Beth El has three youth groups to meet the needs of our preteens and teens. Our groups are the largest chapters in the entire region, and are consistently winning regional and national awards for the quality of their programming. Each group is led by an adult advisor.
For more information or to join any of the groups described below, please contact the school office.
Kadima (Grades 6-8)
Temple Beth El is pleased to sponsor the local chapter of Kadima, the Conservative movement's youth program for 6th through 8th graders. Our chapter boasts of close to 40 active members. Our advisor is Andy Friedson, a sophomore at the University of Rochester who hails from Schenectady. He has been very active in Kadima and USY for many years, including a year as the USY regional president. We hold programs once or twice a month, including events such as a "Make Your Own Pizza" Party, a bowling contest, a "shul-in" sleepover event, and a trip to Darien Lake. We also participate in 2 regional events each year: Kadima Day and Kadima Kallah, a weekend long gathering. The chapter also participates in and sponsors several Tzedakah projects. Members elect officers each year, who are responsible for helping to choose, plan and execute the events. Dues are $30 per year.
Download the Kadima membership application here.
United Synagogue Youth (USY) (Grades 9-12)
Temple Beth El is the proud sponsor of the award-winning local chapter of USY, the Conservative movement's youth program for high school students (9th through 12th grades). Our chapter has over 40 members, who elect their own officers. The officers and members are responsible for choosing and scheduling events, as well as helping to organize, publicize, and run the events. Our advisor is Sarah Kay, a junior at the University of Rochester, who was extremely active in her own chapter in Albany. She also served as the USY regional president in her senior year, and currently serves as staff at the USY international convention. We hold programs approximately every two weeks, including such memorable ones as an evening of video games at Jillians, gourmet barbecues, progressive dinners, a sledding party, the synagogue's annual Purim Carnival, and a trip to Darien Lake. The chapter is also very involved in Tikun Olam - social action projects to help repair the world. In addition, we participate in many regional events each year: a week long camp, an institute for new members only, two major conventions, several inter-cities, and Tikun Olam Day. Dues are $35 per year
Download the USY Membership Application here.
Boy Scouts of America (Lincoln Troop 3) (Ages 11-17)
Temple Beth El is home to the 5th oldest Jewish-sponsored group in the entire nation, which was founded here at Beth El in 1917. It is the mission of the Boy Scouts to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetime in achieving their full potential. It is based on a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with the counsel of an adult Scoutmaster. Scouts participate in weekly activities here at Beth El every Tuesday evening. They also participate in special regional and national activities and events. As a troop, both Shabbat and Kashrut are observed during their campouts and other activities.
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