Noam’s Family Programming Options   Noam has programs available for families with children of all ages, at all times of year.   Noam’s family programs aim to bridge generations through games, activities and discussions that have children and adults working, sharing and learning together. Goals of the programs are to facilitate intergeneration communication, teach Jewish and environmental values, and create a positive family learning experience. It is hoped that through these experience families will be empowered to make communal decisions on Judiac or environmental choices for their homes.   Below is a list of standard programming for two hour programming blocks. Contact Noam for longer programs, or to develop a specialty program for your community. Noam also has a broad range of special holiday programming including Tu B’shvat, Shavuot, Sukkot, and Hanukah contact Noam for information on one of these holidays.   Eitz Chayim He – Trees, Earth, Torah and Family The tree is used as a metaphor for both the torah and our families, as well as being a keystone species in the natural world. In this workshop, families will work cooperatively to explore the ecological significance of trees, and Jewish laws and ethics around trees, fruit, and sustainable harvest. Utilizing these ecological and halachic principles, participants will explore why the Torah is compared to a tree, why families are compared to a tree, and what lessons can be learned from these parallels.   Listen to the Birds and They Will Teach You. Tradition teaches that if we had not received the Torah, we could have learned all there is to know by studying the animals. In this workshop families will collaboratively explore animal traits and their relationships to non human animals and discover the interconnectedness of all life. In addition, families will learn about Jewish laws and ethics around care for pets and explore how they relate to pets in their own home.   Awe, Appreciation and Action: Inspiring Environmental and Social Responsibility Through Gratitude Inspiring wonder and teaching a child to appreciate is the first goal of any Jewish educator or parent. What better way that through the beauty, gifts and functions of the natural world. “How Great are your works Hashem, all have been Created in wisdom!” Using Brachot (Blessings), games, stories and other experiential programs, we will experience the wonders of Creation, explore tools for appreciation and thanks, and discuss ways to give back to the community   Here We are Different. Exploring Family Prayer in our Natural Surroundings Celebrate the glory of Creation and your families role within it, by taking your prayer service outside. Utilizing the natural imagery embedded in Jewish prayer, as well as stories, meditation, prayer activities and communal sharing, participants will experience prayer, G-d and the natural world in a whole new way. In addition, family members will work together to explore the wonder of the natural world, write their own prayers and celebrate their thanks for family.   Your Table as a Temple Eating is a major family activity, which we engage in communally all the time. What we choose to consume and how we celebrate our communal meals, speaks volumes about our families values, beliefs and connection to the Earth and each other. In this workshop we will explore the Jewish and secular ethics related to food choices, and work together as a family to build Jewish ritual and conscious food choices into our eating practices.   The Unnatural Jew, Exploring our Personal Connection to Land How well do you know the geography of your home state or country? Can you name the lakes, rivers, mountains, valleys? Most Israelis can. In this session we will explore our personal and family connection to our homelands in the Diaspora and Israel. Families will explore their personal family histories and work together to build an understanding of the families current land relationship.   Shabbat as a Weekly Environmental Holiday, a Spiritual and Practical Guide to Shabbat Practice. Shabbat dinners are one of the most common forms of Jewish activity. While this weekly holiday is a great opportunity for community building or family bonding, Shabbat is also central to Jewish values of personal and communal sustainability. In this workshop we will explore the Jewish values of sustainability inherent in Shabbat and discuss ways to make your communal Shabbat dinner more environmentally conscious.   For more information on hiring Noam to teach in your community contact noam@noamdolgin.com