B’nai Shalom of Olney

B’nai Shalom of Olney boasts a vibrant and active Youth Program. The goal of our Youth Department is to promote a love for Judaism, to give the Jewish youth in our community the opportunity to meet and socialize with other Jewish youth and provide an informal Jewish education through fun and innovative programs. We currently have five separate youth groups within BSO’s Youth Department. To learn more or if you have any questions, contact our Youth Director, Mara Bayewitz at (301) 774-0879 x21 or at mara.bayewitz@bnaishalomofolney.org

USY - grades 9-12

Seaboard Region Winner, Most Improved Chapter, 2007-2008!!

Seaboard Region Winner, Best Shabbaton, 2007-2008!!

Seaboard Region Winner, Most Original Social Action Program, Bark Mitzvah, 2007-2008!!

Advisor: Evan Rosenthal (301) 706-6763

USY (United Synagogue Youth) is a conservative Jewish youth group for High School students. BSO’s USY chapter has consistently achieved the highest quality of programming for which they have received many awards. Our many programs include social, religious, tzedakah and social actions, as well as sports. In the past we’ve gone bowling, played lasertag, organized a food drive, held Shabbat dinners, helped out when needed at synagogue events, had overnights, and continue to participate in the winter Regional USY Basketball League. There are Regional Dances and three Regional Conventions that bring extra spice to the whole USY experience. BSO USY has two to three programs each month and we are always looking for new people with new ideas.

USY was founded in 1951 in Midwest by a group of Jewish teens who were interested in starting a Jewish conservative youth movement. USY is the official high-school aged youth organization of the Conservative Movement and is sponsored by United Synagogue. This, in turn means that USY is a Conservative Youth group and our Chapters exist in United Synagogue affiliated congregations. Although the organization began with only a few chapters, it has grown to an international organization with thousands of involved high school aged members!

There are three main levels of USY. There are chapter, regional and international levels. Each chapter recruits their own new members and elects a chapter board that keeps the chapter's activities running smoothly. Here, leaders are trained and responsibilities are divided. Chapters in one area together make up one of 17 regions. Each region has many programs designed to bring members from different chapters within each region together. International USY is the last part. All 17 regions unite annually, at International Convention.

International USY also offers amazing summer, semester, and year-long programs. We run trips to Israel & Europe, Cross Country Bus Tours, Camping Trips, High School in Israel , and a Study Program in NYC at Barnard University and the Jewish Theological Seminary.

B’nai Shalom of Olney USY is a member of the Seaboard Region of USY. The Seaboard Region is made up of Maryland, DC, Virginia, and parts of North Carolina.

Our 2008-2009 USY Board!!!

Presidents:
Ally Turkheimer and Mira Mendick

Israel Affairs Vice President:

Ian Carchman

Religious Education/Executive Vice President:
Ruth Geller

Social Action/Tikun Olam Vice President:
Becca Fleischer

Membership/Kadima Outreach Vice President:
Sloan Friedman

Tikshoret (Communications) Vice President:
Sammy Lemberger

Freshman Representative:

Mickey Schwarz

USY YEARBOOK PAGE 2008

USY ON WHEELS SCAVENGER HUNT IN OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA

Kadima - grades 6-8
Acting advisor – Mara Bayewitz

Kadima is the middle school age affiliate of United Synagogue Youth and The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. We hold one to two events per month and they range from Shabbat dinners and services to social outings such as lasertag and bowling, to community service and tzedakah programs. In addition, there are also Regional events such as Kadima Saturday Night Live and Kadima Kallah.

Machar - grades 3-5
Advisor - Michelle Schwarz

Machar meets about once a month and always draws a crowd. Some of our past events include a hayride and bonfire, laser tag, game night, and bowling.

Bonim - grades K-2
Advisors – Melanie and Brian Lubin

Bonim meets once a month – everyone loves Bonim! Some of our past events have been bowling, Chanukah gift making, apple picking and an Israeli Celebration!