USY
For more than 60 years, USY, USCJ’s youth movement, has brought the joy of Judaism to life for teens, inspiring them to deepen their Jewish practice, become leaders, make a positive impact on the world, and develop lasting connections to their Jewish identities.
USY, for grades 9-12, and Kadima, a program of USY for preteens grades 6-8 (though grades vary by region) allow your kehilla to engage youth with fun, meaningful experiences based on the ideology of Conservative Judaism.
USY helps you keep teens (and their parents) involved in your community long beyond their b’nai mitzvah years.
USY is committed to being a safe physical, spiritual and emotional space for teens. Please contact our confidential hotline at [email protected]/212.533.7813 to report any inappropriate behavior.
As president of the Poughkeepsie chapter, I helped revive the youth group at my synagogue and improved the local Jewish environment for kids and teenagers. USY has played a major role in the formation of a close-knit, inclusive Jewish community at my synagogue.
USY programming for your congregation:
- Chapter events
- Regional events such as weekend Shabbatons, dances, and more
- Social action and volunteer opportunities
- Online teen-led Torah study
- Leadership Training Institutes
- An annual week-long international convention, bringing together teens from across North America
- Immersive Jewish summer travel to Israel, Europe, and across North America
USY partners with teens to elevate everyday high school life into places of meaning, wholeness, and holiness…it enables them to collect experiences and interactions that shape their future as Jewish leaders.
94%
of teens say USY makes Judaism more relevant and meaingful
68%
of teens say involvement in USY has made them want to increase their Jewish observance
97%
of parents say that traveling on one of USY’s immersive summer programs enhanced their child’s understanding and appreciation of Jewish traditions and practices
Take Action
- Contact your regional teen engagement director to learn more about USY programming in your area or to get information about starting a chapter in your synagogue
- Contact Education and Leadership Outreach Manager Abby Kerbel for educational resources
Resources
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Related Blog Posts
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Innovation Earns Westport USY International Chapter of the Year
December 12, 2018 4 Tevet, 5779Read about Westport USY, the International USY Chapter of the Year winning chapter from The Conservative Synagogue of Westport, Connecticut.
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USYers March for Their Lives
March 6, 2018 19 Adar, 5778USY is supporting teens who would like to March for Our Lives in Washington D.C. and other cities across the country.
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Inspired by USY to Take Action in School
January 5, 2016 24 Tevet, 5776Sarah Young learned about advocacy at USY’s 2015 International Convention — and created change at her school just one month later.