown-ups (parents, godparents, grandparents, etc!) learning to read through the Hebrew alphabet together. Our class is also open to members in our community without children, making this a super special space to build across age and difference!
Location: Bernal Heights.
Cost: $550 per family regardless of membership status.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FAMILY ALEF-BET CLASS

Shabbat Shalomies
Designed for: Families with children aged 1-4.
Program runs: 10:00am - 12:00pm, on the first Saturday of each month, starting in August 2025.
Focus: Join us for a monthly toddler Shabbat boogie, designed for families with children ages 1–4, where we warmly welcome the whole mishpucha—grandparents, older siblings, and extended family too! 
Location: Precita Park & Day Street Park
Cost: Free!  

LEARN MORE ABOUT SHABBAT SHALOMIES

How to enroll