United Synagogue Youth is an organization for Jewish teens from across North America to meet each other, hang out together, and make lifelong friendships while learning about and experiencing Judaism. USY is sponsored by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and is open to Jewish youth in grades 9-12.
USY is divided into three levels: the Chapter, the Region and International. Neve Shalom sponsors a USY chapter which is part of the Hagalil Region, which is composed of chapters throughout Northern and Central NJ. International USY is made up of 17 regions from all over the United States and Canada.
The Neve Shalom chapter ordinarily meets twice a month on Monday evenings at 7:30. It offers a range of Social, Educational, Religious, Athletic and Social Actions programs, and lots of fun. Some of the programs that USY has run in the past include sports night, a lock-in sleepover, laser tag, a Chanukah party, apple picking, and an auction for tzedaka. Neve Shalom also sponsors a co-ed basketball team which participates in the regional USY basketball tournaments.
International USY sponsors a convention held at the end of December attended by hundreds of teenagers from all over the United States and Canada. It also sponsors a variety of summer programs including USY on Wheels which is a cross-country bus trip, and USY Israel Pilgrimage. International USY also runs USY High, a high school program in Israel, and NATIV, a yearlong study program in Israel.
At Spring Kinnus, all meals are provided at the hotel. For Fall and Midwinter Kinnus, most meals are served at the synagogue, beginning with dinner on Friday night. Breakfast on Shabbat is served at the host’s home, and consists of cold food, e.g. cereal or doughnuts. Lunch and dinner, as well as some snacks, are provided at the synagogue.
As part of the Conservative Movement, USY perpetuates the traditional practice of praying three times a day. The prayer services are specially geared for this age group. Services may take place outdoors or may consist of learning services or other methods of worship. USYers can participate to the extent of their desire and ability in a creative learning situation, with the ability to try new ways to communicate with God, while learning the traditional prayer sequences.
To join or for more information about USY, contact Neve Shalom’s USY advisor at peninasm@gmail.com.