Child Care During the Jewish High Holidays

The High Holidays are among the most meaningful days of the year for Jewish families. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are times for reflection, prayer, and gathering as a community. Yet for many parents of young children, attending services can be challenging. A crying infant, an energetic toddler, or a preschooler with limited attention spans can make it difficult for parents to fully engage in worship. At the same time, parents often feel torn between participating in services and meeting the needs of their children.

Providing professional child care during the High Holidays creates a welcoming environment for families while allowing congregants to focus on prayer and reflection.

Why Offer Child Care During the High Holidays?

Families Feel Welcome

Young families are more likely to attend services when they know their children will be cared for in a safe, engaging environment. It makes it easier to concentrate on your faith when you know the children are safe.

Children Have Their Own Meaningful Experience

High Holiday child care doesn’t have to be “babysitting.” It is a faithful time for children too!

Professional caregivers can incorporate, with notice, age-appropriate activities that introduce children to Jewish traditions through stories, crafts, music, books, and hands-on activities.

Examples may include:

• Apple and honey crafts
• Shofar coloring pages
• Holiday songs
• Building kindness and gratitude activities
• Quiet sensory play for toddlers

Children begin building positive associations with their synagogue while learning about their faith in developmentally appropriate ways.

Professional Child Care Provides Peace of Mind

Many synagogues rely on volunteers, but holidays often require additional support.

Professional caregivers can offer:

• Background-checked staff
• CPR and First Aid training
• Experience with infants through school-age children
• Structured activities
• Safe check-in and check-out procedures
• Flexible staffing based on attendance

More Than the High Holidays

Many congregations also offer child care for:

• Shabbat services
• Religious school events
• Adult education classes
• Community celebrations
• Holiday programs
• Parent groups
• Special lectures and guest speakers

Providing child care demonstrates that your congregation values families and wants every member to feel included. Helps out with attracting families to join in activities as well. 

Creating a Family-Friendly Synagogue

Families who feel supported are more likely to become active members of the congregation. They volunteer, enroll their children in religious education, attend community events, and build lasting relationships within the synagogue. While your volunteers forever will be the background of your program, professional child care allows parents to worship, children to learn, and congregations to create an environment where every generation feels welcome. 

Need Professional Child Care for Your Synagogue?

TLC Family Care provides experienced, background-checked caregivers for synagogues throughout the St. Louis areas (as well as other cities!) during the High Holidays, Shabbat services, educational programs, and special events. Whether you need one caregiver or an entire team, we can help you create a safe and welcoming experience for every family.