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PARENTS’ GUIDE TO UNITED SYNAGOGUE YOUTH (USY)

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1 Parents Guide to United Synagogue Youth (USY)

WHAT IS USY?

USY is the high school age youth group of the Conservative movement. USY is chartered by our congregation as a member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the organization of Conservative congregations in North America. USY consists of 17 regions covering Canada and the United States. We are part of the HaNegev Region, which covers, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina (southern portion), Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi.

Due to the large size of our region, we are broken up into three sub-regions:  Arvot: South Florida  Mercaz: Central and North Florida  Ein-Gedi: Panhandle of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina (southern portion), Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi

In many ways, USY is a typical teenage youth group in that we seek to bring teenagers together around organized activities, to promote learning, fellowship, growth, and responsibility. Our programming includes informal Jewish education, social action, Tikun Olam, leadership training, Israel awareness and the opportunity to make lifelong friendships.

Officers and chairpersons under the direction and approval of their Youth Director/Advisor(s) run the chapter. The congregation has a Youth Commission, which directs youth programs and supervises the advisors of USY, Kadima (the grade 6-8 affiliate organization of USY) and { } (for youngsters in Grades 3-5)]. [Insert your synagogue’s name]=s chapter of USY is named [ ] which means [ ].

HOW MAY PARENTS BE INVOLVED?

There are many ways for parents to be part of their children’s lives in USY. A brief description of each follows:

Driving: This is the way most parents get started in USY, and its importance cannot be minimized. Parents are counted upon to provide rides to and from USY functions for their own children, and when possible, for others. Parents are relied upon to transport them on time, so that they may participate fully in programs. Carpools are easily formed, to everyone’s benefit.

Chaperoning: An integral part of successful functions is commitment from parents to help the youth director and advisors at events/activities from time to time during the year. Functions might include synagogue events, home services, sport activities, dances, etc. Our guidelines to the staff recommend that there be one chaperone for every fifteen USYers attending an event. Former USYers, who are at least 19 years old and who have been out of USY for at least one year, may also be invited to chaperone.

Hosting Programs at Home: USYers’ homes are sometimes used for activities: board meetings, programs, home Shabbat services (with accompanying Oneg Shabbat), and Havdallah services are some of the possibilities. It is expected that USYers will always clear hosting with their parents, and that for any event where food is to be served, kashrut will be observed (see below), and that at least one parent will be present.

2 Helping to Cook/Serve at Special Events: When an event requires meals, such as for a convention or a Shabbat dinner, parental help is vital. Cooking may involve one or two evenings during the week preceding the event, under direction of the chairperson or youth director/advisor. Serving is done at various times during the weekend, and may include setting tables, warming food, placing food in service containers, replenishing during the serving period and cleaning up.

Substitute as an Advisor: Although the youth director/advisor(s) will almost always plan to be in attendance at events, in the case of an emergency, a parent may be asked to fill in. This would certainly not be a routine occurrence, but would be preferable to canceling an event. Anyone having youth group advisory experience and/or a willingness to help out is encourage to let the youth director/advisor know.

Monetary Commitment: Every member of USY pays dues at the beginning of the membership year. This payment covers many of the functions of USY, but not all. Regional, sub regional, and international functions are not included in the due structure, nor are the cost of individual events in town, such as bowling, dances, movies, etc.

Youth Commission: [Your synagogue’s name] ‘s USY operated under the guidance of its Youth Commission, which is comprised of approximately [ ] members, who may or may not have children who are members of the youth groups. [Insert a brief explanation of the hierarchy of your commission in overseeing the activities of the USY group.]

USY Calendar: Since most major USY events are set on the calendar early in the year, parents are encouraged to help their children plan their activities and school assignments carefully so that USYers can enjoy an event fully. When travel to another city is required, it may mean missing school on the Friday of a weekend event so that arrival before Shabbat is observed.

Participation: Your USYer will get from USY what he/she puts in. USY events are successful (or not) because of the people involved and their enthusiasm. Let your USYer know that you support and encourage his/her participation in as many of the activities as possible. Your interest and enthusiasm will be directly reflected by your USYer. The youth director/advisor will welcome programming suggestions that will excite and interest your USYer.

Kashrut : USYers are expected to observe the laws of Kashrut at all USY events, whether in town, en route to an out of town event, or during an out of town event. Specifically, when an event is to include a brown bag lunch, dairy or pareve food choices are required; when hosting an event at home, it is expected that the food served will be kosher, even if the home itself is not. You are only permitted to serve diary or pareve food regardless. Food that is marked with a kosher symbol is recommended.

3 Out of Town Events: Some events include overnight stays at a synagogue or camp, some include home hospitality, some offer a hotel stay, and some include a combination of these. The hosting chapter or the Regional Office sends information as to the type of housing being provided, as well as any required gear, such as sleeping bags, pillows, etc. In addition, there may also be limitations on luggage, due to space constraints when traveling by bus or other transport. It is important that these guidelines be followed for the comfort and convenience of everyone. Remember each USYer must carry all of his or her own luggage. Make sure that he/she can maneuver all that is packed! Departure and arrival times are calculated carefully, but some leeway must be allowed for weather, extra-long good-byes at the end of an event, or other unforeseen delays. When home hospitality is provided, you may choose to send along a small gift for the host family. Suggestion for this gift might be candy (kosher, of course), potholders, candles, notepaper, gourmet tea, or coffee. Also appropriate is a donation to the HaNegev Region David Lindenbaum Youth Scholarship Fund. Contact the Regional Office for information about this fund.

Hosting Out of Town USYers: Beds are not required! USYers are very adaptable and are more interested in being together than in creature comforts. Floor space works well, and sleeping bags can be rolled up and put away easily. Sometime the USYers will even come equipped with their own towels. Don’t be offended; just think of it as less laundry for you! Don’t worry about lights out or whether or not they are getting enough sleep. They’re not, but they’ll make it up later. Usually the only meal served might be a cold breakfast. Everyone usually welcomes munchies for late night snacks. As hosts, you will be required to pick up and deliver your guests to the designated meeting place on time. Being on time is most important, because events cannot begin until everyone reconvenes.

4 HOW DOES IT WORK?

Membership

Membership is open to all Jewish youth grades 9,10,11, and 12. Certain membership privileges are extended only to synagogue members, such as synagogue-based subsidies and scholarships and holding certain board position [Edit as information varies.] All members, in addition to paying dues, will be asked to complete a membership application and medical record form. These forms are necessary so that in the even of an emergency, the youth director/advisor has ready access to telephone numbers.

Dues

There are three categories of dues. The individual synagogue decides chapter dues. International dues are subject to the International Office. Synagogues assess a yearly fee, which is then distributed to the appropriate organizations. Regional dues are set by the regional executive board under the guidance of the regional director.

HaNegev Sub Regional and Regional Events

There are many sub regional/ regional events that are held throughout the year. They include Chapter Presidents’ Weekend, Fall Convention, Spring Elections Weekend, Dances, Social Action Projects and many others.

HaNegev sponsored events include Yom Disney, Regional General Board Weekend, and Regional Convention.

Yom Disney is our annual trip to a Walt Disney World or Universal Park in Orlando on the Sunday of Presidents’ Weekend in February. This is a tradition in our region that has been going on for years. We rotate each year as to which park we go to.

Regional General Board Weekend is a working and Shabbat experience for Regional Board, Sub Regional Board, Regional General Board, Chapter Presidents and one young leader from each chapter. It takes place annually on Martin Luther King Weekend in January.

Regional Convention closes out the year for Regional events. Elections for the coming year’s Regional Executive Board positions are held. Highlights include chapter of excellence awards, installation of officers and a dance. This is the final USY event for many of our high school seniors. Senior Havdallah at the conclusion of Shabbat is both tearful and joyous as the seniors bond together and say goodbye to the underclassmen.

Out of Town Events within the Region

Applications

Applications must be completed in order to attend regional or sub regional events. All applications require the signature of the Rabbi, Advisor, or Youth Commission Chair; to alleviate having to the write the signatures over and over again we have a chapter registration form for all delegates attending. It is essential that this signature be obtained because this serves as confirmation that both dues have been paid and that the USYer is eligible to attend the convention. When completing the application it is also important that medical information be 5 answered honestly and thoroughly. This information is used in placing USYers for home hospitality and alerting staff to potential problems. Information about pet allergies, for example, would then place your USYer in a pet-free home.

All USYers must have medical insurance to attend sub-regional or regional events. If you do not have medical insurance, please contact the Regional office and we have information to receive medical insurance for specific events and days.

TYPICAL USY WEEKEND CONVENTION PACKING LIST

To be prepared for USY conventions and to minimize packing concerns, we have included a sample list of items needed for a typical USY weekend convention. When the convention is longer, just add extra clothing items to the list. Obviously, if the convention is housed in a hotel, sleeping bags are not necessary. Even when conventions are housed at a camp, many USYers prefer their sleeping bag and/or sheets to cover the cots. In addition, at each convention regalia is sold and fundraising events are held for Tikun Olam. While your USYer will require some cash, use good judgment and common sense in sending appropriate sums/. A generic packing list follows:

Tallit, T’flin & Kippot (Require for males; optional for females) Shabbat clothes for Friday & Saturday (females must have a skirt / dress) Shoulders and midriffs must be covered. No sneakers or jean permitted) Appropriate attire for Saturday evening event (The type of event will be announced in advance) Dress shoes for Shabbat (Sneakers are not appropriate) Socks Underwear Sleeping attire Jeans/slacks for traveling to and from convention Jacket/sweatshirt/ sweater Change of clothing Shirts/blouses Toiletries (including toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, contact lens supplies, if needed shampoo, soap, etc.) Towel & washcloth Sleeping Bag (Many USYers like to obtain a “stuff bag” for their sleeping bag in order to pack it more compactly.) Pillow Chapter T-shirt Sneakers Bathing Suit (two piece bathing suits are not permitted)

If you wear contact lenses, be sure to pack your glasses. By Sunday morning of a convention, many USYers are more than willing to forgo their contact lenses in favor of glasses to keep their sleep-deprived eyes more comfortable!

When packing Shabbat clothing, think about comfort. Many males opt for shirts and ties, rather than sport coats. Many of the females opt for flat shoes rather than high heels. Since USYers are usually limited to one suitcase and one carry-on, pack carefully and selectively. In addition, you may wish to label items for easy identification. Minimally, please make sure your name is on your suitcase, tallit bag and sleeping bag!

6 USY DRESS CODE

As is written in the dress code adopted by the National Youth Commission:

Tzniut (modesty) is a long-standing Jewish value. As a people who sees ourselves as reflecting the image of God, our Jewish community believes we should act accordingly; thus, some things are not appropriate, for they do not reflect our Jewish values. How we dress is a basic example of these values.

The sections below outline HaNegev Region’s Dress Code Policy. The policies stated in the national code along with input from various youth directors, youth commission chairs, and the regional office have been incorporated to develop this regional set of standards.

A. The following is not permitted in HaNegev Region by males or females in USY or Kadima: 1. Clothing on which any profanity or inappropriate language, pictures or symbols are written, printed or depicted 2. No visible underwear 3. Tank tops, 2-piece bathing suits (except for tankinis), bare midriff styles, halter tops, see through blouses, strapless tops, backless tops, and undershirts worn as an outer shirt

B. The following is not permitted for Shabbat Morning for USY and Kadima: 1. Flip flops (those that would be considered “shower shoes”) However open toed shoes (sandals) are permitted 2. Sneakers or sport shoes 3. Shorts

C. The following is required appropriate clothing for Shabbat Morning: Females 1. A skirt or dress must appropriately cover the derriere 2. Blouses, knit shirts, sweaters with sleeves 3. Sandals or dress shoes 4. Kippot (by any who observe this mitzvah)

Males 1. Collared shirts, dress shirts, or sweaters 2. Long slacks 3. Dress shoes

D. The following is permitted for Shabbat Mincha for USY and Kadima: Females 1. Jeans or capris 2. Blouses, knit shirts, sweaters with sleeves, or appropriate t-shirts 3. Sandals or sneakers

Males 1. Jeans or appropriate pants 2. Appropriate t-shirts 3. Sneakers

E. The following is required for those wearing Kippot for USY and Kadima: 1. Kippot must be worn by males at all services, kitah sessions, and meals of a convention 2. The same applies to any females who observe this mitzvah

F. The following are considered inappropriate clothing for dances: 1. Shorts which do not appropriately cover the derriere 2. Tank tops, bare midriff styles, halter tops, see through blouses, strapless tops, backless tops, and undershirts worn as an outer shirt 3. Clothing on which any profanity or inappropriate language, pictures or symbols are written, printed or depicted 4. Visible underwear 5. Mini skirts G. The following are exceptions are permitted due to special events listed below: 1. During sub-regional and regional events where USYers and Kadimaniks are allowed to be on the beach or by the swimming pool during chofesh, tank tops are permitted to be worn in the place of a bathing suit.

In addition: The Regional Youth Director may determine that because of weather, location or event, or nature of the activity, certain variations to these standards may be permitted. All chapter youth directors and staff are required to uphold these standards at all regional and sub-regional events. The regional office gives permission, to chapter youth directors, to use their judgment to deny participation to a sub-regional or regional function to any USYer or Kadimanik who is inappropriately dressed

7 Code of Conduct

USYers are expected to behave with decorum. Remember that many events are housed in synagogues across the region. There is a strict no-drug, no-alcohol, and no-smoking policy. USYers and their parents will sign a statement pledging to adhere to USY ‘s code of conduct. Punishment for the most serious offenses means segregation from the rest of the convention, and being sent home as soon as possible. Additional travel expense will be charged to the parents.

Attendance at all religious services and programs are mandatory. USY is a learning experience for those who are unfamiliar with the prayers and a teaching experience for those who are familiar. Everyone is encouraged to participate fully.

At all conventions, USYers must arrive before the start of Shabbat and may not leave until the conclusion of Shabbat. Please remember that all Shabbat functions must be attended. USYers are expected to observe Shabbat in a traditional manner. Therefore, while portable music listening, game devices, or cell phones are nice to have on the bus to and from convention, they need to be packed away during Shabbat. Cameras are a wonderful way to record memories and are encouraged. However, they, too, must be put away on Shabbat.

At each convention, the minhagim (customs) of the host synagogue prevail. This standard will determine if services are egalitarian or traditional, when women may have aliyot, who may be on the bima, the length of the services, which prayer books are used, etc. As the USYers travel around our region, they learn to be comfortable in a variety of settings. While their home synagogue remains their home base, USYers learn much by observing how other congregations function and meeting other rabbis, cantors, and lay leaders.

Other Information

Shabbat/Yom Tov Observance is adhered to within USY. Therefore, USYers (and their parents) are reminded not to work on USY projects, make phone calls for USY, and/or call the Rabbi, Cantor, Youth Director/Advisors or Youth Commissioners about USY on Shabbat or Yom Tov. During conventions Shabbat phone calls will be accepted or made only in the event of an emergency. When hosting a Home Shabbat, remember that it is inappropriate to use electronic devices, such as videos, tapes, or computer games. Regardless of observance at home, all present at USY conventions must adhere to observance standards according to the Laws of Conservative Judaism.

International USY is the parent organization of all USY chapters. The International Office is located at Rapaport House, 820 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Telephone number: 212-533-7800; Fax Number 212-353-9439. International USY provides guidelines, set standards, suggests programming ideas for Regional and Chapter levels, and encourages home study programs.

8 Summer program options, offered by the International Office include:

“Classic” USY on Wheels is a program where USYers spend six and a half weeks traveling coast to coast, experiencing North America. From sunrise on the rim of the Grand Canyon to pizza and blues in Chicago, USYers connect with the people and places of this great continent.

USY on Wheels: Mission Mitzvah is a program where USYers interact with and learn about various communities throughout North America through intensive social action projects, while also participating in many of the same social, educational, touring, and sightseeing programs as the “Classic” Wheels program.

USY on Wheels East covers the East coast of the United States and Canada on an incredible four week adventure. Open to current 8th graders, highlights of the program include: Toronto • New England • Cape Cod • Disney World • Washington, D.C. • Savannah, Ga. • Philadelphia • Kennedy Space Center • Touro Synagogue • Hockey Hall of Fame • Quincy Market • Howe Caverns • Virginia Beach • Norfolk Naval Base • Nashville Zoo • Great Lakes Science Center • and more!

Israel and Europe

Israel Adventure is a program where USYers spend four weeks in Israel for a complete introduction to the land. USYers become exposed to the history and contemporary realities of Judaism and Israel as they tour the length and breadth of the country with new found friends.

Eastern Europe/ Israel Pilgrimage is a program where USYers spend two weeks exploring the history and culture of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Emphasis is placed on the past, present, and future of these extraordinary Jewish communities. Then they will spend four exciting weeks in Israel.

Israel Pilgrimage/ Poland Seminar is a program where USYers spend one week in Poland, visiting Warsaw, Cracow, and Lublin, including the concentration camp sites of Auschwitz, Birkenau, Treblinka, Sobibor, and Majdanek, while exploring and studying the Holocaust and history of Polis Jewry. Then they spend four weeks in Israel.

Etgar! The Ultimate Israel Challenge is a five-week program for those USYers who have already participated in Israel Pilgrimage or a similar program. Discover the Israel side of Israel. USYers meet the challenge of study combined with volunteer work, hiking, and interaction with Noam, USY’s sister movement in Israel.

Italy/Israel A week of travel in Italy learning about the history of Italian Jewry from the inside, exploring the amazing cities of Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome. You’ll spend the final four weeks experiencing all that Israel has to offer.

Other programs sponsored by the International Office include:

NATIV is a program of studies at the Hebrew University of the Conservative Yeshiva, leadership training, kibbutz living experience, volunteer work within the community, and lots of touring and personal growth for graduating high school students affiliated with USY and Camp Ramah. This program is for first year college students.

9 USY High is unique, multidimensional high school program in Israel, in the USY tradition, available to 11th and 12th graders throughout North America. It offers an intensive, high-level academic curriculum combining required and advance high school studies, superior Israel and Hebrew courses, and an incredible journey of self-awareness vital to any high school student.

International Convention is a huge, five-day convention, preceded or followed by a pre- or post- convention hosted by nearby chapters. Elections are held for International Board Officers. Programs feature Social Action activities, education, prayer, summer program reunions, tours of the host city, ruach, and most of all, foster friendships.

SPECIAL CLUBS WITHIN USY

Within USY, there are subgroups that members are encouraged to join. Applications can be found online on the International USY website. Additional dues are minimal. The following is a list of the special clubs:

The Abraham Joshua Heschel Honor Society is for those who meet the requirements for religious observance, study, g’milut hasadim, and personal standards. This program encourages USYers to learn more about Judaism and the observance of Mitzvot. Because Heschel Society members are a significant and elite group within USY, USY offers special programs for them such as an annual International Heschel Study Kinnus, special mailings, newsletters, etc.

Hechalutzim is USY's specialty club for Israel activism. Any USYer who is a paid member of their chapter and region and who wants to have a stronger connection with Israel is eligible to join. During the year, at the regional and international levels there are Hechalutzim programs, events, seminars, and kinnusim. The cost is $10.00.

The 613 Mitzvah Corps is the SA/TO Club within USY. This club is for those who wish to raise consciousness of mitzvot and promote social action. Members receive the SA/TO newsletter, Eit La'asot, to inform them about, and give them ideas in the areas of Tikun Olam (Repairing the World), G'milut Hasidim (Acts of Loving Kindness), and Social Action. Through this newsletter, they will also learn about SA/TO activities across North America. The cost is $6.13.

In addition, the International Office maintains a Program Bank for chapters and individuals in need of ideas for a variety of situations, from fund-raisers to ice breakers to study topics. These resources are a compilation of successfully used ideas from across the country over an extended period of time.

HOW IS ALL OF THIS PAID FOR?

Recognizing that for some families having a child active in USY can be costly, there are subsidy funds every parent should know about. [Insert information about the accessibility of und within your synagogue and community.] The Regional Office also has some funds available including the David Lindenbaum Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund, named in the memory of a HaNegev youth director, provides scholarship money for HaNegev regional events. Be assured that all requests for scholarship funds are kept confidential. Scholarship money may also be available from local community organizations. For International Programs, some funding is available from the International Office.

10 GLOSSARY OF USY TERMS

ARVOT- the name of the sub region that includes South Florida

CHAPTER BOARD- the working backbone of the chapter, largely responsible for planning events; elected late spring to serve one-year term

EIN GEDI- the name of the sub region that includes the Florida Panhandle and the other states of the region.

GENERAL BOARD - Committees working under the regional board.

HANEGEV- the name of the region to which we belong.

KADIMA- the youth group that proceeds USY, for grade 6, 7, & 8.

KOACH- organization for college students, most of who have participated in USY while in high school

MERCAZ-the name of the sub region, which includes Central and North Florida

REGIONAL BOARD- elected each year at Regional Convention; its members are experienced at the local level and help to plan Regional events. Members serve as a resource to local chapters.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR- hired by the Region to oversee all Youth Activities

REGIONAL OFFICE- This office is the source of information on Sub Regional, Regional and International events. It is located at 7100 W. Camino Real, Suite 216 ♦Boca Raton, FL 33433. Telephone: 561-372-0420♦Fax: 561-372-0424♦ www.hanegevusy.org ♦Email: [email protected]

SHABBATON- A weekend event that includes Shabbat observances, study sessions, and fun

SHUL IN- An event that is held in the synagogue, which usually includes an overnight stay, prayer, study, and enjoyment.

STANDARDS- conditions which must be met, may include a minimum number of attendances at Chapter events or religious services, may include study of Judaica and ability to read Hebrew.

SUB REGIONAL BOARD– Elected in the spring each year to represent their sub region and serve as a liaison between the regional board and chapters they oversee.

TIKUN OLAM- USY’s own charity; it means building a better world. [Don’t forget to include terms relevant to your own chapter, synagogue and community.]

UPDATED 7/09

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