PlayShul
גנון

Playshul is the Oxford Jewish Congregation's weekly playgroup for children aged 0-5 and their parents/carers. Meeting on Sunday mornings, 9.45am – 12.30pm, during the school term, Playshul provides Jewish learning through play and creativity, fun and friendship.

We follow the pattern of the Jewish year: making a “shofar” for Rosh Hashanah and decorations to hang in the sukkah just outside our classroom door, lighting Chanukah candles in our handmade menorahs, holding seders for Tu B’Shevat and Pesach, Purim puppetry, a Lag B’Omer hike, Yom Ha’atzmaut party, Shavuot journey to “Mt Sinai”, and Sports Day based on biblical events and encounters.

Alongside the annual cycle, our activities explore a thematic focus which this year is “Bible Families”. In tandem with the OJC’s eco-synagogue efforts, we will also enjoy outdoor and indoor “greening” activities, weaving tikun olam into our Sunday mornings together.
 
Each session includes craft, construction or cookery; snack time with brachot and birthdays, singing and storytime; structured shared reading, creative movement and games. There’s plentiful free-play, in the house corner with “kosher kitchen” and “Shabbat table” and the dressing-up rail; painting, playdough, puzzles, dolls, cars, building blocks, baby toys and outdoor ride-on toys. We have a lending library of children’s books in English and in Hebrew and books on parenting and Jewish family life.

Playshul is entirely non-denominational, and families from every strand of Judaism and degree of observance attend, including many interfaith families and representing numerous nationalities and languages, all forms of family and household unit, residents and visitors. Children attend accompanied by parent/s, a grandparent or other carer. Regular attendees, newcomers and occasional “drop-ins” are equally welcome.

Whatever your family circumstances, Jewish background or connection or familiarity, you will be very warmly welcomed. Many Playshul families have come to Oxford from abroad, either temporarily or long-stay, and for very many of us, Playshul has provided a friendly and supportive introduction into Oxford’s Jewish community – and the joy of learning about Judaism alongside your children.

For this Term’s programme and to find out more, email Louise Gordon at playshul@ojc-online.org