Monday, September 06, 2010

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Youth Programming

Youth programming at Temple Israel of Natick supports and enhances the social, educational, and spiritual growth of our congregation’s young people. Our programs are chapters of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s youth program (United Synagogue Youth, or USY) and a part of the New England region of USY (NERUSY). K’vutza, our newest youth group, is for children in grades three and four; Kadima serves fifth and sixth graders. Our Junior USY group works with seventh and eighth grade students, and Senior USY encourages high school students, in grades nine through twelve, to become the young Jewish leaders of the next generation. One of the most exciting aspects of our youth programs is the opportunity offered participants to interact with peers on a regional and national level.

Chapter and regional USY programming includes dances, sporting events, outdoor activities, social action projects, Shabbatonim (weekend of learning together) and conventions. Natick’s USY chapter fields both a girls’ volleyball and a boys’ basketball team, which compete at the regional level. USY members lead Kabbalat Shabbat services at a local assisted living facility, read Torah at Temple Israel, and raise funds for several USY charities. Our Senior USY teens are a constant positive presence in congregational life. They run the Purim Carnival, plan and implement the annual Yom Hazikaron (Day of Remembrance) service, and assist at services for the younger children. In 2005, Natick USY was named the “Chapter of the Year” in the New England USY region. Temple Israel’s young people have many opportunities to contribute their knowledge and enthusiasm to a wide variety of Temple and community-wide activities.

For further information, please contact Temple Israel’s Youth Educator Liz Levin at 508-650-3521, x101 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Youth Programming - Frequently Asked Questions

What is USY?

Temple Israel of Natick is a Conservative synagogue and thus is a member of the United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). The youth programming therefore falls under the auspices of USY, which stands for United Synagogue Youth and is the youth arm of the USCJ. There are 17 regions throughout the United States and Canada, which make up International USY. Membership in a local USY chapter entitles your child to participate in programs at the chapter, regional, and international levels. K'vutza is Temple Israel's specific program for 3rd and 4th graders. Kadima is the name given to the grouping of 5th and 6th graders, Junior USY is for 7th and 8th graders, and Senior USY serves high school age children (graders 9-12).

What kinds of programs does K'vutza/Kadima/USY run?

Temple Israel K'vutza/Kadima/USY programming includes social, cultural, religious, and educational events.

Who runs Temple Israel's USY chapter?

Our synagogue has an active lay Youth Committee, currently chaired by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Youth Educator This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it is the advisor for our Senior USY and our K'vutza youth groups.

Why is it important for my child to join Kadima/USY?

K'vutza, Kadima, and USY open doors for our children to interact with other Jewish young people in an organized and safe environment. These interactions between children happen within our chapter as well as in the larger community and beyond. These relationships and experiences strengthen their Jewish ties and encourage their active involvement in Jewish life. During the course of the year, parents can expect to be asked by staff to assist with transportation and/or chaperone duties, or to help with chapter events. Your participation in this part of your child's life demonstrates the value you place on Jewish community.

    For further information, please call (508)650-3521x101 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the Temple Israel USY homepage.

Friday Night Services...

are held at 7:45 p.m. on the first week of the month and feature the "First Friday Speaker Series." On other weeks, an early Kabbalat Shabbat service is held at 5:45 p.m.

Shabbat Services

Evening: 5:45 p.m. or 7:45 p.m. depending on scheduled events.
Morning: 9:15 a.m. to approximately 12 noon. Special preschool and grade school programming as well as babysitting available periodically.
Afternoon: 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel. (Nov.-Feb. Ma'ariv/Havdalah and Mar.-Oct. Mincha/Torah)

Daily Minyan

Held in Our Chapel

Sunday: 9:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Monday and Thursday: 6:45 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Friday at 7:00 a.m.
Times may change during holidays and morning minyan starts at 6:30 a.m. on Rosh Hodesh, so please call the Temple to verify times.