Spark 2.0
Beth Jacob Congregation took an existing program and redesigned it to meet the needs of its members. What resulted, was a program that not only reached our current members, but also served as an entry for the community at large to engage with Beth Jacob. Spark has grown into a mainstay minyan at Beth Jacob and even included SPARK minyanim for the High Holidays. The children who started just as participants, have now become the leaders of this minyan, filling the roles of Chazanim, Balei Kriya, and Gabaiim.
PROGRAM
The SPARK program consists of a lively and joyous Tefilla, filled with familiar songs. Kriyat Hatorah is designed for children to be able to follow along with the Bal Korei, and is filled with all types of trivia questions from which the children may earn prizes. Children receive raffle tickets for participating in the singing and davening, as well as following along in the Chumash. From time-to-time, councilors come around with small treats to keep the energy up. At the end of the service, there is a special child-centered kiddush. The program runs for approximately 1.5 hours so that the children will be able to maintain their attention for the full program.
This new SPARK has resulted in parents and children who not only attend davening weekly, but look forward to minyan each week and join with excitement and joy.
