Beth El Synagogue Center USY Teen Leadership Board 2020-2021 United Synagogue Youth, METNY Board Guidelines

Taken from Pages 1-2 of the METNY Regional Constitution, amended 2013-2014

Preamble We, the members of the New York Metropolitan (METNY) Region of the United Synagogue Youth (USY), of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, realizing that all Jewish youth must continuously strive for the perpetuation and strengthening of Judaism and cognizant of the historical and cultural background of the Jewish people, do hereby ordain and establish and Constitution of the New York Metropolitan Region of the United Synagogue Youth in order to further these principles.

Article I. Values/Aims/Purpose/Objectives Section 1.01 Values 1. Friends/Kehillah 2. Leadership skills 3. Jewish Identity 4. Connection to the State of Israel 5. Jewish Education

Section 1.02 Aims The New York Metropolitan Region of the United Synagogue Youth shall attempt to offer multiple avenues of engagement and leadership for the Jewish youth to strengthen their identification with Judaism, community and Israel, making Judaism a daily practice. The METNY Region of USY seeks to develop a spiritual, cultural, and social program based on personality development through individual encounters, needs, and interests for the USYers. The youth of the Region will experience the Jewish way of living through study, prayer, action, and friendship. This will lead to personal fulfillment and growth, while meeting their spiritual and social needs. Consequently, this will show the worth of making a significant impact on their kehillah, community, society, and the Jewish People as a whole.

Section 1.03 Purpose The purpose of the Metropolitan New York Region is to run successful programs, to stimulate Jewish learning, leadership, and personal growth throughout the Region, Divisions, and Chapters. The Region shall serve the chapters (the core unit of the Region) in coordination with the Divisions within its jurisdiction.

Section 1.04 Objective These objectives can be accomplished through programs conceived and directed by elected and appointed members with assistance and guidance from staff members hired by the Region or volunteering for the Region. These programs should be directed towards motivating and inspiring members to fulfill their individual goals and the goals of the METNY Region and USY.

The METNY Region of USY therefore dedicates itself to: 1. Jewish education by instilling in its members a passion to engage in various methods of Judaic study and to establish new study programs within their chapters and communities that will help the average USYer live a Jewish life at home. 2. The observance of Shabbat and Holidays in a manner outlined by the Conservative Movement by encouraging its members to attend services and join their families in observing Shabbat and Holidays regardless of the extent to which Shabbat and Holidays are celebrated and by requiring the Regional and Geographical Area officers to observe the laws of Shabbat at all times in public and whenever possible in private. We strive to educate and encourage some practice that the USYer deems fit. 3. The observance of Kashrut, in accordance with the laws outlined by the Conservative Movement, by encouraging and educating all members to observe Kashrut in their private lives and by requiring the Regional and Geographical Area officers to observe the laws of Kashrut at all times in public and whenever possible in private. 4. Religious observance through the fulfillment of the mitzvot (commandments), both ethical & ritual, so as to encourage the individual to form a strong Jewish identity & to enable the USYers to make an informed choice as to the degree of personal observance in later years. 5. Prayer, as a means of individual and communal communication determined by the comfort level of each USYer. Prayer is not only limited to davening in Hebrew, but also includes reading the English, personal meditation, speaking to God, and any avenue of personal fulfillment decided by the USYer. 6. The State of Israel and the Zionist movement by encouraging its members to partake in programs to support Israel monetarily, verbally and spiritually. We carry out educational programs on the current events of Israel and Israeli awareness and promote a Zionistic attitude at all possible times. Our programs also enshrine Ahvat Yisrael (the love of Israel) in the USYers of the METNY Region, today and the years to come. 7. The strengthening of the Chapter by supporting each and every chapter in their programs and events, directors, and Chapter Boards. Chapter visits and updates are imperative to the success to the METNY Region; communication is key and must be stressed. The Region will encourage all members or potential members to participate in Chapter programs and events. This Region will support the Divisions in the same way. 8. The upstanding world community by taking an active stand against racism, sexism, homophobia, anti Semitism, bullying of all kinds, bigotry, hatred, and all other prejudices since we, as Jewish youth, understand the suffering of others, based on our relationship to Jewish history, and dedicate ourselves to human welfare and a united world for peace. 9. Self-expression and uniqueness by encouraging its members to make creative contributions to the Jewish tradition through innovation and experiment in worship and ritual, as well as self-expression in the fields of art, literature, music and drama. Also, the Region encourages its Divisions and Chapters to sponsor religious, cultural, social and athletic activities. 10. Fun and friendship, that USYers with rigorous and hectic schedules, deserve. By creating an environment that will connect USYers with each other throughout their lives. 11. International USY by promoting participation in International Convention, USY Pilgrimage, USY on Wheels, Nativ, USY High and all USY International clubs (i.e., Abraham Joshua Heschel Honor Society, Chalutzim, and 613 Mitzvah Corps).

The Beth El Synagogue Center Teen Leadership Board Guidelines for the 2020-2021 school-year have been updated by the Director, Bekkah Gold, as of May 7, 2020 Beth El Synagogue Center USY Teen Leadership Board 2020-2021 United Synagogue Youth, METNY Board Guidelines

Article II Board Members

Section 2.01 The Beth El Synagogue USY Board, in this order, as follows: 1. President(s) 2. Israel Affairs Vice President 3. Religion/Education Vice President 4. Social Action/Tikkun Olam Vice President 5. Membership/Kadima Vice President 6. Communications Vice President 7. 9th Grade Representative(s) 8. Senior Fellow(s)

Section 2.02 If Beth El teens do not run for all positions, those positions may not be filled for the 2020-2021 school year. The Director will then speak to Beth El teens about ways to fill the position’s responsibilities.

Section 2.03 Once the Board is decided upon, there will be the opportunity to be a part of Grade Committees to help with recruitment for any and all USY events (including but not limited to chapter programs; learning opportunities; community service; divisional events; regional events) in September 2020. In addition, there will always be the opportunity for any and all Beth El teens to chair events at Beth El Synagogue Center, as the board is also required to do. There may be an opportunity to help plan a divisional or regional event at Beth El Synagogue Center, which will partly be the responsibility of the Board to execute as well. This may look different given circumstances because of COVID-19. See Director for more information.

Section 2.04 General Board Guidelines To run for the Beth El Synagogue Center 2020-2021 Teen Leadership Board, the following guidelines must be met by all Board members:

1. Every board member must take part in planning and implementing at least 50% of chapter events during the 2020-2021 school year at Beth El (including but not limited to creating a new program, chairing a pre-planned USY event, adding a USY component to an already existing Beth El youth community or family program, new learning opportunities, Shabbat experiences, etc.) 2. Every board member must attend at least 65% of applicable Beth El teen experiences (including but not limited to USY programs, learning opportunities, Shabbat or holiday experiences, family programs, youth programs, etc.) and at least one divisional or regional event throughout the 2020- 2021 school year. 3. Every board member is required to post about events on social media (including but not limited to chapter, divisional, and regional events on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.) at least once prior to the event or as directed by the President(s) and/or the Director. 4. Every board member is required to contact (including but not limited to calling, texting, emailing, or utilizing private Facebook messaging) the call list of teens provided by the Director prior to events (including but not limited to chapter events; divisional events; regional events). Additionally, board members are expected to come up with new, innovative methods of advertising and engagement throughout the year. a. Board members are expected to get to know at least three of the teens on their lists very well to better understand their needs and interests. Therefore, when they contact these teens, board members can use their discretion when thinking about teens’ interest in the variety of programming offered at Beth El.

5. All board members must attend Beth El Teen Leadership Board Meetings every other week or as they appear in the calendar during the 2020-2021 school year and must find the time for regular conversations/meetings with the Director. 6. Each semester, all board members are required to sign up for and attend at least one of the many educational offerings for Beth El teens in the second year of the new teen engagement model. 7. Each board member must also be an advocate of the new teen engagement program, sharing what goes on in the program regularly with peers. a. Board members are expected to act as advocates and dugmaot (examples) in Beth El Synagogue and beyond (including but not limited to at school, divisional/regional USY events, and other Jewish organizational programming through JTeen, Mosaic, Keshet, AIPAC, etc.). They should say hi and engage with any Beth El teens they encounter. 8. All board members must be ready and willing to put at least two hours of time into this elected chapter board every week in order to enhance the Beth El teen community. 9. Each candidate must speak to the 2019-2020 board member in their position. 10. Some of these events may be virtual and this will change based on circumstances due to COVID-19.

Section 2.05 President(s) 1. The President(s) should prepare for and facilitate all Beth El board meetings, with the assistance of the Director. 2. The President(s) can call meetings of the Beth El board. 3. The President(s) should appoint and oversee all projects and events chair-people with the approval and help of the Director. 4. The President(s) should have the power to appoint and remove all committee chairs after consultation with the Director. 5. The President(s) should have the power to establish any and all teen/USY committees at Beth El Synagogue Center. 6. The President(s) should supervise all chairs of programs or events. 7. The President(s) should oversee, along with the Director, the planning of many events and programs. 8. If the President is a senior, the President will help oversee the election process to ensure that all rules are followed for the following school year. 9. The President(s) must follow the general board guidelines of Beth El Synagogue Center Teen Leadership Board, as stated above.

Section 2.06 Israel Affairs Vice President 1. The Israel Affairs Vice President must assist the President in carrying out their duties. 2. The Israel Affairs Vice President is responsible for spreading awareness of events occurring in Israel, knowledge of the State of Israel, enthusiasm and support for the State of Israel, and will encourage teens to participate in Israel education programming on the chapter, divisional, regional, and international level. This can be done by posting about Israel on Facebook weekly. 3. The Israel Affairs Vice President should work to create an Israel program specifically at the chapter level, one during the 2020-2021 school year. 4. Specifically, the Israel Affairs Vice President can help the Director create and facilitate an Israel education seminar leading up to the AIPAC Policy Conference in March 2021. 5. The Israel Affairs Vice President must follow the general board guidelines of Beth El Synagogue Center Teen Leadership Board, as stated above.

Section 2.07 Religion/Education Vice President 1. The Religion/Education Vice President must assist the President in carrying out their duties. 2. The Religion/Education Vice President must assign parts for all USY services held at Beth El Synagogue and make sure that there is a minyan, along with any other aspects of religious/educational programming, such as Friday Night Services, Youth Shabbat, Teen Talks, Havdalah, etc., in conjunction with the Director and/or Rabbi/Cantor.

3. The Religion/Education Vice President must follow the general board guidelines of Beth El Synagogue Center Teen Leadership Board, as stated above.

Section 2.08 Social Action/Tikkun Olam Vice President 1. The Social Action/Tikkun Olam Vice President must assist the President in carrying out their duties. 2. The Social Action/Tikkun Olam Vice President is responsible for the implementation of all aspects of Social Action and Tikkun Olam programming in Beth El Synagogue’s USY Community and must work to collectively raise money/awareness surrounding these topics. 3. The Social Action/Tikkun Olam Vice President will create a new program at Beth El and potentially with surrounding chapters in order to either raise money or awareness about a specific topic, with the help of other Beth El USY members. 4. The Social Action/Tikkun Olam Vice President must follow the general board guidelines of Beth El Synagogue Center Teen Leadership Board, as stated above.

Section 2.09 Membership/Kadima Vice President 1. The Membership/Kadima Vice President must assist the President in carrying out their duties. 2. The Membership/Kadima Vice President must be in touch with 8th graders and high school students to recruit and excite about Beth El Synagogue’s teen program and USY, including but not limited to the chapter, divisional, and regional levels of METNY USY. This role will focus on chapter-based engagement in regard to all teen education, engagement, and programming. 3. The Membership/Kadima Vice President must oversee Kadima, with the assistance of the Director and act as a liaison between Beth El Kadima and USY, including but not limited to attending Beth El Kadima events. 4. The Membership/ Kadima Vice President is responsible for delegating other board members and to be in touch with Beth El teens that could be more involved and engaged, with the supervision of Director. 5. The Membership/Kadima Vice President must follow the general board guidelines of Beth El Synagogue Center Teen Leadership Board, as stated above.

Section 2.10 Communications Vice President 1. The Communications Vice President must assist the President in carrying out their duties. 2. The Communications Vice President must delegate the Beth El Teen Leadership Board, Grade Committees, and Event Chairs to post about events on Facebook or other forms of social media three times within two weeks prior to an event. 3. The Communications Vice President must coordinate apparel purchasing for the teens at Beth El with the supervision of the Director and Board President(s). 4. The Communications Vice President must create events on Facebook under the supervision of the Director. 5. The Communications Vice President must follow the general board guidelines of Beth El Synagogue Center Teen Leadership Board, as stated above.

Section 2.11 9th Grade Representative(s) 1. The 9th Grade Representative(s) must assist the Board in carrying out their duties. 2. The 9th Grade Representative(s) must be in touch with 9th graders to recruit and excite about Beth El Synagogue’s teen program and USY, including but not limited to the chapter, divisional, and regional levels of METNY USY. This role will focus on chapter-based engagement in regard to all teen education, engagement, and programming.

Article III Board Election Process Section 3.01 Eligibility 1. Every candidate must be a member of Beth El Youth Community for at least one year prior to running.

a. Every candidate must have attended at least three Beth El events in the 2020-2021 school year. b. If running for the position of President, candidate must have been a member of a past Beth El chapter board for at least one year. i. Amendment: If electing co-Presidents, at least one of the co-Presidents elected must have been a member of a past Beth El chapter board for at least one year. If no current board member runs for the position of President, this bullet point is irrelevant. 2. All candidates must act as dugmaot (examples) and shall strive to achieve the highest ideals of Conservative Judaism. 3. If 6 teens or less run for chapter board positions, all 6 teens will be invited to join the board in the positions they applied for and will also be expected to fill in the empty board positions for the duration of the 2020-2021 school year, with the supervision of the Director.

Section 3.02 Process A. All candidates must speak with the Director at least two weeks prior to Elections. B. All candidates must fully fill out the online form, explaining their interest in running for Beth El’s Teen Leadership Board. If form is not filled out to the best of candidates’ ability, the Director has the right to be in touch with any candidate to update the form. a. The Director has the right to meet with you and inform you that you are not eligible for the Beth El Teen Leadership Board, with an explanation as to why that is the case. b. Any past presidents can run for President again or can choose to be a teen leader or board executive who is a full member of the board, though not President in the coming school year. C. Elections will be held on Sunday, May 31 at 3:00 pm on Zoom (virtually). All Beth El teens that attend the event will have the right to vote. If you want to run for a position, you must attend the event (and bring friends). If you cannot attend the event, speak to the Director to see about alternatives so you can still run. a. Those running must have a 1- to 2-minute speech prepared to give at the event. b. Those running must have read through the Guidelines and submitted the D. If a senior, the current President(s) will help the Director count the votes. At the end of the event on May 31, the newly elected 2020-2021 Beth El Teen Leadership Board will be shared with those attending. E. All elected board members will have to meet with the Director again prior to June 30, 2020. F. Information regarding Chapter Committees, chairing events, and other diverse programming for the 2020-2021 school year will be available by October 1, 2020, pending the situation given COVID-19. G. All candidates must speak with current board member in the position for which they are running at least two weeks prior to elections.

Article IV Events and Calendar A. Beth El Teen Leadership Chapter Board is allowed and encouraged to provide input on the scheduling of the following years’ events. B. Beth El Teen Leadership Chapter Board is expected to be an active part of new teen engagement opportunities, including but not limited to educational experiences on Sundays or during the week, social programming, Shabbat experiences, etc. C. Beth El Teen Leadership Chapter Board is expected to plan, advertise, and participate in at least 65% of Beth El teen events throughout the course of the year. D. The Beth El Teen Leadership Chapter Board is expected to attend at least one divisional or regional USY program during the 2020-2021 school-year. E. Beth El Teen Leadership Chapter Board is expected to act as ambassadors for the Beth El community to teens in our community and beyond, creating a welcoming environment at all events and programs.

By signing below, I, , agree that everything stated in the Beth El Teen Leadership Board Guidelines has been done honestly. I promise to follow these guidelines if I am elected to the Beth El Teen Leadership Chapter Board in the 2020-2021 school year. I understand that the teen leadership board will have responsibilities that go beyond the previous USY Board and enter into the variety of programming and educational opportunities that Beth El provides for teens. If I have questions, I will ask the Director. I recognize that if I do not follow through on my commitments, I may be asked to step down from my position. I am excited to have the opportunity to be a member of Beth El Synagogue Center’s USY Teen Leadership Board and I understand the time commitment it entails.

Your Signature ______

Parent’s Signature ______

Director’s Signature ______

I am Running for the Position of:

Name: ______

Address: ______

Email: ______

Telephone Number (______) ______- ______

Please mail this signed page to the address listed below or bring this page to the Office of Youth and Family Engagement at Beth El Synagogue Center.*

Beth El Synagogue Center 1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804 c/o Bekkah Gold – Director Office of Youth and Family Engagement

Due to COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders, please mail this to or drop this off at: Rebekkah Gold 38 Disbrow Circle New Rochelle, NY 10804

Current Board Contact Information:

Jonathan Gotian, Co-President - [email protected] Jonah Seidenfeld, Co-President - [email protected] Logan Wasserman, Israel Affairs VP - [email protected] Ana Bernstein, Religion/Education VP - [email protected] Eitan Gotian, Membership/Kadima VP - [email protected] Lauren Afran, Social Action/Tikkun Olam VP - [email protected] Dylan Tait, Communications VP - [email protected] Daniel Patchen, 9th Grade Representative - [email protected] Arielle Maliniak, 9th Grade Representative - [email protected] Ilana Shechter, Senior Fellow - [email protected]

The Beth El Synagogue Center Teen Leadership Board Guidelines for the 2020-2021 school-year have been updated by the Director, Bekkah Gold, as of May 7, 2020