March 13-16, 2026, in Washington, DC
Calling all changemakers and world shakers! Join our second annual Ruchot delegation to Washington, DC, to meet national legislators and learn to lobby for issues you care about. You’ll meet Jewish activists and experts to learn about significant issues in today’s world. Organize, advocate, and change the world!
(No prior social action experience required.)
Last year, our Ruchot delegation held more than 25 meetings with congressional representatives during our weekend in DC! Don’t miss your chance to meet your elected officials face-to-face and make your voice heard.
“Our theory in creating Ruchot is that to be a Jewish person in the world requires us to act upon our values. Judaism is not silent on climate, immigration, reproductive rights or any other issue of the day. The Torah in most cases doesn’t say exactly what should be done, but it does offer us values and orientations to the world as well as definitions about who falls within our communal responsibilities that can guide our response. We are building muscles. By taking teens to learn to lobby and then practicing, they are doing and learning. They are speaking from their hearts, listening to the reactions of the elected officials and creating muscle memory so they can stay engaged for the rest of their lives.”
Read more about last year’s delegation from Rabbi Stephanie Ruskay (JTS Associate Dean).
Calling All Changemakers
All USYers in grades 9-12 are invited to attend. While our immediate focus will be on legislators located in Washington, DC, we did have Canadian USYers on our inaugural delegation who learned invaluable transferable skills to apply in their own communities.
Let Your Voice Ring Out
Jews have been stepping up to leadership positions and speaking truth to power since the days of the Torah, changing the world and making life better for Jews and gentiles alike. Ruchot is your opportunity to claim your place in the lineage of Jewish leaders, rooted in Conservative/Masorti traditions and values.
Experience Shabbat Like Never Before
We will daven with a USCJ-affiliated synagogue in the Washington, DC, area for Shabbat. Singing, good food, and connecting with your cohort – this Shabbat will be unforgettable!
Like all USY conventions, we are tech-free during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening), meaning you have the rare opportunity focus on connecting, learning, and transforming without the distractions of family, school, or the outside world.
Facilitated by Adults Who Get You
Our multi-organization delegation is facilitated by many awesome adults, including USY staffers, clergy, and rabbinical students. Our staff are devoted to creating a truly unique and transformative experience for all USYers to be welcomed, be authentic, and find community.
Leadership is For Everyone
USY is committed to inclusive practices so all USYers can participate. Please reach out to Rabbi Stephanie Ruskay at [email protected] if you have any questions about accessibility or other accommodations.
We also offer scholarships to make Ruchot and other USY Immersive Experiences affordable and accessible for all USYers. Scholarship applications are due at the end of Early Bird pricing.
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