USY Torah Bytes

Frequently Asked Questions about USY Torah Bytes:

Q: What is Torah Bytes?

A: An online video chat with your USY friends on a contemporary Jewish issue. Each week will highlight a different topic.

Q: I don’t have time for anything new. How can I still participate?

A: Each Torah Bytes session will be offered three times a week. Regions are grouped and assigned to a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, so try to participate on your assigned regional day. If you can’t make that day, you may join one of the other sessions that week. Sessions will last for about 25 minutes and begin at 9:45 p.m. EDT. You do not need to RSVP, so if something comes up, you can join the next session.

Q: How do I participate in a webinar?

A: You can join the audio conference with your phone or you participate via video chat (you will need internet connection for this. The link to each webinar will be posted each week as part of the schedule that appears at the bottom of this page.

Q: If I have an idea for a topic or have questions, who can I contact?

A: E-mail Andy Weissfeld, USY International Religion/Education Vice President, at reled@usy.org or Daniel Mackler, a member of the USY Religion/Education International General Board, at usytorahbytes@gmail.com.

Q: I’ll add it to my Google Calendar. What are the dates?

A: Here is a schedule of all the Torah Bytes dates and times (EDT). Please note: topics are subject to change without notice.

March 20 @ 9:45 p.m.	Introductory Session
Week 1:
April 3 @ 9:30 p.m.	Topic: Does the Pope Really Talk to God? Validity of religious leaders outside Judaism, the Prophets, what it means to "talk to God."
April 4 @ 10:30 p.m.	Topic: Does the Pope Really Talk to God? Validity of religious leaders outside Judaism, the Prophets, what it means to "talk to God."
Week 2:
April 16 @ 8:30 p.m.	Topic: TBD (Israel-Related)	Click here for Log-In Information
April 17 @ 9:30 p.m.	Topic: What Language Does God Speak? Is Hebrew an Obstacle to Jewish Prayer? (with guest presenter)	Click here for Log-In Information
April 18 @ 10:30 p.m.	Topic: TBD (Israel-Related)	Click here for Log-In Information
Week 3:
Special Video Chat with teens from NOAM, the Conservative Youth Movement in Israel
May 5 @ 11 a.m.	The Israel-American relationship	Click here for Log-In Information
Week 4:
May 21 @ 8:30 p.m.	Topic: Evening of Awesomeness (log on to find out what that means) with Special Guest Presenter Rabbi Dave Levy	Click here for Log-In Information
May 22 @ 9:30 p.m.	Topic: L'shon Hara and Why Everybody Does it	Click here for Log-In Information
May 23 @ 10:30 p.m.	Topic: L'shon Hara and Why Everybody Does it	Click here for Log-In Information
Week 5:
June 4 @ 8:30 p.m.	Topic: Final Conversation
June 5 @ 9:30 p.m.	Topic: Final Conversation
June 6 @ 10:30 p.m.	Topic: Final Conversation