United Synagogue Youth: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Jewish |
{{short description|Jewish Conservative youth organization}} |
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{{multiple issues| |
{{multiple issues| |
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{{Infobox organization |
{{Infobox organization |
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| image |
| image = USY's new logo.jpg |
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| alt |
| alt = <!-- alt text; see [[WP:ALT]] --> |
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| caption |
| caption = The USY logo |
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| map |
| map = <!-- optional --> |
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| motto |
| motto = |
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| formation |
| formation = 1951<ref name="Far West USY">{{Cite web |url=http://www.fwusy.net/about-usy/ |title=Far West USY |access-date=2014-05-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517151027/http://www.fwusy.net/about-usy/ |archive-date=2014-05-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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| extinction |
| extinction = <!-- date of extinction, optional --> |
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| type |
| type = Youth Organization |
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| status |
| status = <!-- ad hoc, treaty, foundation, etc --> |
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| headquarters |
| headquarters = [[New York, NY]] |
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| coords |
| coords = <!-- Coordinates of location using a coordinates template --> |
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| language |
| language = <!-- official languages --> |
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| leader_title |
| leader_title = Interim Sr. Director of Teen Engagement |
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| leader_name |
| leader_name = Julie Marder |
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| leader_title2 |
| leader_title2 = President |
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| leader_name2 |
| leader_name2 = Leora Frank |
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| main_organ |
| main_organ = International Executive Board, International General Board, International Youth Commission, |
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| parent_organization = [[United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism]] (USCJ) |
| parent_organization = [[United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism]] (USCJ) |
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| affiliations |
| affiliations = [[Conservative Judaism]] |
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| budget |
| budget = |
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| remarks |
| remarks = |
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| name |
| name = United Synagogue Youth |
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| image_border |
| image_border = |
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| size |
| size = 250 |
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| msize |
| msize = <!-- map size, optional, default 200px --> |
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| malt |
| malt = <!-- map alt text --> |
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| mcaption |
| mcaption = <!-- optional --> |
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| abbreviation |
| abbreviation = USY |
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| location |
| location = 3080 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 |
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| region_served |
| region_served = North America<ref name="j. (1)">{{Cite web|url=https://www.jweekly.com/2014/01/17/sunnyvale-teen-wins-international-usy-leadership-post/|title=Sunnyvale teen wins international USY leadership post|first=Abra|last=Cohen|date=January 17, 2014|access-date=August 29, 2021|archive-date=August 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829113216/https://www.jweekly.com/2014/01/17/sunnyvale-teen-wins-international-usy-leadership-post/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| membership |
| membership = 15,000<ref name="j. (1)"/> |
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| num_staff |
| num_staff = |
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| num_volunteers |
| num_volunteers = |
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| website |
| website = http://www.usy.org/ |
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}} |
}} |
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'''United Synagogue Youth (USY)''' is the youth movement of |
'''United Synagogue Youth (USY)''' is the youth movement of the [[United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism]] (USCJ).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uscj.org/YouthYoungAdults/YouthActivities/USY.aspx|title=United Synagogue Youth|access-date=2012-09-01|archive-date=2012-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814082506/http://uscj.org/YouthYoungAdults/YouthActivities/USY.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was founded in 1951, under the auspices of the Youth Commission of what was then the United Synagogue of America.<ref name="Far West USY" /> |
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USY operates in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]], with 350 chapters across 15 regions. Kadima ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] for "Forward") is USY's program for grades 5 to 8 (varies by region). |
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The organization was founded in 1951, under the auspices of the Youth Commission of what was then the United Synagogue of America.<ref name="Far West USY" /> |
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USY operates in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]], with 350 chapters across 15 regions. [[Kadima (youth group)|Kadima]] (Hebrew for "Forward") is USY's program for pre-teens grades 5-8 (varies by region). |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Under the leadership of both Rabbi David Aronson and Rabbi Kassel Abelson, the first USY chapter was founded at [[Beth El Synagogue (St. Louis Park, Minnesota)|Beth El Synagogue]] in [[Minneapolis]] in 1948 to provide for the social and spiritual needs of its teens. Soon, other synagogues began following suit. |
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'''The First USY Chapter''' |
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Under the leadership of both Rabbi David Aronson and Rabbi Kassel Abelson, the first USY chapter was founded at Beth El Synagogue in Minneapolis in 1948 to provide for the social and spiritual needs of its teens. Soon, other synagogues began following suit. |
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'''Founding the National Organization''' |
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“''The Youth Commission unanimously agrees that the teenage groups come under the general supervision of the Youth Commission. Teenage groups should include boys and girls of high school level, 13 to 17 years inclusive…The Youth Commission shall concern itself with non-scholastic group work for teenagers''.” |
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With these words, on March 19, 1951, USY was formed nationally at its first convention, bringing together delegates from synagogues and other youth groups across the country, along with lay and professional youth workers of USCJ. |
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All told, more than 500 people, representing 65 communities from 14 states and Canada attended the first official meeting of USY. |
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At that convening, under the leadership of the newly elected national president, Paul Freedman, the two basic documents of the organization, Aims and Objectives and the USY Constitution, were adopted. |
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'''USY's Tzedakah Program''' |
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In 1956, the Two-o-Nine ''tzedakah'' (charity) project began (later revamped to become ''Tikun Olam'' (Repairing the World), the social action/charity project that all contemporary USYers recognize). |
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'''Summer Travel for Teens''' |
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That same summer, twelve USYers went on the first organization sponsored trip to Israel. Known as the USY Israel Summer Pilgrimage, it became the first of the USY summer programs. |
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“''The Youth Commission unanimously agrees that the teenage groups come under the general supervision of the Youth Commission. Teenage groups should include boys and girls of high school level, 13 to 17 years inclusive…The Youth Commission shall concern itself with non-scholastic group work for teenagers''.” With these words, on March 19, 1951, USY was formed nationally at its first convention, bringing together delegates from synagogues and other youth groups across the country, along with lay and professional youth workers of USCJ. All told, more than 500 people, representing 65 communities from 14 states and Canada attended the first official meeting of USY. At that convening, under the leadership of the newly elected national president, Paul Freedman, the two basic documents of the organization, Aims and Objectives and the USY Constitution, were adopted. |
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Two years later, Pilgrimage enrollment had already increased to 100 teens. In 1961, USY further expanded its summer programs when two staff members took four USYers on their “''Schlep'' and Pray Across the USA,” the first USY on Wheels trip. |
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In 1956, the Two-o-Nine ''[[tzedakah]]'' (charity) project began (later revamped to become ''[[Tikkun olam|Tikun Olam]]'' (Repairing the World), the [[social action]]/[[Charity (practice)|charity]] project that all contemporary USYers recognize). |
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'''PreTeen Programming''' |
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That same summer, twelve USYers went on the first organization sponsored trip to [[Israel]]. Known as the USY Israel Summer Pilgrimage, it became the first of the USY summer programs. Two years later, Pilgrimage enrollment had already increased to 100 teens. In 1961, USY further expanded its summer programs when two staff members took four USYers on their “''Schlep'' and Pray Across the USA,” the first USY on Wheels trip. |
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In 1969, the Youth Commission created [[Kadima (youth group)|Kadima]], the youth group for middle school and junior high students. |
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In 1969, the Youth Commission created Kadima, the youth group for [[middle school]] and junior high students. |
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'''USY Today''' |
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USY has 350 local chapters in 15 regions across North America.{{reference needed|date=October 2021}} |
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==Structure== |
==Structure and leadership== |
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USY has three main levels of entry into the organization |
USY has three main levels of entry into the organization: [[Chapter (religion)|chapter]], regional, and international. The HaNegev and METNY regions are also split into sub-regions and divisions, respectively. |
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===Chapter=== |
===Chapter=== |
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Chapters, typically run out of local USCJ congregations, provide programming on the local level. This includes social, religious, educational, and community service-based programming. Social programming ranges from lounge and movie nights to pool parties and paintballing. Religious, educational, and community service-based programming include mock-seders, Israel education, and volunteering. |
Chapters, typically run out of local USCJ congregations, provide programming on the local level. This includes social, religious, educational, and community service-based programming. Social programming ranges from lounge and movie nights to pool parties and paintballing. Religious, educational, and community service-based programming include mock-[[Passover Seder|seders]], Israel education, and [[volunteering]]. |
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All programming is planned by the |
All programming is planned by the chapter's executive and general boards with the guidance of the chapter's advisor. Typically, a given chapter's name is an acronym of the synagogue or city in which the chapter is based followed by the letters "USY". Congregation Beth Judea, for example, would be shortened to BJUSY. All chapters are associated with a USCJ-affiliated synagogue. |
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===Regional=== |
===Regional=== |
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Regions consist of chapters in the same geographical area. Regions gather for bi-monthly, quarterly, and annual regional events, such as weekend-long ''kinnusim'' (conventions) and week-long encampments. There are 15 USY regions. |
Regions consist of chapters in the same geographical area. Regions gather for bi-monthly, quarterly, and annual regional events, such as weekend-long ''kinnusim'' ([[Convention (meeting)|conventions]]) and week-long encampments. There are 15 USY regions. |
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Each region has a regional executive board (REB), which serves as the region's cabinet, tending to its needs across the year. An REB typically consists of a president, and five vice presidents: [[Israel–United States relations|Israel affairs]] VP (IA), religion/education VP (Rel/Ed), social action/Tikun Olam VP (SA/TO), membership/Kadima VP (Mem/Kad), and communications VP (comm). Some regions incorporate an executive vice president and/or parliamentarian position. In regions that have divisions or sub-regions, divisional or sub-regional presidents are automatically granted REB member status. |
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===Sub-Regional/Divisional=== |
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====Sub-Regional/Divisional==== |
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Larger USY regions are occasionally split into sub-regions or divisions. The sub-regions and divisions act much like regions, overseeing their respective chapters, and holding their own conventions and elections. Currently, there are two regions, HaNegev and METNY, with sub-regions or divisions. HaNegev's sub-regions are each led by a three-person executive board, and METNY's divisions are each led by a six-person executive board. HaNegev's three sub-regions are Arvot (South Florida), Mercaz (North and Central Florida), and Ein Gedi (Florida Panhandle, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina). METNY's three (previously four) divisions are Emek (Hudson Valley), Sababa (Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn), and Ruach (Long Island). |
Larger USY regions are occasionally split into sub-regions or divisions. The sub-regions and divisions act much like regions, overseeing their respective chapters, and holding their own conventions and elections. Currently, there are two regions, HaNegev and METNY, with sub-regions or divisions. HaNegev's sub-regions are each led by a three-person executive board, and METNY's divisions are each led by a six-person executive board. HaNegev's three sub-regions are Arvot (South Florida), Mercaz (North and Central Florida), and Ein Gedi (Florida Panhandle, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina). METNY's three (previously four) divisions are Emek (Hudson Valley), Sababa (Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn), and Ruach (Long Island). |
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===Branches=== |
====Branches==== |
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In the spring of 2019, USY |
In the spring of 2019, USY combined regions into branches. There are six branches. Each region maintains its individual regional identity, but the leadership has shifted to one team running two to three regions. |
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===International=== |
===International=== |
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USY holds an International Convention (IC), the largest gathering of Conservative Jewish teens in North America, and runs summer trips across the United States, Canada, Israel, and Europe. |
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The |
The six-person International Executive Board (IEB) includes a president and five vice presidents. The committees of the International General Board (IGB) are appointed and overseen by the IEB. The IEB is elected by voting delegates at the International Convention every December and the members serve for one calendar year, unlike chapter and regional boards which are elected at regional conventions each spring.<ref name="USY Leadership">{{Cite web|url=https://azjewishpost.com/2019/leadership-community-volunteerism-set-teen-apart-as-choice-for-mitzvot-award/|title=Leadership, community volunteerism set teen apart as choice for mitzvot award, AZ Jewish Post|website=Arizona Jewish Post|access-date=2021-08-29|archive-date=2021-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829113236/https://azjewishpost.com/2019/leadership-community-volunteerism-set-teen-apart-as-choice-for-mitzvot-award/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Programs== |
==Programs== |
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===USY Summer Experience=== |
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International USY provides the following programming: |
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USY runs simultaneous four-to-seven-week summer programs across [[North America]] and [[Europe]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://usy.org/escape/|title=Jewish Summer Teen Travel Programs {{!}} USY|website=usy.org|access-date=2016-12-19|archive-date=2016-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221214945/http://usy.org/escape/|url-status=live}}</ref> The trips through Europe culminate in [[Israel]]. |
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===USY Summer Experience<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://usy.org/escape/|title=Jewish Summer Teen Travel Programs {{!}} USY|website=usy.org|access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref>=== |
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USY runs simultaneous four-to-seven-week summer programs across [[North America]] and [[Europe]]. The trips through Europe culminate in [[Israel]]. |
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''USY on Wheels'' is a six-week bus tour throughout the continental [[United States]], [[Canada]], and [[Alaska]]. Participants spend the summer visiting America's greatest landmarks, including the [[Grand Canyon]] and [[Pier 39]], as well as the country's more obscure destinations including the [[Corn Palace]] and [[Wall Drug]]. The program's goal is giving teens the opportunity to understand what it means to live Jewishly no matter where you go. Participants stay in both hotels and home hospitality. Participants keep Kosher and pause to celebrate [[Shabbat]] throughout the summer. In addition to the "Classic" Wheels trip, other travel options include: |
''USY on Wheels'' is a six-week bus tour throughout the continental [[United States]], [[Canada]], and [[Alaska]]. Participants spend the summer visiting America's greatest landmarks, including the [[Grand Canyon]] and [[Pier 39]], as well as the country's more obscure destinations including the [[Corn Palace]] and [[Wall Drug]]. The program's goal is giving teens the opportunity to understand what it means to live Jewishly no matter where you go. Participants stay in both hotels and home hospitality. Participants keep Kosher and pause to celebrate [[Shabbat]] throughout the summer. In addition to the "Classic" Wheels trip, other travel options include: |
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* Wheels West, a four-week [[West Coast of the United States|west coast]] trip exclusively for 7th and 8th graders |
* Wheels West, a four-week [[West Coast of the United States|west coast]] trip exclusively for 7th and 8th graders |
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* Pacific Northwest, a three-week trip that includes two-weeks on the West Coast and a one-week Alaskan cruise |
* Pacific Northwest, a three-week trip that includes two-weeks on the West Coast and a one-week Alaskan cruise |
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USY's trips to Israel, ''USY Israel Pilgrimage'', consist of an optional week in [[Poland]] or [[Eastern Europe]] followed by a month in Israel, learning about Jewish communities and the ''[[Shoah]]'' (Holocaust). Pilgrimage trips visit every major city and region, including [[Jerusalem]], [[Tel Aviv]], [[Haifa]], [[Tiberias]], [[Beersheba]], and [[Eilat]]. In addition to city life, the program incorporates many hiking opportunities and outdoor experiences, in areas including the [[Golan Heights]], the [[Jordan River]], the [[Galilee]] the [[Mediterranean Sea]], [[Masada]], the [[Dead Sea]], the [[Negev]], the [[Red Sea]], and archaeological digs of ancient Jewish civilization, all led by professional tour guides. Another option for Israel Pilgrimage is L'Takayn Olam, a program that blends social action and volunteering with sightseeing. |
USY's trips to Israel, ''USY Israel Pilgrimage'', consist of an optional week in [[Poland]] or [[Eastern Europe]] followed by a month in Israel, learning about Jewish communities and the ''[[Shoah]]'' ([[The Holocaust|Holocaust]]). Pilgrimage trips visit every major city and region, including [[Jerusalem]], [[Tel Aviv]], [[Haifa]], [[Tiberias]], [[Beersheba]], and [[Eilat]]. In addition to city life, the program incorporates many hiking opportunities and outdoor experiences, in areas including the [[Golan Heights]], the [[Jordan River]], the [[Galilee]] the [[Mediterranean Sea]], [[Masada]], the [[Dead Sea]], the [[Negev]], the [[Red Sea]], and archaeological digs of ancient Jewish civilization, all led by professional tour guides. Another option for Israel Pilgrimage is L'Takayn Olam, a program that blends social action and volunteering with sightseeing. |
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USY also partners with the DREAM Project for DREAM USY, a two-week social action trip in the [[Dominican Republic]]. |
USY also partners with the DREAM Project for DREAM USY, a two-week social action trip in the [[Dominican Republic]]. |
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The location changes from year to year, covering several USY regions over a period of a few years. |
The location changes from year to year, covering several USY regions over a period of a few years. |
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The 2016 International Convention was held in [[Dallas]], [[Texas]] (SWUSY Region) on December 25–29, 2016. During the week of the Convention, USYers participated in community service, leadership, religious, educational, cultural, and social programming. The 2017 International Convention was held in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]]. |
The 2016 International Convention was held in [[Dallas]], [[Texas]] (SWUSY Region) on December 25–29, 2016. During the week of the Convention, USYers participated in community service, leadership, religious, educational, cultural, and social programming. The 2017 International Convention was held in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]]. The 2019 International Convention took place in [[Ontario, California]]. |
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==Interest |
==Interest clubs== |
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USY offers three interest clubs for USY members |
USY offers three interest clubs for USY members. |
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The Abraham Joshua Heschel Honor Society is a club for USY members of secular and religious academic excellence. The club is named after prominent theologian and activist [[Abraham Joshua Heschel]]. Members meet during regional conventions to discuss topics that Heschel wrote about. The Heschel Honor society holds an annual three-day, text-focused convention every March. The Heschel Honor Society recognizes USYers committed to the study of Torah, prayer, and performance of ''G’milut Chasadim ''(acts of loving kindness). |
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===Abraham Joshua Heschel Honor Society=== |
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The Abraham Joshua Heschel Honor Society is a club for USY members of secular and religious academic excellence. The club is named after prominent theologian and activist [[Abraham Joshua Heschel]]. Members meet during regional conventions to discuss topics that Heschel wrote about. The Heschel Honor society holds an annual three-day, text-focused convention every March. |
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''Chalutzim'' is the USY Israel advocacy club, helping relationship developments with the Jewish homeland through programming, workshops, and fun activities. In Hebrew, ''Chalutzim'' means “pioneers,” referring to the original settlers in modern-day Israel. |
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The Heschel Honor Society recognizes USYers committed to the study of Torah, prayer, and performance of ''G’milut Chasadim ''(acts of loving kindness). |
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613 Mitzvah Corps (commonly referred to as 613) is USY's Social Action/''Tikun Olam'' (Repairing the World) or SA/TO club. The club was designed for USYers who wish to be more involved in social action and learn more about social activism within the context of Judaism. |
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===Chalutzim=== |
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''Chalutzim'' is our Israel advocacy club, helping you build and develop your relationship with the Jewish homeland through programming, workshops, and fun activities. |
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==List of regions== |
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In Hebrew, ''Chalutzim'' means “pioneers,” referring to the original settlers in modern-day Israel. |
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===613 Mitzvah Corps=== |
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613 Mitzvah Corps (commonly referred to as 613) is USY's Social Action/''Tikun Olam'' (Repairing the World) or SA/TO club. |
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The club was designed for USYers who wish to be more involved in social action and learn more about social activism within the context of Judaism. |
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There is an annual fee of $6.13 to be a member of 613 Mitzvah Corps. You can also donate a generous $61.30 to become a lifetime member. |
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==List of Regions== |
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{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
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! Details of name |
! Details of name |
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! Areas covered |
! Areas covered |
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! President |
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| CHUSY |
| CHUSY |
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| [[Chicago metropolitan area| |
| [[Chicago metropolitan area|Chicago]] USY |
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| [[Northern Illinois]], [[Milwaukee]], and [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]] |
| [[Northern Illinois]], [[Milwaukee]], and [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]] |
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| Geoffrey Gitles |
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|- |
|- |
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| CRUSY |
| CRUSY |
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| |
| Central Region USY |
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| [[Ohio]], [[Western Pennsylvania]], [[Michigan]], [[Indiana]], [[Kentucky]], and [[West Virginia]] |
| [[Ohio]], [[Western Pennsylvania]], [[Michigan]], [[Indiana]], [[Kentucky]], and [[West Virginia]] |
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| Benji Himmel |
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|- |
|- |
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| ECRUSY |
| ECRUSY |
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| [[Eastern Canada| |
| [[Eastern Canada|Eastern Canadian]] Region USY |
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| [[Toronto]], [[Greater Toronto Area|The GTA]], [[Hamilton, Ontario|Hamilton]], [[London, Ontario|London]], [[Montreal]] and [[Ottawa]] |
| [[Toronto]], [[Greater Toronto Area|The GTA]], [[Hamilton, Ontario|Hamilton]], [[London, Ontario|London]], [[Montreal]] and [[Ottawa]] |
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| Nava Wolfish |
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|- |
|- |
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| EMTZA USY |
| EMTZA USY |
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| Hebrew: אמצע, "Middle" |
| Hebrew: אמצע, "Middle" |
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| [[Colorado]], [[Iowa]], [[Kansas]], [[Minnesota]], [[Missouri]], [[Nebraska]], Western [[Wisconsin]], and [[Manitoba]] |
| [[Colorado]], [[Iowa]], [[Kansas]], [[Minnesota]], [[Missouri]], [[Nebraska]], Western [[Wisconsin]], and [[Manitoba]] |
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| Gabe Kaplan |
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|- |
|- |
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| Far West USY |
| Far West USY |
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| |
| |
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| [[Southern California]], [[Arizona]], [[Nevada]], [[New Mexico]], [[Hawaii]], and [[Utah]] |
| [[Southern California]], [[Arizona]], [[Nevada]], [[New Mexico]], [[Hawaii]], and [[Utah]] |
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| Spencer Sacks |
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|- |
|- |
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| Hagalil USY |
| Hagalil USY |
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| Hebrew: הגליל, "The [[Galilee]]" |
| Hebrew: הגליל, "The [[Galilee]]" |
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| Northern and Central [[New Jersey]] and [[Staten Island]] |
| Northern and Central [[New Jersey]] and [[Staten Island]] |
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| Abi Cohen |
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|- |
|- |
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| HaNer USY |
| HaNer USY |
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| Hebrew: הנר, "The candle" |
| Hebrew: הנר, "The candle" |
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| [[Connecticut]], [[Massachusetts]], [[Rhode Island]], [[Vermont]], [[New Hampshire]], and [[Maine]] |
| [[Connecticut]], [[Massachusetts]], [[Rhode Island]], [[Vermont]], [[New Hampshire]], and [[Maine]] |
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| Sam Zuckerman |
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|- |
|- |
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| HaNegev USY (Sub-Regions: Arvot, Mercaz, Ein Gedi) |
| HaNegev USY (Sub-Regions: Arvot, Mercaz, Ein Gedi) |
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| Hebrew: הנגב, "The [[Negev]]" |
| Hebrew: הנגב, "The [[Negev]]" |
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| [[Florida]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[Alabama]], [[Mississippi]], [[Tennessee]], [[Arkansas]], [[South Carolina]], [[North Carolina]], [[Barbados]], and [[Puerto Rico]]. |
| [[Florida]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[Alabama]], [[Mississippi]], [[Tennessee]], [[Arkansas]], [[South Carolina]], [[North Carolina]], [[Barbados]], and [[Puerto Rico]]. |
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| Sara Beer (Sub-Regional Presidents: Jordyn Figur, Arin Nathans, Chelsea Horwitz) |
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|- |
|- |
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| METNY USY (Divisions: Ruach, Emek, Sababa) |
| METNY USY (Divisions: Ruach, Emek, Sababa) |
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| [[New York metropolitan area| |
| [[New York metropolitan area|Metropolitan New York]] USY |
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| [[New York City|Greater New York City]] and [[Long Island]] |
| [[New York City|Greater New York City]] and [[Long Island]] |
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| Jeremy Malaga (Divisional Presidents: Boaz Ginzburg, Maya Maayani, Alex Ackerman) |
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|- |
|- |
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| Mizrach USY |
| Mizrach USY |
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| Hebrew: מזרח, "East" (formerly known as EPA/Hagesher USY) |
| Hebrew: מזרח, "East" (formerly known as EPA/Hagesher USY) |
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| [[Philadelphia]], [[Philadelphia Main Line|Main Line]], [[Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania|Bryn Mawr]], [[Bucks County]] and [[South Jersey|Southern New Jersey]] Eastern and Northern [[Pennsylvania]] from [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|Harrisburg]] to [[Scranton, Pennsylvania|Scranton]] |
| [[Philadelphia]], [[Philadelphia Main Line|Main Line]], [[Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania|Bryn Mawr]], [[Bucks County]] and [[South Jersey|Southern New Jersey]] Eastern and Northern [[Pennsylvania]] from [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|Harrisburg]] to [[Scranton, Pennsylvania|Scranton]] |
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| Harris Albuck |
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|- |
|- |
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| New Frontier USY |
| New Frontier USY |
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| |
| |
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| [[Northern California]], and [[Reno, Nevada|Reno]] |
| [[Northern California]], and [[Reno, Nevada|Reno]] |
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| Karin Amir |
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|- |
|- |
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| Pinwheel USY |
| Pinwheel USY |
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| [[Pacific Northwest |
| [[Pacific Northwest]] USY |
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| [[Washington (state)|Washington]], [[Oregon]], [[Idaho]], [[Wyoming]], [[British Columbia]], [[Alberta]], [[Yukon]], and [[Alaska]] |
| [[Washington (state)|Washington]], [[Oregon]], [[Idaho]], [[Wyoming]], [[British Columbia]], [[Alberta]], [[Yukon]], and [[Alaska]] |
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| Risa Wagner |
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|- |
|- |
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| Seaboard USY |
| Seaboard USY |
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| |
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| On the Eastern '''Seaboard''' |
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| [[Maryland]], [[Washington, D.C.]], Northern [[North Carolina]], and [[Virginia]] |
| [[Maryland]], [[Washington, D.C.]], Northern [[North Carolina]], and [[Virginia]] |
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| Sarah Hasson |
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|- |
|- |
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| SWUSY |
| SWUSY |
||
| |
| Southwest USY |
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| [[Texas]], [[Oklahoma]], and [[Louisiana]] |
| [[Texas]], [[Oklahoma]], and [[Louisiana]] |
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| Morgan Beadling |
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|- |
|- |
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| Tzafon USY |
| Tzafon USY |
||
| Hebrew: צפון, "North" |
| Hebrew: צפון, "North" |
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| [[Upstate New York]], and Southwestern [[Vermont]] |
| [[Upstate New York]], and Southwestern [[Vermont]] |
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| Rachel Schmidt |
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|} |
|} |
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==Leadership== |
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===Regional Executive Board=== |
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Each region has a Regional Executive Board (REB), which serves as the region's cabinet, tending to its needs across the year. An REB typically consists of a President, and five Vice Presidents: Israel Affairs VP (IA), Religion/Education VP (Rel/Ed), Social Action/Tikun Olam VP (SA/TO), Membership/Kadima VP (Mem/Kad), and Communications VP (Comm). Some regions incorporate an Executive Vice President and/or Parliamentarian position. In regions that have Divisions or Sub-Regions, Divisional or Sub-Regional Presidents are automatically granted REB member status. |
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===International Executive Board=== |
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On December 20, 2020, International USY Voting Delegates at the 70th USY International Convention voted the following 6 members into the offices of the 2021 IEB: |
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* President: Samuel Zuckerman (HaNer) |
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* Israel Affairs Vice President: Stephanie Kallish (CHUSY) |
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* Religion/Education Vice President: Stephanie Sussman (Far West) |
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* Social Action/Tikun Olam Vice President: Elan Wasserman (Hagalil) |
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* Membership/Kadima Vice President: Halle Wasserman (Emtza) |
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* Communications Vice President: Sophie Scheer (Tzafon) |
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===International General Board=== |
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The International General Board (IGB) is a group of committee members selected and appointed by the International Executive Board in the first month of the new year. To be considered for a position on the International General Board, an applicant must agree to keep standards and fill out an application.<ref name="USY Leadership">[http://www.usy.org/yourusy/leadership/ USY Leadership]</ref> |
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The 2020 IGB is determined. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Kadima (youth group)|Kadima]] - the pre-high-school program of USY |
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* [[Camp Ramah]] - a network of Conservative Jewish summer camps across North America and Israel |
* [[Camp Ramah]] - a network of Conservative Jewish summer camps across North America and Israel |
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* [[Nativ College Leadership Program in Israel|Nativ]] - the post-high-school gap year program operated by USCJ |
* [[Nativ College Leadership Program in Israel|Nativ]] - the post-high-school gap year program operated by USCJ |
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[[Category:Conservative Judaism in North America]] |
[[Category:Conservative Judaism in North America]] |
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[[Category:Conservative Judaism in New York (state)]] |
[[Category:Conservative Judaism in New York (state)]] |
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[[Category:Jewish youth organizations]] |
[[Category:Jewish youth organizations based in the United States]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Jewish organizations established in 1951]] |
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[[Category:1951 establishments in New York City]] |
Latest revision as of 18:00, 30 November 2024
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|
Abbreviation | USY |
---|---|
Formation | 1951[1] |
Type | Youth Organization |
Headquarters | New York, NY |
Location |
|
Region served | North America[2] |
Membership | 15,000[2] |
Interim Sr. Director of Teen Engagement | Julie Marder |
President | Leora Frank |
Main organ | International Executive Board, International General Board, International Youth Commission, |
Parent organization | United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) |
Affiliations | Conservative Judaism |
Website | http://www.usy.org/ |
United Synagogue Youth (USY) is the youth movement of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ).[3] It was founded in 1951, under the auspices of the Youth Commission of what was then the United Synagogue of America.[1]
USY operates in the United States and Canada, with 350 chapters across 15 regions. Kadima (Hebrew for "Forward") is USY's program for grades 5 to 8 (varies by region).
History
[edit]Under the leadership of both Rabbi David Aronson and Rabbi Kassel Abelson, the first USY chapter was founded at Beth El Synagogue in Minneapolis in 1948 to provide for the social and spiritual needs of its teens. Soon, other synagogues began following suit.
“The Youth Commission unanimously agrees that the teenage groups come under the general supervision of the Youth Commission. Teenage groups should include boys and girls of high school level, 13 to 17 years inclusive…The Youth Commission shall concern itself with non-scholastic group work for teenagers.” With these words, on March 19, 1951, USY was formed nationally at its first convention, bringing together delegates from synagogues and other youth groups across the country, along with lay and professional youth workers of USCJ. All told, more than 500 people, representing 65 communities from 14 states and Canada attended the first official meeting of USY. At that convening, under the leadership of the newly elected national president, Paul Freedman, the two basic documents of the organization, Aims and Objectives and the USY Constitution, were adopted.
In 1956, the Two-o-Nine tzedakah (charity) project began (later revamped to become Tikun Olam (Repairing the World), the social action/charity project that all contemporary USYers recognize).
That same summer, twelve USYers went on the first organization sponsored trip to Israel. Known as the USY Israel Summer Pilgrimage, it became the first of the USY summer programs. Two years later, Pilgrimage enrollment had already increased to 100 teens. In 1961, USY further expanded its summer programs when two staff members took four USYers on their “Schlep and Pray Across the USA,” the first USY on Wheels trip.
In 1969, the Youth Commission created Kadima, the youth group for middle school and junior high students.
USY has 350 local chapters in 15 regions across North America.[citation needed]
Structure and leadership
[edit]USY has three main levels of entry into the organization: chapter, regional, and international. The HaNegev and METNY regions are also split into sub-regions and divisions, respectively.
Chapter
[edit]Chapters, typically run out of local USCJ congregations, provide programming on the local level. This includes social, religious, educational, and community service-based programming. Social programming ranges from lounge and movie nights to pool parties and paintballing. Religious, educational, and community service-based programming include mock-seders, Israel education, and volunteering.
All programming is planned by the chapter's executive and general boards with the guidance of the chapter's advisor. Typically, a given chapter's name is an acronym of the synagogue or city in which the chapter is based followed by the letters "USY". Congregation Beth Judea, for example, would be shortened to BJUSY. All chapters are associated with a USCJ-affiliated synagogue.
Regional
[edit]Regions consist of chapters in the same geographical area. Regions gather for bi-monthly, quarterly, and annual regional events, such as weekend-long kinnusim (conventions) and week-long encampments. There are 15 USY regions.
Each region has a regional executive board (REB), which serves as the region's cabinet, tending to its needs across the year. An REB typically consists of a president, and five vice presidents: Israel affairs VP (IA), religion/education VP (Rel/Ed), social action/Tikun Olam VP (SA/TO), membership/Kadima VP (Mem/Kad), and communications VP (comm). Some regions incorporate an executive vice president and/or parliamentarian position. In regions that have divisions or sub-regions, divisional or sub-regional presidents are automatically granted REB member status.
Sub-Regional/Divisional
[edit]Larger USY regions are occasionally split into sub-regions or divisions. The sub-regions and divisions act much like regions, overseeing their respective chapters, and holding their own conventions and elections. Currently, there are two regions, HaNegev and METNY, with sub-regions or divisions. HaNegev's sub-regions are each led by a three-person executive board, and METNY's divisions are each led by a six-person executive board. HaNegev's three sub-regions are Arvot (South Florida), Mercaz (North and Central Florida), and Ein Gedi (Florida Panhandle, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina). METNY's three (previously four) divisions are Emek (Hudson Valley), Sababa (Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn), and Ruach (Long Island).
Branches
[edit]In the spring of 2019, USY combined regions into branches. There are six branches. Each region maintains its individual regional identity, but the leadership has shifted to one team running two to three regions.
International
[edit]USY holds an International Convention (IC), the largest gathering of Conservative Jewish teens in North America, and runs summer trips across the United States, Canada, Israel, and Europe.
The six-person International Executive Board (IEB) includes a president and five vice presidents. The committees of the International General Board (IGB) are appointed and overseen by the IEB. The IEB is elected by voting delegates at the International Convention every December and the members serve for one calendar year, unlike chapter and regional boards which are elected at regional conventions each spring.[4]
Programs
[edit]USY Summer Experience
[edit]USY runs simultaneous four-to-seven-week summer programs across North America and Europe.[5] The trips through Europe culminate in Israel.
USY on Wheels is a six-week bus tour throughout the continental United States, Canada, and Alaska. Participants spend the summer visiting America's greatest landmarks, including the Grand Canyon and Pier 39, as well as the country's more obscure destinations including the Corn Palace and Wall Drug. The program's goal is giving teens the opportunity to understand what it means to live Jewishly no matter where you go. Participants stay in both hotels and home hospitality. Participants keep Kosher and pause to celebrate Shabbat throughout the summer. In addition to the "Classic" Wheels trip, other travel options include:
- Wheels East, a four-week east coast trip exclusively for 7th and 8th grades
- Wheels West, a four-week west coast trip exclusively for 7th and 8th graders
- Pacific Northwest, a three-week trip that includes two-weeks on the West Coast and a one-week Alaskan cruise
USY's trips to Israel, USY Israel Pilgrimage, consist of an optional week in Poland or Eastern Europe followed by a month in Israel, learning about Jewish communities and the Shoah (Holocaust). Pilgrimage trips visit every major city and region, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Tiberias, Beersheba, and Eilat. In addition to city life, the program incorporates many hiking opportunities and outdoor experiences, in areas including the Golan Heights, the Jordan River, the Galilee the Mediterranean Sea, Masada, the Dead Sea, the Negev, the Red Sea, and archaeological digs of ancient Jewish civilization, all led by professional tour guides. Another option for Israel Pilgrimage is L'Takayn Olam, a program that blends social action and volunteering with sightseeing.
USY also partners with the DREAM Project for DREAM USY, a two-week social action trip in the Dominican Republic.
International Convention
[edit]USY's International Convention, commonly referred to as IC, is the largest gathering of Conservative Jewish teens.
Held annually the last full week in December, the convention moves to a different North American city each year and convenes hundreds of Jewish teens for five days of celebration, friendship, Jewish learning, and giving back to the local community.
The location changes from year to year, covering several USY regions over a period of a few years. The 2016 International Convention was held in Dallas, Texas (SWUSY Region) on December 25–29, 2016. During the week of the Convention, USYers participated in community service, leadership, religious, educational, cultural, and social programming. The 2017 International Convention was held in Chicago, Illinois. The 2019 International Convention took place in Ontario, California.
Interest clubs
[edit]USY offers three interest clubs for USY members.
The Abraham Joshua Heschel Honor Society is a club for USY members of secular and religious academic excellence. The club is named after prominent theologian and activist Abraham Joshua Heschel. Members meet during regional conventions to discuss topics that Heschel wrote about. The Heschel Honor society holds an annual three-day, text-focused convention every March. The Heschel Honor Society recognizes USYers committed to the study of Torah, prayer, and performance of G’milut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness).
Chalutzim is the USY Israel advocacy club, helping relationship developments with the Jewish homeland through programming, workshops, and fun activities. In Hebrew, Chalutzim means “pioneers,” referring to the original settlers in modern-day Israel.
613 Mitzvah Corps (commonly referred to as 613) is USY's Social Action/Tikun Olam (Repairing the World) or SA/TO club. The club was designed for USYers who wish to be more involved in social action and learn more about social activism within the context of Judaism.
List of regions
[edit]See also
[edit]- Camp Ramah - a network of Conservative Jewish summer camps across North America and Israel
- Nativ - the post-high-school gap year program operated by USCJ
- United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism - the organization of Conservative Jewish synagogues in North America
- Koach - a now-defunct, college campus organization affiliated with Conservative Judaism
- Conservative Judaism - a leading modern denomination of Judaism
- Judaism - the religion of the Jewish people
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Far West USY". Archived from the original on 2014-05-17. Retrieved 2014-05-16.
- ^ a b Cohen, Abra (January 17, 2014). "Sunnyvale teen wins international USY leadership post". Archived from the original on August 29, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
- ^ "United Synagogue Youth". Archived from the original on 2012-08-14. Retrieved 2012-09-01.
- ^ "Leadership, community volunteerism set teen apart as choice for mitzvot award, AZ Jewish Post". Arizona Jewish Post. Archived from the original on 2021-08-29. Retrieved 2021-08-29.
- ^ "Jewish Summer Teen Travel Programs | USY". usy.org. Archived from the original on 2016-12-21. Retrieved 2016-12-19.