Hagalil FAQs:

What is USY?

United Synagogue Youth is an international organization that was founded in Minneapolis in 1950. It was established for one simple reason: there was no youth group for conservative children that incorporated Jewish education and a social environment simultaneously. So a bunch of rabbi's got together and set up what we now know as USY.
Since USY's birth so long ago in 1950, USY has been going strong. It has grown from that small group in Minnesota to an International group with over 400 chapters all across the United States and Canada. In addition to North America, sister organizations called Noar Mesorti in Israel and Noam USY in Hungry were established.
The aim of USY is to bring together Judaism, the Jewish people, the synagogue and the Jewish teenager. As a result of this combination, the idea is that Jewish teenagers will become active young adults in their Jewish communities.

How old do I have to be?

Any Jewish teenager in grades 9 thru 12 can be a member of USY.

Why would I want to join USY?

On the chapter level, USY has so much to offer! There are parties, social events, and special programs and trips. You can meet new people your age and make the best friends of your high school years.
On our regional level, which is divided into 7 Tzafon and Mercaz Areas for a total of 42 chapters, we are the New Jersey Region called Hagalil, 1,250 members strong! There are monthly dances, several conventions, and our famous end of the summer week-long encampment.
On the national level, USY has a big one week annual convention in one of America's greatest cities. Recently it's been in Washington DC and it has also been in Philadelphia, San Jose, Boston, New York City, Chicago and Orlando! There are also summer programs, including USY on Wheels, where you travel around the United States for 6 1/2 weeks with a bunch of other USY'ers.
On the international level, USY has a number of incredible summer programs in Israel and Eastern Europe, from 6 to 8 weeks. There is also the Nativ program for high school graduates, where you spend six months attending Hebrew University in Jerusalem and then six months on a kibbutz.

Sounds great! How do I join?