USY

USY, the youth group of the Conservative movement, stands for United Synagogue Youth. There are 17 regions around the United States and Canada which comprise International USY. Beth El USY is a member of Emtza Region. Emtza (which means middle in Hebrew) serves Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Nebraska, part of Wisconsin, part of Montana, North and South Dakota, and Winnipeg.

Membership in USY automatically entitles you to participate in programs on all levels: Chapter, Regional, and International. Beth El USY is sponsored by Beth El Synagogue, an affiliate of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. USY begins at the chapter level, which is where we recruit members, train leaders, and service our congregation. The second level of USY involvement is the regional level. Emtza Region has a variety of annual activities that bring together members and leaders from around the Midwest. The third level of USY involvement is International programming. USY offers International Convention, USY Israel Pilgrimage, USY on Wheels, USY High, and much more!

USY was founded in 1948 right here at Beth El. Beth El USY, otherwise known as Beth El Rishon was the very first USY chapter! USY has grown from a handful of chapters to an International organization with nearly 20,00 high school age members. In 1964, KADIMA was formalized as a separate entity for 7th and 8th graders. USY was conceived as a means of meeting the social, educational, religious and recreational needs of our young people. USY seeks to involve our youth in synagogue life and help build the Jewish community of the future. USY is a Zionist organization trying to build a relationship between Israel and our members here in North America. Today, USY is still working towards these same goals.

Mollie Feldman

Mollie Feldman comes to Beth El after graduating from Carleton College in Northfield, MN where she worked as a Jewish Chaplain’s Associate. Mollie’s favorite activities are playing BananaGrams, spending time outdoors, and eating sweet potatoes. She is excited for a great year of programming and to get to know the Beth El youth community. As Youth Director, Mollie wants every teen at Beth El to find a place in USY, so don’t hesitate to contact Mollie at 952-873-7330 or via e-mail to learn where you can fit in!