Youth Activies Committee and Youth Program

The Youth Activities Committee at Beth Israel is the committee that oversees the operation of the USY program at the synagogue. The Youth Commission ensures that the youth program is funded, staffed and supported. Anyone interested in serving on this committee should contact Laura Vinogradov, chairman, at the synagogue office.

United Synagogue Youth (USY) is the youth program for youngsters and teenagers affiliated with the Conservative Movement. USY is meant to provide an exciting, rewarding, and enriching environment where kids can find friendship, fun, challenges, and a connection to their Jewish identity.

Beth Israel sponsors groups for three diff erent ages: “Kadimah”, for 5th & 6th graders, Junior USY for 7th & 8th graders, and Senior USY for high school students.

Each group has an adult advisor and a board of officers responsible for planning activities. There are a variety of programs held throughout the year, with social, religious, and educational themes. There are also regional events that are held throughout New England, which provide opportunities for our children to interact with others from different communities.

Any parent or child who has questions about the groups, or is interested in learning more about USY, should feel free to contact the BI office.

KADIMA YOUTH GROUP (Grades 5th and 6th)

In an effort to introduce our 5th and 6th grade Kadima members to other Jewish kids in the area, we will be teaming up with Beth Tikvah's Kadima group and Yeshiva's Bat Mitzvah Club. We have invited them to join us at our next events, including an afternoon of fun in the snow (or rain......), an evening of Havdallah followed by bowling, and an afternoon of baking Hamantaschen and visiting the elderly. We will also be joining the Senior USYers as they paint and redecorate the Youth Lounge. For Passover we will be organizing a Chocolate Seder and Yom Ha'atzmaut we will have a fun-filled evening of Israeli music and food. Be on the lookout for specific dates and times!

Since I've taken over as the Kadima Advisor in December, we've had two events: We made our own pizza and then watched a movie, and recently we attended BI's wonderful Havdallah service and then headed out to Claytime to paint our own pottery. Almost all Kadima members came and everyone had a great time! I am looking forward to our next events. To join Kadima or learn more, please contact me, Ellen Benz at benzfamily@charter.net.