USY at Temple Aliyah
United Synagogue Youth (USY) and KADIMA are the official youth organizations of the Conservative Movement, and are sponsored by the United Synagogue of America. USY was formed in 1951 and includes thousands of high-school-aged members around the world. KADIMA is a separate entity geared to pre-USY-aged youngsters in fourth fifth and sixth grades. Temple Aliyah also offers additional programming, catering to our children in second and third grades.
SENIOR USY
Senior USY is for teens in grades 9 - 12. Events include regional and national conventions, inter-chapter and regional dances, social-action and fundraising projects, leadership training, sports, group dinners and coffee houses, and trips, to name a few. Members of the board are responsible for leading the way, with the support of our Youth Educator, Hinda Eisen.
JUNIOR USY
Junior USY is for students in grades 6 - 8. Programs are similar to those of Sr. USY, but are more suited to this age group, and include dances, sleepovers, trips, social-action projects, and sports. The board, which is open to all who are interested, works closely with the advisor on planning and implementing programs. Check out the Junior USY Lounge Night video! For more information, please be in touch with our Youth Educator, Hinda Eisen.
KADIMA
Children in grades 4 - 5 are invited to join KADIMA. In addition to strengthening social bonds, KADIMA fosters a sense of Jewish community. KADIMA also shares in activities with other synagogues from around New England. Some recent activities include: lounge nights with games and food in our Youth Lounge, tubing at Nashoba Valley, boat cruises with the region, and our famous dodge ball tournament to raise money for tzedakah. For more information, please be in touch with our Kadima advisor, Rachel Buonaiuto.
KOCHAVIM
Kochavim, or "Stars," offers several activities throughout the year which are targeted to students in grades 2 - 3. With approximately four events per year, it is a perfect introduction to the fun that awaits them in future years. For more information, please be in touch with our Kadima advisor, Rachel Buonaiuto.
SPORTS
Each year, Temple Aliyah teens can participate in the USY basketball league. Along with other Jewish teens from the communities where our members live, we have fielded at least one Senior team for grades 10-12 every year, and the Temple Aliyah team has been the league champions in a number of recent years, including 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. If there is sufficient interest, we field a Junior basketball team for grades 7-9. Practices and games are scheduled in November and conclude with playoffs in February or early March. If you are interested in joining one of our teams, contact Bruce Berns.
For more information about any of our USY programs, email Hinda Eisen, our Youth and Community Educator or call her at the Temple at 781-444-8522. If you need a copy of a registration form for KADIMA, or Junior and Senior USY, please call the Temple office or stop by to pick one up. Parents are always encouraged to contact the Youth Committee co-chairs - Amy Marcus and Ron Sadok.