2007 - United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

elationships between young Jewish peers. Each of our youth groups focuses on a different aspect of Judaic inclusion
beginning with creating comfort in the physical synagogue environment to creating a spiritual connection between the
youth and Judaism. During the early years of involvement, we focus on creating fun and educational programs in our
synagogue facilities. By inviting our youngsters to participate in fun activities on site we hope to establish a sense of
comfort in the physical space of Har Shalom. As the children get older, we infuse more Jewish education and reinforce
their cultural and holiday learning done in their formal classrooms. During the later years of involvement (Kadima and
USY) our teens become the advocates and governing bodies of their youth groups. The teens plan activities focusing on
Social Action, Tikun Olam, and creating social relationships among their peers. Our teens participate in and lead regular
Shabbat services and activities. Our teens become the driving force behind the success of our youth groups because their
passion for Judaism translates into amazing programs and gatherings.
Our Youth Department has increased the interest in all youth groups through exciting events and activities,
fostering continued involvement among our youth. We continue to reach out to our local community by participating in
a plethora of Social Action projects throughout the year. Our teens also strive to raise funds for a number of
organizations through their Tikun Olam fundraising programs. The passion and commitment to Judaism and Jewish
values is initiated in the early years of involvement in hopes that it will continue to go throughout their academic years
and many years following. Ultimately, it is the involvement of our youth that creates the vibrant and energetic nature of
our congregation.
SILVER
TEMPLE EMANUEL
Over 900
Newton, MA
Submitted by Carol Schauer 617-558-8121
Three years ago, Temple Emanuel took bold steps to integrate our formal and informal youth education initiatives. Prior
to that time, the two areas functioned as separate silos. The reorganization allowed the creation of the “Harry Kraft
Director of Informal Youth Education” reporting to the Educational Director. This new model engaged the Director in
religious school life (“where the kids are”) through community service programming. In addition, this allowed the youth
to become aware of and engaged in informal activities in the temple including youth services with Shabbat dinners,
temple retreats, USY and grade level activities, community organizing for teens, and B’nai Mitzvah projects. This
organizational change was brought about through careful planning by the youth director, youth committee, religious
school committee, educational and professional staff, and the temple professional and lay leadership.
The integration of the formal and informal youth education has resulted in exponential growth in the
department. Over 350 youth are engaged in various programs or activities within the shul. More youth are participating
in not only our traditional youth groups but they also have become part of the community. A 5 th grader might be
enjoying the games in our Solomon Youth Lounge after religious school. Many 7th graders help operate booths at the
Purim carnival and numerous teens play on our USY basketball team. Our youth are involved, they are in the building,
and many feel a connection with the shul that is warm, meaningful and real. The blending of the formal and informal
education silos continues to provide our youth with many opportunities to feel connected to Temple Emanuel and being
Jewish. With the support of the leadership of the synagogue and its excellent youth committee, the Harry Kraft Youth
Department is poised to continue its fine work towards the important goal of keeping our children connected to Judaism
through informal youth education.
1. Summer programs have been attended by Anna Penchansky in 2006, as she went on Wheels. She is also going
on Summer in the City in 2007. Daniel Meltzer is attending the Wheels East program in 2007. Unfortunately
we have not had any participants in Hanegev’s encampment over the past 2 years.
2. Scholarship is offered to those families who require financial help to send their children to a convention and
summer program. There is a scholarship line written into the youth budget for each year. In 2006-2007, we are
budgeted for $1500. We have given out $1250 for USYers to attend International Convention in Boston, as
well as Sub-regional Spring Convention, and Regional Convention. In 2005-2006, we were budgeted for $1000
and spent all of it.
3. Our Youth Commission is led by Helene Papilsky and Debbie Zané. They serve as the chairs of the committee.
There are 6 members on the committee. They range from having children in the youth groups to being a past