Written and Compiled by Amy Dorsch - United Synagogue Youth

הדרכה למדריכים
A Handbook for the Synagogue Youth Advisor/Youth
Director
Written and Compiled by Amy Dorsch
With Contributions by Arlyne Bochnek, Regional Youth Director, CRUSY USY
Chapter XIII:
Working with Synagogue Clergy and the Youth
Commission
Includes fundraising and budgeting

Chapters to Help Your Chapter: Table of Contents
Click on other “chapters” in this series for information on the following topics:
Chapter I: Introduction
• USY and Kadima 101- vocabulary, goals, mission, structure, summer programs,
clubs, etc., the USY Tikun Olam Program in brief
Chapter II: The Role of the Advisor
• What does an advisor do, being a dugma/role model, standards
Chapter III: Starting a Chapter From Scratch/Reinvigorating a chapter
Chapter IV: Programming Basics: Basic planning guide, sample program assessment,
planning inter-chapters programming, general tips
Chapter V: Adding Jewish content to social programs
Chapter VI: Social issues of teens from a Jewish perspective
Chapter VII: Kadima
• What is a "tween" or “pre-teen,” and how do our programs differ for this cohort
(includes program ideas)
Chapter VIII: Marketing to young people
• Includes general publicity tips and techniques
Chapter IX: Partnership with Formal Educational Institutions (Congregational and Day
Schools)
Chapter X: Using technology
• Technology defined, general uses
Chapter XI: Rules, Regulations and Policies
• Kashrut, Dress, Code of Conduct
Chapter XII: Working with a USY Leadership Board
• Tips, leadership training and board bonding activities
Chapter XIII: Working with Synagogue Clergy and the Youth Commission
• Includes fundraising and budgeting
Appendices: Regional contact information, Resources and forms, where to go for what
you need
• JYDA membership information (p.69), Guide to Leading a Discussion (p.70-74),
sample Sicha/Limud outline (p.75-80), Service Outline (p.81-93, compiled by Todd
Yellin, adapted by Ari Yares).
613 Mitzvah Corps application, Heschel Honor Society application, Hechalutzim
application, list of free publicity materials all available on the USY website.
USY would like to acknowledge the following people for their reader reviews and comments:
Lynn Berk, Youth Director, Tikvat Israel, Seabord Region USY
Michelle Rich, Director of Education and Youth Activities, Hagalil Region USY
Arlyne Bochnek, Regional Youth Director, CRUSY Region USY
Sheri Knauth, Youth Director, Beth Israel, Seaboard Region USY

Chapter XIII: Working with the Synagogue Clergy
Working with the Youth Committee
The synagogue youth committee is usually your best advocates and strongest
supporters. It can be comprised of synagogue members and clergy who oversee the
youth activities of the synagogue. They are likely a dedicated group of lay leaders who
have the leadership training and youth involvement at the forefront of their priorities.
They should be there to help you in your efforts and help you problem solve.
People who may sit on this committee include:
• Synagogue youth director (or any professional assigned to the youth program
such as an Education Director)
• involved parents,
• clergy
• synagogue president, the chapter president
Function of the Committee:
• hire the youth advisor
• prepare and oversee the youth activities budget
• fundraise on behalf of youth activities
• formulate youth related policies
• handle any legal issues that may arise
• provide assistance and support for youth advisor during the year
Reporting on Youth Activities: You may be asked to give a report at youth committee
meetings. Try and be as honest possible with your analyses. They cannot help you if
everything is going just perfectly but also will doubt your abilities and motivation if you
sound like there is no hope. Try and pinpoint specific challenges and ask for specific
areas of assistance.
For example, instead of saying “everything’s a mess. I wish it was the way it used to be,
no one shows up to anything,” try focusing on specific challenges. Use sentences such as
“attendance at programs has been low. I’m concerned that our marketing techniques are
not reaching potential members. I could use your help by reaching out to other parents of
Kadima aged kids or making other suggestions for improvement.” You want to share your
concerns without sounding flustered or discouraged and be honest with your requests
for assistance and input.
Build on common concerns: Remember, you’re all on the same team. It may sometimes
be difficult to remember this, but keep in mind that you all share common concerns and a
common mission. Always keep in mind the position of your youth commission members
(many of which are parents of USYer or Kadimaniks first and foremost), and maintain
your patience and professionalism.
Working with difficult people:
Try your best to maintain a positive and professional demeanor, even when dealing with
the most challenging personality types. Practice good listening and empathy, try and
understand the source behind their behavior,
Effective types of speech to use when dealing with difficult personality types:
• Use of “I” statements: “I can see what you’re saying,” “I feel or sense that…”
• Paraphrase- Let me clarify so I can make sure I understand you…
• Reflect on feelings- I can sense that you’re apprehensive about this upcoming
program. What concerns do you envision

• Ask open ended questions- “please share your ideas for dealing with our
noticeable senior drop off this year”
• Keep in mind that they are often not attacking you, rather the situation.
• Offer options and alternatives- “I see that you’re not comfortable with _________,
would ________ work better
• Can we work together to come up with __________
• Can I get your support with _________
• Direct comments toward the issue at hand, not at specific people
• Keep your focus on attacking the problem, not the person
Top Tips for Working with Clergy
• Set up an initial meeting with the clergy in your synagogue and ask him/her where
he/she may envision involvement with the youth program (if at all).
• Share your calendar with them and ask if he/she would like to be part of anything
specific: “can we count on your to lead a session at our Shabbaton Are you
available to give a D'var Torah or teach a quick drash at any of the Shabbat dinners
we have planned Can you announce upcoming Kadima programs from the Bima
each Shabbat when there are big crowds of B’nai Mitzvah kids Can we give B’nai
Mitzvah free membership to Kadima Do you have discretionary funding for youth
scholarships or to subsidize programming Can you write an article about the youth
program in a synagogue newsletter”
• Keep the rabbi or cantor involved in the chapter programming by adding him/her to
USY listservs, sending all him/her all flyers and reporting in every once in a while
when you’re at the synagogue.
• Ask the rabbi or cantor if the Kadimaniks or USYers can be involved at all in
synagogue programming- services, learning, community programs, etc.
• Understand that each clergy person has his/her own priorities. If you find that the
rabbi does not seem to support you, understand the he/she has a lot on his/her
plate. Try offering youth support within the synagogue and hopefully, he/she will
return the support.
Top Tips for Budgeting:
List all budget items on a spreadsheet and be sure to overestimate costs (pad your
budget).
If you are charging for the program to offset costs, under-estimate attendance. It is
better to end up with over flow than to not meet your budget
Get your non-perishable in bulk or at a discount store. Always buy the generic
brands of snacks if they are hechshered
If you are inviting a guest, ask them if they would be willing to donate their services
or seriously negotiate a fee. Offer an honorarium as a fee.
Consider hidden costs such as special foods for dietary restrictions and paper
goods
Count backwards- start with a set amount and make sure you can cover all your
costs without going over the set amount you had allocated
See below for working with your youth commission to fund youth program