For us at Torat Hayim one of the most important aspects of communal life is our youth activities. Gila Gershon is the heart and soul of these activities. On an average we have a special Youth Shabbat once a month. Children, ages ranging between 4 and 14, have their own special activities. After the Torah Reading they join the main service for a quiz on the week's Parashah in which lots of Smiley stickers are distributed which are later redeemed for small prizes. It is a most heart-warming sight to see these youngster sitting on the carpet in front of the ark answering the quiz questions - usually posed by Dr Aryeh Friedler. Another very successful venture of the Youth Commitee was an excursion to Bet ha-Tefutzot in Tel-Aviv during the summer of 2003. Here our youngsters had an opportunity to learn about Jewish life in the diaspora in ages past - and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Please click here to browse through some mementos of that visit.

Of course, the yearly round of festivals also plays a very important part in our youth activities. Before the festival of Sukkot, for example, our youngsters get together to prepare decorations for the communal Sukkah, and during Ĥol ha-Mo'ed they have an Ushpizin afternoon at which many of our youngsters host their friends and neighbours as guests in our Sukkah. A very good and joyous time is had by all - as befitting the joyous festival of Sukkot.

Ushpizin in the Sukkah, 5764

Reading the Megillah, Purim 5763

One of the most joyous occasions in the year is Purim. When Purim comes around our synagogue is usually filled to overflowing because not only our members come to hear the Megillah read, but also many Herzliyans who are not members join us because they look to us to provide them with this happy religious experience. Much of the actual reading of the Megillah is done by young people from our congregation. Almost invariably, after the service there is a costume parade for the younger children, prizes and entertainment.