Fall - United Synagogue Youth

How It All Began
USYers share what made them join USY
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What made you want to join
USY?
Elanna Garick, SWUSY:
I become involved in
USY because of two of my cousins,
Aryeh and Aviva Kieffer, who
were very involved and were
both International Presidents.
So after hearing all the stories
they had, I joined, and have
been in USY programs since I
was in third grade as a
Chalutzimer. Now I am a junior
in high school and on Regional
General Board.
Debbie Weiser, Pinwheel:
I had been hearing amazing
things about Pinwheel USY for
a year from my older sister Becca,
so I was really excited when I got
my first opportunity to go to a regional
USY convention. I was a
typical shy ninth grader, but my
sister and her friends really showed
me the ropes and made me feel
welcome. I met some of my best
friends through USY, am now the
co-President of my chapter, and I
just finished chairing a convention.
USY has definitely changed
my life for the better, and I owe
that to my sister.
Anna Hutt, CRUSY:
Two of my friends convinced
me to come to the CRUSY
Regional Convention of my freshman
year. I was absolutely blown
away by the friendliness of the
complete strangers who become
close friends, the respect and interest
the USYers held for Judaism,
and the room-shaking ruach that
characterized our entire Shabbat.
I knew from then on that a group
of teenagers who loved singing,
praying, laughing, and learning together
was a group I wanted to be
a part of.
Nehama Rogozen, CRUSY:
I joined USY because I had
heard a lot about it from my counselors
at Ramah Palmer, and because
my friends from Schechter
day school were joining. I also
wanted to go on USY on Wheels
so bad, which I got to do this summer
(Bus B ‘03!).
Ariella Rosen, Hanefesh:
The USYers were the really
cool older kids who had their
own section in the back of the shul
every Shabbat morning. I wanted
to be like them so badly!
Ory Rinat, METNY:
One of my friends forced
me to go to my first regional encampment.
Before that I had
gone to a few chapter meetings,
but was never very involved.
After that encampment, I absolutely
fell in love with USY. I
have gone to almost every single
regional and divisional event
since.
Elena Mayer, Pinwheel:
I joined USY because it allows
me to feel like an important
part of a Jewish community. I
think it’s easy to get lost in the
hustle and bustle of an entire congregation,
even a small one.
Through USY, I don’t have to be
anything but myself to be an integral
member of that strong community
feeling I value so much in
Judaism.
Adam Zarek, ECRUSY:
I was persuaded to join
USY by my friends. After going to
one program I was hooked on the
atmosphere, people, ruach, and
overall excitement of everything.
Have your own unique reason why
you joined USY? You can share your
story and see what others have to say
as well. Just go to the Achshav!
Online Supplement at www.usy.org/
achshavonline.
What You Say