Religion/Education

“We need Religious Education” – Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

Heschel could not have been more right-on. While USYers are very different in both what we like and where we are from, we are always United Synagogue Youth, meaning that Conservative Judaism is the common factor among all of us. It is important to appreciate and understand that Religion and Education are central to what USY stands for. While some of us may love practicing Judaism, many others feel alienated from it. It is my responsibility this year to help each of us attain a bit more connection to Judaism; to make Judaism more personal and important in all of our lives.

With that I would like to welcome you to the USY Religion/Education page!

In this magical section of the USY website, you will find a fantastic collection of excellent educational aides (such as: JewTube and various Rel/Ed programming) as well as fun ways to spice up davening. This site is full of fantastic resources that help us understand Judaism on a deeper level.

Here’s a sample of a few resources you will find!

Tools for Regional Rel/ed VPs such as a service outline and Guide for Gabba’im, can be found on the “Holiday and Rituals How To” Page on the left side-bar.
The Heschel Honor Society page: click on the link to the right recertify your membership or join the club!
A number of “creative” Tefillah outlines: if you have any you’d like to add, please send them to Amy Dorsch.
A fantastic D’var Torah bank please submit your own Divrei Torah to Amy Dorsch and she will post them!
Guidebooks to making standard Tefillah services more creative, interactive and meaningful through activities, discussion pieces and explanations.
Previous issues of Bo’er Ba’esh: the Heschel Honor Society Newsletter
a Guide for Gabba’im- learn the choreography of the Torah Service with this guide written by 2011 Rel/ed IGB member and 2011-12 Seaboard Regional President, Jordan Brandt.
IGB projects from previous years such as the “JewTube”, a video series on how to do certain Jewish rituals (both for weekday and holidays!) and i-Daven, a series of audio clips of USY “Ruach” songs and Shabbat Zemirot…and more!
a sample Rel/ed VP officer packet courtesy of Hanegev Regional Board 2011-12

B’ahavat Ya’hadut (With a love for Judaism)

Alex Krule
2011 USY International Religion/Education Vice President
reled@usy.org