USY Mission Statement:
United Synagogue Youth (USY) and Kadima, of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), inspires Jewish youth to explore, celebrate and practice ethical values, Jewish living, Zionism and community responsibility based on the ideology of the Conservative Movement.
United Synagogue Youth (USY) and Kadima, of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), inspires Jewish youth to explore, celebrate and practice ethical values, Jewish living, Zionism and community responsibility based on the ideology of the Conservative Movement.
What is USY?
The answer starts with an organization called the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). United Synagogue is the umbrella organization of Conservative synagogues in North America. It services the overall needs of its affiliated congregations. United Synagogue Youth (USY) and Kadima are the official youth organizations of the Conservative Movement. USY chapters exist only in congregations that are affiliated with United Synagogue. To be in USY is to strive to learn about and live within the framework of Conservative Judaism. USY was founded in 1951 and has grown from a handful of chapters to an international organization with thousands of high school age members. In 1964, Kadima was formalized as a separate entity for pre-USY age young people. USY was conceived as a means of meeting the social, educational, religious, and recreational needs of Jewish teenagers. USY seeks to involve teenagers in synagogue life and help build the Jewish community of the future. Furthermore, USY is a Zionist organization, trying to build a relationship between Israel and Jewish youth in America. Today, USY continues to work toward these same goals. One measure of USY’s success is that it has produced its own leaders, as many advisors, youth workers, Rabbis, synagogue presidents, etc. are themselves former USYers. USY begins at the local chapter level where it recruits members and trains leaders. The next level is the regional level. The regions have a variety of activities to bring together members and leaders from the chapters. The third level is the international level. The international USY offices are located in the United Synagogue building in New York City. The programs it coordinates include International Convention, USY on Wheels, Israel Pilgrimage, Nativ, Tikkun Olam, Chalutzim, 613 Mitzvah Club, Abraham Joshua Heschel Honor Society, and the Program Bank. |
What is CRUSY?
CRUSY is the Central Region of United Synagogue Youth (USY). It is an area wide youth group of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). CRUSY includes local chapter youth groups from parts of Indiana, all of Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. CRUSY programs give Jewish teens the opportunity to learn and grow as Jews, have fun and meet other Jewish teenagers. USYers learn about Judaism and Israel, take part in social action projects, give tzedakah, enjoy social programming and have a great time.There are many chapters in CRUSY. The chapters are based in USCJ congregations throughout the central region. Chapter activities often include going to various places in their city or area, such as Whirly Ball, Lazer Tag, bowling, baseball games, Kings Island or Cedar Point as well as volunteering in the community and participating in social action oriented programs. Many chapter programs also take place at the synagogue. Chapter programs are lots of fun. Check out the chapters section of the CRUSY website (CRUSY.org) to find a chapter near you. During the year, USYers and younger Kadimaniks also have the opportunity to get together for Shabbat. Every two to three months there are conventions when people from all around CRUSY spend a Shabbat weekend together. Going to a regional convention is a great way to meet people from all over our great region. |