Beth El Synagogue Center's USY Chapter Named Chapter of the Year
- Sunday, 10 August 2014 09:49
- Last Updated: Sunday, 10 August 2014 09:58
- Published: Sunday, 10 August 2014 09:49
- Joanne Wallenstein
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Beth El Synagogue Center has announce that it's USY (United Synagogue Youth), chapter has been recognized by the national board, as Chapter of the Year. USY plays an integral role in the lives of many of Westchester's teens. It provides them with a sense of leadership, accomplishment, spirituality, and most of all, friendship. Beth El USYers have gone above and beyond in the past year, engaging other teens to join the chapter and adding to the prominence of USY in the community. Some of the activities include: coordinating teen Shabbat experiences, reaching out to the larger Westchester/Rockland community through social action projects, attending USY Summer Programs (like USY on Wheels and USY Israel Pilgrimage) and more. "I am so excited that our chapter, along with their inspirational USY Advisor, Bekkah Gold, has been recognized as Koach USY's Chapter of the Year. Even our youngest teens have stepped up to take on leadership roles," said Executive Director, Erica Leventhal. She added, "We have long known that the teen years represent a critical period of identity development on the journey to adulthood. When young people engage in effective Jewish learning experiences as adolescents, they are more likely to choose to live vibrant spiritual lives as adults."
Beth El Synagogue Center continues to explore creative approaches to ongoing year-round Jewish learning experiences, leadership programs, service and civic engagement, and laying the foundation for lifelong friendships. Chapter President Adam Burton added, "This past year, Beth El USY revamped its programming and has attracted many teens who are excited about becoming more involved in USY and the Beth El Community. I think that this award truly attests to the progress we've achieved this year and how bright the future is for our chapter."
Beth El Synagogue Center in New Rochelle is an active, thriving community that provides a wide range of religious, educational, social and community activities for all ages, allowing congregants engage our Jewish heritage and explore all aspects of Jewish life. Visit their website here.