Shanah Tovah!

Hi my name is Arielle Russell and I am the President of the Temple Emunah chapter of United Synagogue Youth, or USY.

Many of you may ask what is USY.

USY is not just an organization; it is a way of life. USY is a youth organization in which Conservative Jewish teens from all over the country can participate. USY changes and affects its members’ lives forever. From the way we practice Judaism to the friends that we make, from conventions, which all of us love and cherish, to the dances where friendships are made, the love that USYers have for USY is truly amazing and indescribable.

The only words I can possibly think of to remotely describe USY would be "The most unbelievable and incredible thing a teen can experience." These are not temporary experiences, but experiences that will last years, decades, and generations. Every day, teens’ lives are based around USY programs which help them develop leadership skills, as well as learn how to make the best of their Jewish lives.

The experiences that USYers go through are unbelievable. We gain many different values throughout our experiences in USY. First, the value of leadership. We learn to cooperate with others and see different perspectives in different situations. We learn to lead and be lead. Another value is Judaism. USYers form a deep love of Judaism and a strong attachment to our Jewish community through our participation in our chapter programs and by attending regional and international conferences and Shabbatonim. At every convention, or even at our own chapter Shabbat services, we have ruach (spirit). The last value that we learn is dedication. USY is a major part our lives. We have to make sacrifices and choices. USY teaches us a great deal about life, friendship, and values. It has changed many teenagers’ lives and will continue to do so.

The best way to help our Temple Emunah teens get involved in USY is by helping them to go to this year’s International Convention. This December, during winter break, Boston will no longer be the same. The city will be invaded by over 1200 USYers. International Convention is a chance for different regions to become one. Ask any USYer about International Convention, most of them will say that words cannot describe the feelings and many memorable moments that they have experienced there.

Because the New England Region of USY has the honor of holding this convention in Boston this year, many chapters, including Temple Emunah, will be hosting a 4-day Pre-Convention. This Pre-Convention consists of two days of touring around Boston for the visiting region and a Shabbaton here at Temple Emunah, to which our whole chapter is invited. We have the honor of welcoming and housing the SWUSY and Emtza regions, from the Southwest and the middle of the country.

This Pre-Convention cannot be possible without the help of everyone in our community. We are expecting AT LEAST 80 USYers from the visiting regions. We are asking the members of Temple Emunah for your help to house and host our guest USYers during this Pre-Convention from December 21-24. Most of the time, the kids will be at the synagogue or touring Boston. Housing is mostly needed as a place for these USYers to eat breakfast, sleep, and shower. As many kids as you can take will help us a great deal. It would be great if families with teens, even if they aren’t going to the rest of International Convention, would host kids because that way the teens can get a taste of what USY really is all about.

I know that, personally, USY has meant a lot to me. I became involved around the end of my sophomore year after attending a regional convention. After that, I went on “USY on Wheels” and USY’s “Israel Pilgrimage” during the past two summers. These were the experiences of a lifetime and, as a result, I now have friends across the country. As President this year, I hope to encourage as many Emunah teens as possible to get involved with USY. Having the opportunity to attend this year’s International Convention, here in Boston, as well as Pre-Convention, right here at Emunah, would be the perfect start.

Shanah tova u Metukah. A Good and Sweet New Year.