Support for USY and Kadima (1997)

WHEREAS, the mission of Conservative synagogues is to strengthen Jewish identity, commitment to Israel, K'lal Yisrael and the North American Jewish community and foster Jewish religious observance and values as interpreted by the Conservative Movement; and

WHEREAS, USY and Kadima have been and continue to be the only youth Movements which identify the ideals, values, and practices of the Conservative Movement and work to strengthen Jewish identity in our youth and help fulfill the missions of the synagogue; and

WHEREAS, USY and Kadima offer their members a meaningfull relationship with Judaism through a broad based program of social, educational, recreational, and cultural activities including chapter, regional and international programs year-round; and

WHEREAS, one of the aims and goals of USY and Kadima is to produce future leadership for synagogues and the Conservative Movement and indeed they have proven to be successful in this endeavor;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM calls upon its affiliated congregations to participate in these programs by sponsoring USY and Kadima chapters, allocating resources to support the chapters, and taking all necessary measures to ensure the success of these groups and their members, including providing scholarship funds for regional, international, and summer programs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in order to strengthen the Conservative Movement and build future leadership, the United Synagogue calls on affiliated congregations to sponsor and support USY and Kadima as the only youth organizations sponsored by the congregations.