FoRT - Young Families of Rockdale Temple

Come into the FoRT! FoRT (young Families of Rockdale Temple) is in its ninth year as a growing community of Jewish families with children ages 0 - 6ish/1st grade (and older siblings) at Rockdale Temple.

Building FoRT means offering family-friendly events, creating connections among young families, and sharing resources for living Jewishly with little ones!

We hope you'll join us in the FoRT--members and non-members alike are welcome.

"We all want to be together, to enjoy Jewish activities and watch our children enjoy them, too...
that's the spirit of the group." 
-Stephanie De Falco, founding FoRT Co-Chair

“FoRT was perfect for me to get to know other parents of young kids in a city where I had no family.
I want my kids to understand the meaning of a Jewish community.”
– Alexis Nordrum, former FoRT Co-Chair

FoRT Shabbat is held monthly on Friday evening, Saturday morning, or Saturday evening, giving every family the opportunity to find a Shabbat experience that fits their schedule. Our half-hour services are geared toward our youngest kids, but designed to engage the adults in their lives, too! Jewish music, dancing, rituals, and stories are at the center of every FoRT Shabbat. Kids are encouraged to be themselves--singing loudly, dancing in the aisles, sitting on the bimah with our rabbis, and participating in every aspect of the service. All FoRT Shabbat experiences include a free meal and time for open play, crafts, and community building. Past FoRT Shabbatot have featured superheroes, challah baking, and Havdalah PJ parties--just to name a few!

In addition to FoRT Shabbat, participants can enjoy activities like Spaghetti in the Sukkah, FoRT on the Farm, Sunday morning musical playgroups, Game Day gatherings, Shabbat meals in members' homes, and more. Many of our events begin with services or rituals, and a meal for the whole family, then split off into two tracks--activities and snacks for kids, and schmoozing and drinks for adults. We're dedicated to making space for parents to make community! 

Have an idea for a great FoRT event? Want to connect with other young families? Let us know! FoRT is led by Chair Jenae Jacobson, Rabbi Meredith Kahan, and a dedicated committee of parents of young children. We send periodic emails with our upcoming events and opportunities to connect, as well as let participants know via invitation, email, and Facebook of big programs and special projects. You can also stay updated with FoRT and connect with families in real time via our Facebook group. Contact the FoRT leadership team any time at FoRT@rockdaletemple.org.