This past Shabbat was the CTE annual USY Shabbat, marked by a very nice Shabbat service led by some of our community’s teens. It was a small but inspiring gathering that, once again, affirmed all that I have come to know about USY since my involvement with this tremendous program began more than twenty years ago. Mazal tov to Abby Sheer, our USY advisor, for her unflagging support of our youth, and to Hannah Kaplan for coordinating the service.
For those who are less familiar, USY stands for United Synagogue Youth, and is the official youth organization of the Conservative Movement. For 60 years, USY has proven to be one of the most transformative and successful initiatives of the Movement. The potential impact USY can have on the lives and trajectories of teens cannot be overstated. As a former USY participant and staff member, I know first-hand the power and influence of involvement with local and regional USY programming, and I am fairly confident that I would not be the Jew or the rabbi that I am today were it not for USY. It was in USY (and Camp Ramah) that my life as an observant Jew began, and it was USY that helped me to understand the profound sense of meaning and personal fulfillment that can come with living my life as an active Jew.
One thing that USY has done remarkably well over the past six decades is create an environment where its teen members can be supported as individuals, and nurtured to grow into confident young adults, proud of who they are. USY teaches its members to live out the Jewish value that we are all made betzelem elohim, in God’s image, and works hard to create an atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable in their own skin. That is no small accomplishment within the context of a world that makes being a teenager harder than ever before.
A powerful example: In December, the outgoing USY International President, Daniel (DJ) Kaplan (a high school senior!) delivered the attached speech to thousands of teens at USY’s International Convention. He articulately and courageously describes his journey to self-acceptance. This young man’s words are an inspiring and moving testament to USY’s success. The video is a bit long, but well worth it!
As we strive to strengthen and reinvigorate our own USY chapter and our congregation in the years to come, I am curious to hear your thoughts on this powerful speech. What lessons might this have for all of us (not just the teens!) as a community that is striving to be inclusive? In what ways might we work to create a community accepting, supportive, and safe not only for our teens, but for everyone in our midst?