The Emtza USY Community Director Role Changed what Jewish Teen Engagement Looks Like Across the Midwest

A unique funding partnership between seven synagogues (Adath Jeshurun Congregation in Minnetonka, MN, Beth El Synagogue in Minneapolis,MN,  Beth El Synagogue in Omaha, NE,  Beth Jacob Synagogue in Mendota Heights, MN, Tifereth Israel in Des Moines, IA, Temple of Aaron in St. Paul, MN, and Congregation Beth Shalom in Overland Park, KS) and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism to support the Emtza USY Community Director role has meaningfully changed what Jewish teen engagement can look like across the Emtza USY Community. Emtza USY comprises chapters from Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas. Through this shared investment, participating congregations and USCJ have built a stronger, more connected network that is expanding leadership development, deepening synagogue relationships, and creating more engaging Jewish experiences for teens across the community.

This collaborative funding model has made it possible for Emtza USY to hire a dedicated professional focused entirely on teen engagement, relationship-building, program development, and support for local synagogues. With this structure in place, the Community Director is able to work closely with congregations and youth professionals while also building stronger regional connections among teens and families who might otherwise remain siloed within their own communities.

The impact is already showing up in both participation and the kinds of programs being offered. Emtza USY has not only grown overall engagement, but has also introduced new and creative signature experiences. One example is the first-of-its-kind Twin Cities Kickoff Yacht Party, which gave teens a fun and memorable way to start the year together while immediately building cross-community friendships. In Des Moines, a dedicated kickoff program was launched to ensure local teens have a strong entry point into USY that feels rooted in their own community while still connected to the wider Emtza network. In addition, a joint convention with CHUSY has opened the door to meaningful cross-community connections, giving teens the chance to meet peers, share leadership experiences, and build relationships beyond their home communities.

At the center of all of this work is the Emtza USY Community Director, who serves as a connector across the community. The role includes supporting the Emtza USY teen board, mentoring student leaders, helping drive recruitment for conventions and programs, and partnering with synagogue teams to strengthen local youth engagement. Just as importantly, the Community Director spends time in communities, building relationships with teens, families, clergy, and educators to ensure that Emtza USY feels accessible and connected across the board.

Over time, that consistent presence has helped break down the natural silos that can form between synagogues. Teens who once only participated within their own congregation are now building friendships and leadership connections across the entire Emtza USY Community. That broader sense of community is becoming one of the most defining outcomes of this initiative.

What makes this effort stand out is the level of shared ownership behind it. By coming together with USCJ, the seven participating synagogues have created a model that strengthens both local youth programs and more regionalized engagement across the Emzta USY Community at the same time. Their collective investment has expanded opportunities for teens while also reinforcing that Jewish teen engagement is something best built together.

At a time when teens are looking for connection, belonging, and experiences that feel meaningful, the Emtza USY Community Director role is helping make that possible in a very real way. Through collaboration, consistency, and shared vision, Emtza USY is building a stronger and more connected future for Jewish teen life across the Midwest.