What is USY?

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.


What kind of programs does Neve Shalom's USY offer?

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.


What programs does the Hagalil Region offer?

Each year the region holds three major conventions (Fall Kinnus, Midwinter Kinnus and Spring Kinnus), a Leadership Training weekend, dances, trips, and a week of camp at the end of August (Encampment).


What programs does International USY offer?

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.


What is a Kinnus?

The central focus of a Kinnus is the USY community observance of Shabbat. USY members gather at one synagogue in the region from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning and have the opportunity to spend a joyous weekend together, with icebreakers, activities, study, singing, food, peer-led prayer, and a social program such as a dance or other entertainment.


How do Kinnus accommodations work?

Spring Kinnus is held at a hotel, while Fall and Midwinter Kinnus are hosted by congregations in the region. USYers are housed by families who are members of the congregation, often those with children of USY age. Housing that is within walking distance of the synagogue is available. USYers are always housed at least two to a house, and bring sleeping bags so they can be together. Allergies to pets or food are taken into account through appropriate arrangements.


How are meals provided at a Kinnus?

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.


What is Encampment?

Encampment is a one week program for USYers that incorporates all the elements of a summer sleepaway camp into a shorter time frame. The campers sleep in bunks with indoor plumbing (including showers), and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities including sports, arts and crafts, color war, and social action programs, as well as several educational classes. USY-led religious services are held during the day at a variety of locations and with varying emphases.


How can prayer be used to enhance the experience?

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.


My child already has so many after school activities, why should my child become involved in USY?

Participation in USY will broaden your child’s outlook by allowing him/her the opportunity to make Jewish friends, not only in your neighborhood and community, but also all over Northern and Central New Jersey and even throughout the United States and Canada. USY teaches leadership skills, and will enable your child to grow and develop in a unique way, while giving him/her the opportunity to embrace and more fully understand his/her Jewish heritage. AND IT’S FUN!!!!


How can my child join USY?

To join or for more information about USY, contact Neve Shalom’s USY advisor at peninasm@gmail.com.

 
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