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 expericencing 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 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 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 Action 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 league.
What programs does the Hagalil Region offer?
Each year the region holds three major conventions(Fall Kinus, Midwinter Kinus, and Spring Kinus), a Leadership Training
Weekend, dances, Great Adventure Day, 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 more than 1,000 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 Kinus?
The central focus of a Kinus 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 Kinus accomodations work?
Spring Kinus is held at a hotel while Fall and Midwinter Kinus are hosted by congregations in the region. USYers
are housed by families who are members fo the congregation, often those with children of USY age. Housing that is within
walking distance of the synagogue is available. USYers are always housed with 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 Kinus?
At Spring Kinus, all meals are provided at the hotel. For Fall and MidWinter Kinus, most meals are served at the
synagogue, beginning with dinner on Friday night. Breakfast on Shabbat is usually 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 a several
educational classes. USY-led religious services are held furing the day at a variety of locations ans 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 G-d, 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 Cental 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, Ari Opitz at ariopitz7@ymail.com
