YOUTH ACTIVITIES

PROGRAMMING RESOURCES/MEMBERSHIP

Youth Commission Handbook (PDF file - 47 pages)
By David L. Srebnick, USCJ Department of Youth Activities. A comprehensive guide to planning, developing, and managing youth activities in the synagogue. Includes information on budgeting, fundraising, structuring youth activities, sample job descriptions, and more. Now available on our website: Youth Commission Handbook www.uscj.org/Youth_Commission_Han6374.html

USY & Kadima Online Program Bank
Extensive materials for the USY and/or Kadima chapter on subjects including leadership development, membership, fundraising, religion/education, Israel, Shabbat, Jewish identity, etc., in an easy-to-use searchable database. An index of programs is also available to browse, as well as an online form to request copies of older programs from the USY office. Website: www.usy.org/pbank/.

PUBLICATIONS

"Achshav!"
USY's quarterly magazine for all affiliated members. Contains articles of interest on current events, the chosen theme for the issue, Israel information, and Social Action/Tikun Olam information. Cost is included in member fee. For a sample copy, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2326, or visit the website at www.usy.org/achshav/.

"B'kol Echad"
The best-selling songster found in homes throughout the world. Includes Shabbat and Holiday blessings, Z'mirot, Hebrew songs, Grace after Meals, Songs of Israel, and Wedding blessings. To order, contact the USCJ Book Service Department, ext. 2003. Personalized Books: Personalized covers are available for your organization or family celebrations. For separate pricing information and to place an order, contact the Youth Department at ext. 2326 or visit the website at www.usy.org/benchers/.

"Kol Kadima"
The official magazine for all affiliated members of Kadima. Contains educational material, social action ideas, regional and chapter updates, and games and puzzles. Cost is included in membership fee. For a sample copy, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2326.

"Ma'asei Yaldeinu - The Parents' Newsletter"
Newsletter for all parents of USYers and/or Kadimaniks. Contains articles of interest to parents on topics such as social action, summer programs, Jewish identity, etc. For more information or for a sample copy, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2326.

"Shalhevet"
USY's official creative arts magazine, published annually at the USY International Convention. All USYers are eligible to submit material on a variety of topics, including Israel, Jewish Identity, the Holocaust, and more. For more information or for a sample copy, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2326, or visit the website at www.usy.org/shalhevet/.

"Tikun Olam Publications"
A series of pamphlets addressing a variety of social action issues. Includes "116 Practical Mitzvah Suggestions," "Environmental Handbook," and "Brother Can You Spare a Dime". Booklets with fundraising ideas are also available. Index of items available upon request. Most pamphlets and booklets are available in quantity at no charge to United Synagogue congregations and other Conservative institutions.
To order, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2319.

USY Sourcebooks
The Department of Youth Activities publishes sourcebooks covering topics such as Shabbat, Kashrut, Israel, Judaism, Tefillah, and much more. These books can be used in a formal or informal educational setting. A listing is available upon request.
Cost: varies by publication.
To order, contact the USCJ Book Service, ext. 2003.

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Abraham Joshua Heschel Honor Society
The Heschel Society is a very special core group of USYers who are committed to their Judaism. In order to become a member, a USYer must demonstrate active involvement in each of the following three areas: the study of Torah, prayer, and acts of loving kindness.
To join, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2327.

Hechalutzim
A special group for USY members who want to know more about Israel. Members receive "Hechalutzon", the society's newsletter. Cost: $10 annual membership fee.
To join, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2321.

613 Mitzvot Club
A club for USY members with a special interest in tzedakah and g'milut hasadim projects. Members receive "Eit La'asot", the club's newsletter.
Cost: $6.13 donation to Tikun Olam; Lifetime - $61.30 donation to Tikun Olam.
To join, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2319.

TRIP & LONG-TERM PROGRAMS - DOMESTIC

USY on Wheels
USY on Wheels, a six and one-half week cross-continental tour of North America, is a total experience in Jewish education and Jewish living. Participants have the unique opportunity to see the sights of the United States and Canada while living Jewishly and meeting new friends from across North America.
To apply, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2314, or visit the website at www.usy.org/escape/.

USY on Wheels, Mission: Mitzvah
Mission: Mitzvah Wheelniks have the opportunity to interact with and learn about various communities throughout North America through carefully planned, intensive social action and mitzvah projects. In addition, Mission: Mitzvah Wheelniks participate in many of the same social, educational, touring and sightseeing programs as the "classic" Wheels program.
To apply, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2314, or visit the website at www.usy.org/escape/.

Summer in the City
Participants spend four weeks taking classes at Barnard College and the Jewish Theological Seminary, experiencing all New York City has to offer, while living and learning with other Jewish teens.
For information, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2319, or visit the website at www.usy.org/escape/.

Outdoor Adventure, Pacific Northwest
Participants spend four weeks on a camping trip in the Pacific Northwest with USY combining hiking, canoeing, and sea kayaking, while learning how to live a Jewish lifestyle in the great outdoors.
For more information, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2327, or visit the website at www.usy.org/escape/.

USY International Convention
Held each December during the winter vacation period in a different city, over 1,000 USYers and staff gather at a luxury hotel for a week filled with study, social action programs, leadership sessions, and plenty of ruach!
For more information, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2314, or visit the website at www.usy.org/ic/.

TRIPS & LONG-TERM PROGRAMS - ISRAEL & ABROAD

"Classic" USY Israel Pilgrimage
For six weeks, the teenagers will be exposed to the history and contemporary realities of Judaism and Israel. They will experience the sights and sounds of the Jewish homeland, from the Negev desert to the Kinneret. The group also participates in the Gadna Israel Army simulation. Lifelong friendships will be developed with teens from all over North America.
To apply, contact the Youth Department, ext.2316, or visit the website at www.usy.org/escape/.

Eastern Europe/Israel Pilgrimage
Participants on this program spend two weeks exploring the history and culture of Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Emphasis is placed on the past, present, and future of these extraordinary Jewish communities. Following this experience, the USYers travel to Israel for four weeks of follow-up and discovery as they tour the length and breadth of Israel.
To apply, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2316, or visit the website at www.usy.org/escape/.

Israel Pilgrimage/Poland Seminar
Participants begin the summer with one week in Poland, visiting Warsaw, Cracow, and Lublin, including the concentration camp sites of Auschwitz, Birkenau, Treblinka, and others. The USYers spend time in Poland exploring the Holocaust as well as the history of the Polish Jews. Following this experience, the USYers travel to Israel to spend five weeks touring the length and breath of Israel and seeing all it has to offer. (Limited space available; applicants are carefully screened.)
To apply, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2316, or visit the website at www.usy.org/escape/.

Spain/Israel Pilgrimage
Explore the great heritage of Jewish Spain, including many philosophers, commentators, writers, and poets, such as Maimonides, Abarbanel, Ibn Ezra, Ramban, and Ibn Gvriol. Visit the exciting cities of Madrid, Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada, and Toledo, while discovering an important side of the Jewish roots in Spain. Following this experience, the USYers travel to Israel to spend five weeks touring the length and breath of Israel and seeing all it has to offer.
To apply, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2316, or visit the website at www.usy.org/escape/.

Etgar! Ultimate Israel Challenge
This five-week program is for those who have already participated in the USY Israel Pilgrimage or a similar program. This group will go beyond the souvenir stands and discover the Israeli side of Israel, meeting the challenge of study combined with volunteer work, hiking, and interaction with NOAM (USY's sister movement in Israel).
To apply, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2316, or visit the website at www.usy.org/escape/.

European Experience
Participants in this program spend four weeks exploring the Jewish history of four European nations. USYers travel to France, Portugal, Spain, and Italy, while learning about the distinctive nature and histories of the Jewish European community.
To apply, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2316, or visit the website at www.usy.org/escape/.

USY High
Spend two months of high school in Israel reliving history and culture from ancient to modern times, with Israel as your classroom. This exciting program is run in conjunction with Ramah Israel Programs. (Open to high school juniors and seniors.)
To apply, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2321, or visit the website at www.usy.org/high/.

Nativ - College Leadership Program in Israel
Nativ is a year-long program in Israel. Participants spend the first half of the year studying at either Hebrew University or the Conservative Yeshiva, with the second half of the year spent either living and working on kibbutz, or participating in various volunteer projects in Be'er Sheva. The program also features leadership training, lots of touring, and personal growth.
To apply, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2321, or visit the website at www.usy.org/nativ/.

MISCELLANEOUS

USY Program Certificate
Parents or friends can purchase gift certificates good for future USY Summer Programs. The gift certificates are good for up to ten years after purchase, and are available in any denomination starting at $25. For more information, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2322.

USY Alumni Database
In an ongoing effort to better serve its members, past and present, USY offer the Alumni Database. USY alumni can register and use this online resource to find old friends and establish new ties.
For information, contact the Youth Department, ext. 2319, or visit the website at www.usy.org/alumni/.