United Synagogue Youth, "USY"
A Message From the President: You have probably heard of the USY before, around the synagogue or from your other Jewish friends, but what is USY exactly? You know it’s some kind of youth organization, but I tell you, that doesn’t even remotely define it. USY is not just an organization; it is a way of life. It is a youth organization in which Conservative Jewish teens from all over the country and Canada participate and connect with one another. USY changes and affects its members for a lifetime. From the way we practice Judaism to the friends that we make, conventions, which all of us love and cherish, to traveling over seas to the Holy Land, the dances where friendships are made, the love that USY’ers have for USY is truly amazing and indescribable. The only possible way I can remotely express to you what USY is would be, “The most unbelievable and incredible thing a Jewish teen (should or can) experience.” The experiences from USY is not temporary, rather it lasts forever! Every day, teens’ lives are based around USY programs which help them develop leadership skills, as well as learn how to make the best of their Jewish lives. The experiences that USY'ers go through are unbelievable. We gain many different values throughout our experiences. First, the value of leadership. We learn to cooperate with others and see different perspectives in different situations. We learn to lead and be led. Another value is Judaism. USY'ers form a deep love of Judaism and a strong attachment to our Jewish community through our participation in our chapter programs and by attending regional and international conferences and Shabbatonim. At every convention, or even at our own chapter Shabbat services, we have ruach (spirit). The last value that we learn is dedication. USY is a major part of our lives. We have to make sacrifices and choices. USY teaches us a great deal about life, friendship, and values. It has changed many teenagers’ lives and will continue to do so. The best way to get our fellow students at Beth El involved in USY is by allowing them to explore programs that are run by our award-winning chapter at Beth El. Every single member on the board, including myself can say that it only took five minutes for us to say in our heads, “This is where I belong!” The real fun though, starts at the regional level, where you meet teens anywhere from Baltimore, Southern Maryland, D.C, Virginia, and North Carolina. We are the Seaboard Region. As a region, we take great pride in being recognized as one of the friendliest and welcoming regions in USY. I have met best friends in a matter of seconds on bus rides to conventions and at leadership programs. So let us welcome you to our chapter at Beth El, and let me say I am more than proud to be the President and even more proud to be a member of the organization we call, “Home." B’ahavat, Download a membership application today!2010-2011 USY Baltimore Chapter Board:Ross Hyatt, Marisa Rubin, Miles Greenspoon and Ali HyattMAZEL TOV TO THE 2008-2009 BETH EL BALTO KADIMA & USY CHAPTER FOR TAKING HOME 5 AWARDS AT SPRING CONVENTION! If interested in joining USY or if you have any questions please contact, Jillian Book at 410-484-0411 or email jillian@bethelbalto.com. |