About Us
[ What is USY? | Special Events | Policies | Information ]
WHAT IS USY?
USY, the youth group of the Conservative movement, stands for United Synagogue Youth. There are 17 regions around the United States and Canada which comprise International USY. Beth El USY is a member of Emtza Region. Emtza serves Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Nebraska, part of Wisconsin, and Winnipeg.
Membership in USY automatically entitles you to participate in programs on all levels: Chapter, Regional, and International. Beth El USY is sponsored by Beth El Synagogue, an affiliate of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. USY begins at the chapter level, which is where we recruit members, train leaders, and service our congregation. The second level of USY involvement is the regional level. Emtza Region has a variety of annual activities that bring together members and leaders from around the Midwest. The third level of USY involvement is International programming. USY offers International Convention, USY Israel Pilgrimage, USY on Wheels, USY High, and much more!
USY was founded in 1948 right here at Beth El. Beth El USY, otherwise known as Beth El Rishon was the very first USY chapter! USY has grown from a handful of chapters to an International organization with nearly 20,00 high school age members. In 1964, KADIMA was formalized as a separate entity for 7th and 8th graders. USY was conceived as a means of meeting the social, educational, religious and recreational needs of our young people. USY seeks to involve our youth in synagogue life and help build the Jewish community of the future. USY is a Zionist organization trying to build a relationship between Israel and our members here in North America. Today, USY is still working towards these same goals.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Annual Musical
This year Beth El USY's play is “TBA” The play is a great way to get to know members of the chapter as well as show off your talent. There are many ways for both parents and USYers to get involved. The play is open to all 7th-12th graders. You must be a paid member of Beth El USY to try out for the play. Rehearsals are mostly on Sundays and some Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. The play dates are November 15th, 17th, and 18th. More information will be sent in September.
Purim Carnival
Purim is a very exciting and eventful time in the youth department. Every year Beth El USY puts on the synagogue's Purim Carnival. We need a lot of help from both USYers and parents to make the carnival happen! The carnival preparations go on for several months, and the week before the carnival is full of activity!
Tikun Olam Dinner and Dessert Auction
USY hosts this event for the entire congregation. USYers perform during dinner for tips, and after dinner, homemade desserts are auctioned off to the attendees. The evening is a lot of fun, and raises money for Tikun Olam, USY's tzedakah fund. The Third Annual Dinner and Dessert Auction will take place on Sunday, November 4th.
POLICIES
Membership
Beth El USY is open to all Jewish 9th-12th graders. In order to attend Regional and International events, you must be a member of Beth El USY. Membership dues are $40, and an application is included in this newsletter. Many programs cost more if you are not a member.
Transportation
USYers are required to take the bus with the entire group to all activities. USYers may drive themselves to and from the bus drop off and pick-up, but not to the event itself. USYers are not allowed to drive themselves to any Regional events, even if parental permission is granted.
RSVPs
USYers must RSVP for all programs! This is necessary so the appropriate arrangements can be made ahead of time (transportation, supervision, food, etc.). If a USYer RSVP's for a program that requires a set payment (i.e.-basketball tickets), and they have been accounted for, he/she is financially obligated for that ticket unless it can be sold to another USYer. Some programs cost more if you have not RSVP'd.
Applications/Fees
Specific deadlines will be assigned for all events requiring an application and registration fee. Applications must be filled out completely and accompanied by a check in the full amount (unless special arrangements have been made). Any application that arrives incomplete, without payment, or after the final deadline will be subject to a late fee and may be put on a waiting list.
INFORMATION
Scholarships
Need based Scholarships are available through the Youth Department for all youth programs and regional events. Please do not let cost deter your USYer from participating in USY. Please call the Youth Director for specific information regarding financial assistance.
Tikun Olam
USY's tzedakah fund is called Tikun Olam. Every USY chapter contributes money to the fund through special Tikun Olam programming. The money is distributed to organizations in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. A portion of the money raised at the play and Purim Carnival are donated to Tikun Olam