USY Announces Winners of 2017 Annual Awards for Excellence, Naming Chicago’s Congregation Beth Judea as Chapter of the Year

Temple Emanuel in Massachusetts and Mosaic Law Congregation in California recognized for programming

November 13, 2017—USY, USCJ’s youth group, announced the winners of its annual awards recognizing local chapters that demonstrate excellence across the organization’s major areas of
focus: social action/tikun olam, religious education, Israel education, membership, and communications. Congregation Beth Judea in Long Grove, Illinois (BJUSY) was named Chapter of the Year for overall excellence, diversity, creativity, and value of programming. Additionally the chapter received three out of five programming awards for excellence in the areas of religious and overall programming, and membership outreach.

Other program awards went to Temple Emanuel in Newton, MA for excellence in Israel programming and Mosaic Law Congregation in Sacramento, CA for excellence in social action/tikun
olam programming and communications.

The Chapter of the Year award announcement was made by Aviva Tilles, USY International Convention Director, and Noah Lee, USY International President at CHUSY’s (the Chicagoland
region of USY) fall convention (CHUSYFest), this past Sunday morning at the Perlman Retreat Center in Mukwonago, WI.

“I’m incredibly proud of our USYers,” said Hazzan Roger Weisberg of Congregation Beth Judea. “It’s a huge honor, though I’m not entirely surprised. Our teens are involved in so many worthwhile
and fun activities within the synagogue and the larger Jewish community. I know [the chapter] will continue to go from strength to strength.”

The Long Grove chapter will be given the official award honoring their accomplishments at USY’s International Convention this December in Chicago, IL. Programming award winners will receive
certificates commemorating their achievements.

“We are excited to recognize these chapters for their outstanding work,” said Leslie Lichter, USCJ Chief Innovation and Implementation Officer, “Our local chapters are the essential building blocks of USY, engaging teens in transformational Jewish experiences at home and strengthening congregations as thriving centers of Jewish life.”

Award winners were chosen by teen regional presidents and the International Executive Board based upon USY’s standards of excellence.

About USY

USY is USCJ’s youth movement for Conservative Jewish teens across North America. For more than 60 years, USY has taught young Jews the values and skills they need to become exceptional
leaders in their religious and secular communities. USY empowers youth to develop friendships, leadership skills, a sense of belonging to the Jewish People, and a commitment to inspired Jewish
living through meaningful and fun experiences rooted in Conservative Judaism’s approach to learning, spiritual expression, and social responsibility. Through year round programming and
domestic and international travel opportunities, USY inspires in teens a deep sense of pride in and love for their Jewish identity.