#myUSYfisummer Program Catalog

Come join us for exciting virtual programming all summer long! #MyUSYfiSummer is open to all Jewish youth entering 5th grade through the Class of 2020.

#MyUSYfiSummer consists of two overall categories of programs: All-Access and Premium. To gain access to All-Access Programs, register on Regpacks by paying the $99 flat fee for six weeks of programming. All-Access Pass programming will be recorded for passholders who are unable to make it to a program but still want to participate. To gain access to Premium Classes, please read the description to find the separate program fee, and sign up on Regpacks.

View All-Access Pass Calendar · View Premium Class Calendar · FAQs · Log-in

All programs are listed in EDT. Please find our program catalog below, and click here to register!

Meditation and Mindfulness: Changing our Internal State

During this crazy time, it can be incredibly rewarding to develop a sense of inner peace, even when the outside world is a little crazy! Through this 6-Week program, we will introduce and discuss various types of meditation and then work through a process based on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)–a scientifically proven approach. Through various interactive activities, we will attempt to learn more about ourselves, explore different traditions, and cultivate a sense of inner stillness and joy.

Program Date(s):
Mondays (July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10) from 1-2 PM

Introduction to Digital Illustration

Laying out the fundamental elements of digital illustration. From hardware to software, research to final drawings, and the techniques to get you there. I will cover the basic illustration approach that I take with most of my pieces from start to finish. I will discuss the positives and negatives of social media in illustration. I will also cover careers as a digital illustrator. This program will be for teens in grades 8-Class of 2020. Click here for a list of supplies!

Program Date(s):
Wednesdays - July 8, 15, 22, 29 - 4-5 PM

Micrography

Micrography, or microcalligraphy, is an ancient Jewish art form in which passages and words are formed into figurative designs and shapes, such as animals, people, and symbols, etc. We will be exploring the basics of this practice, and creating our own pieces based upon chosen biblical passages. No prior experience necessary! Teens in grades 5-Class of 2020 are invited to participate.

Program Date(s):
Wednesdays - July 29, August 5th, August 12th - 4-5 PM

Watercolor Painting

In this program, we will be exploring different watercolor painting techniques, with a focus on painting nature and landscape. If the weather is nice, we could even paint outside! Click here for a list of supplies. No prior experience necessary! Teens in grades 5-Class of 2020 are all invited to participate!

Program Date(s):
Mondays - July 6, 13, 20 - 2-3 PM

Ulpan Ivrit

Always wanted to know how to communicate with Israelis in the way they communicate – speaking Hebrew? Join us on this weekly Ulpan Ivrit Chug, where you will learn the most useful Hebrew that you need, in a fun and interactive way, from a Young Professional Israeli Hebrew teacher. Basics of reading are required, as well as committing to all six classes.

Program Date(s):
Wednesdays (July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12) 1-2 PM

Learning to Read Torah

Always wanted to get more confidant with your Torah reading? This is your opportunity to learn and practice in the best way possible! We will take it from the basics all the way to the less known/advanced tropes, in a safe and fun environment for all. Every week will get more advanced, so beginners should join from the first session, and if you feel more comfortable with the basics, you can join us from Session 3.

Program Date(s):
Thursdays - July 23rd, July 30th, August 6th - 1-2 PM

Strengths in Leadership

For USYers in 8th grade through the Class of 2020 – come find your top five strengths and how to utilize them in leadership positions and situations! There will be two sessions and you must attend both in order to participate.

Program Date(s):
Wednesday, July 15 and 22, 2-3 PM

Ethics in Sports

Let’s look at everyday issues brought up in sports through an ethical lens. Is it okay to kneel during the National Anthem? Who let the Houston Astros cheat? Do other MLB teams cheat and just not get caught? Why can’t I dance to my heart’s content in the end zone? Now that we know about brain injuries caused by football, can I still be a fan? Do sports teams really help cities and the public or is it just one more business making the rich, richer?

Program Date(s):
Tuesdays July 14th, 21st, 28th, August 4th 1-2 PM

Powerpoint Roulette (8th Grade-Class of 2020)

Powerpoint Roulette is a game where a person presents a slideshow to an audience without having ever seen the contents of the slides they are presenting. It’s fun for the presenter and hilarious for the audience! Create a funny 10-slide slideshow and have someone else present it for you. Topics can be from “Real or Fake: Are Birds Really Just CIA Surveillance Drones?”, “The History of the World, Part 1”, “USY Regions and their Animal Counterparts”, “Grandma Fran’s Cheesecake Recipe”, or anything else you can think of!.

Program Date(s):
Wednesdays July 8th, July 22nd, August 5th 2-3 PM

Mindful Photography

Throughout this class, 8th graders-Class of 2020 will gain tools to create with a focus on photography through the practice of mindfulness. We will practice how to take our surroundings in, look at family, friends, and community anew, and connect with something greater than ourselves (taking part in Tikkun Olam). By the end of each session, each participant will have a visual creation that expresses different skills and topics we learn. You will have the opportunity to share your creations on the USY website.

Program Date(s):
Mondays (July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10) from 4-5 PM