As we continue to build USY for the future, we must define for ourselves what is unique about our movement. What about USY makes us stand out from any other movement? What makes USY such a special and unique movement that we cherish so much?
One of the characteristics of USY that stands out is that everything we do is by teens, for teens, and about teens. We create Jewish experiences that support and connect youth as they move through the joys and challenges of growing up. Through Jewish learning and experiences, teens can discover their best selves, define their life purpose, and belong to a lifelong community. We create safe spaces for participants to explore, experiment, and thrive through experiential learning and growth opportunities that support, challenge, and develop the next generation of Jewish leaders.
We can bring this vision into reality through education. By creating an educational framework for USY’s activities, we can ensure that they are infused with learning that will inspire our teens with a thirst for knowledge and genuine curiosity.
This educational framework will be defined by five cornerstones (Rashei Pinot) that reflect USY’s values. We aim to have one or more of these Rashei Pinot drive every USY activity, whether it’s a chapter launch event or an activity on Wheels, the theme of a convention or a lounge night, a baseball game, or a volunteer project. Everything we do can be understood as a cornerstone of what makes USY so unique and special.
כִּ֣י יְדַעְתִּ֗יו לְמַ֩עַן֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְצַוֶּ֜ה אֶת־בָּנָ֤יו וְאֶת־בֵּיתוֹ֙ אַחֲרָ֔יו וְשָֽׁמְרוּ֙ דֶּ֣רֶךְ ה’ לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת צְדָקָ֖ה וּמִשְׁפָּ֑ט לְמַ֗עַן הָבִ֤יא יְהֹוָה֙ עַל־אַבְרָהָ֔ם אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֖ר עָלָֽיו׃
For I have singled him (Abraham) out, that he may instruct his children and his posterity to keep the way of Hashem by doing what is just and right.
(Genesis 18:19)
At the heart of USY’s values is Tzedek, justice. We believe that our contribution to Tikun Olam, fixing our world, must include an in-depth engagement with the rich Jewish heritage of teachings on Tzedek and Tzedaka. This is the first step towards creating a community that lives these values of creating a just and giving society.
אֵלּוּ דְבָרִים שֶׁאָדָם אוֹכֵל פֵּרוֹתֵיהֶן בָּעוֹלָם הַזֶּה וְהַקֶּרֶן קַיֶּמֶת לוֹ לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. כִּבּוּד אָב וָאֵם, וּגְמִילוּת חֲסָדִים, וַהֲבָאַת שָׁלוֹם בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ, וְתַלְמוּד תּוֹרָה כְּנֶגֶד כֻּלָּם:
The following are the things for which a person enjoys the fruits in this world while the principal remains for them in the world to come: Honoring one’s father and mother; The performance of righteous deeds; And the making of peace between a person and his friend; And the study of the torah is equal to them all.
(Mishna Peah 1:1)
According to this Mishna, studying Torah is of the highest value. It is even comparable to bringing about peace. Through studying Torah, which includes millennia of Jewish wisdom, we become intrinsically linked to the Jewish people, Judaism, and God. At USY, we are committed to studying for the sake of studying so we can better ourselves and strengthen our community.
All things have a home. The bird has a nest, the fox has a hole, the bee has a hive. A soul without prayer is a soul without a home.
(Abraham Joshua Heschel, On Prayer)
An integral character of the USY community is spirituality. We connect as a community through song and prayer. In addition, we care for ourselves and each other through investment in spiritual and mental wellness for every member of our community.
כל ישראל ערבים זה בזה
All of Israel are responsible for one another.
(Midrash Sifra)
USY is not just part of a local chapter or community; it’s an integral thread in the vast, vibrant tapestry of Am Yisrael (עם ישראל). This profound concept signifies an unbreakable bond connecting every Jew worldwide, transcending geographical distance, diverse practices, and individual differences. It’s the understanding that we share a common heritage, a collective destiny, and a deep sense of belonging to a global family forged through millennia of shared experience. Within this expansive peoplehood, the Land of Israel holds a unique and central place—it is our spiritual homeland, a historical anchor, and a living testament to Jewish resilience and continuity. Through USY’s immersive programs, conventions, and connections with Jewish youth globally, the USY experience elevates a teen’s journey with Am Yisrael, embracing both our worldwide family and our vital, enduring connection to Israel, Zionism, and the Conservative/Masorti Movement.
לֹא עָלֶיךָ הַמְּלָאכָה לִגְמֹר, וְלֹא אַתָּה בֶן חוֹרִין לִבָּטֵל מִמֶּנָּה
It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it.
(Pirkei Avot 2:16)
At USY, we aspire to be the next generation of leaders for our community and the Jewish people. As such, we are committed to education that will help us develop leadership values and skills.
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