#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!

What’s Jewish about the 2020 Election?

Let’s learn what Judaism has to say about civic engagement! In this session, we’ll explore Jewish texts about voting and think about how we can participate in our democracy, even if we’re not old enough to vote. Taught by JTS Rabbinical Student Talia Kaplan (she/her), this class is for teens in 8th grade through the Class of 2020.

Program Date(s):
Wednesday, August 12th 3-4 PM

When the World is Burning: Jewish Wisdom for Environmental Justice

It’s easy to feel despair in the face of the climate crisis. Let’s turn to Jewish texts for inspiration and guidance as we think about systemic change to create a healthier planet. Taught by JTS Rabbinical Student Talia Kaplan (she/her), this class is for teens in 8th grade through the Class of 2020.

Program Date(s):
Monday August 10th, 3-4 PM

Renewal of Body and Spirit: The Jewish Call for Healthcare

Come dive into the debate in Jewish sources about whether humans or God are responsible for healing. What do Jewish texts have to say about who in society should provide healthcare, and how might this inform our lives today? Taught by JTS Rabbinical Student Talia Kaplan (she/her), this class is for teens in 8th grade through the Class of 2020.

Program Date(s):
Monday July 20th, 3-4 PM

Bending the Arc Towards Justice: How do we make the change we want to see?

Minister Theodore Parker famously said that the arc of the moral universe is “long…but bends towards justice,” a refrain that was echoed by Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jewish tradition also has a lot to say about how we change the world for the better. Join us for an interactive text study about different approaches to making change. Taught by JTS Rabbinical Student Talia Kaplan (she/her), this class is for teens in 8th grade through the Class of 2020.

Program Date(s):
Monday July 13, 3-4 PM

Kahoot for Middle Schoolers!

The same Kahoots we all know and love but with a different theme each week. 5th-8th graders join us each week as we take a random dive into the fun world of Kahoots based on the theme of that week. We will play a few different kKhoots all with the same theme each week and see who can be crowned Best of the Best Kahoot player!

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

Road Trip Kahoot

Come test your knowledge of US Geography and road sites with this fun game of Kahoot! Open to 9-12th grade.

Program Date(s):
Wednesday, July 29 2-3 PM

Card Magic 101

Learn some basic card magic skills from USY International Board members Austin Kaufman and Jacob Kline. We will focus on building blocks of magic, from performance skills to technical strategies, that can be used in many different tricks, as well as some stand-alone effects to use in front of your friends. By the end of the course, you will have a strong foundation for continuing your magical journey!

All 5th graders through the Class of 2020 are invited! You’ll need 2 quality and equally sized decks of playing cards (like a red and blue bicycle deck of cards), some rubber bands, and a fun spirit!

Program Date(s):
Tuesdays (July 14, 21, 28, August 4) 4-5 PM

Pinata Making

Do you love candy and fun surprises? If you answered yes, you will want to learn how to make your own pinata. Pinatas are fun and festive for all ages. This session will teach out the basics on making a pinata you can use at your next party! For 5th graders through the Class of 2020.

Program Date(s):
Wednesday, August 12 - 4-5 PM

The Great USY Baking Show

For 5th graders through the class of 2020 – join weekly to learn how to make the most delicious baked goods – but with a twist. This summer we will be taking on our favorite recipes like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and banana bread and kicking them up a notch. Confused? Tune in to see what we’re talking about!

Program Date(s):
Wednesdays (July 22nd, 29th and August 5th) 1-2 PM

USY Talks: Passions Worth Spreading

At USY International Convention 2016 in Dallas, TX, “USY Talks” (inspired by “TED Talks”) were introduced as a platform for USYers to share their passions with their peers on the main stage at IC. Since then, each IC has featured a series of USY Talks on topics ranging from mental health awareness, to God, to political activism, and social inequality. This workshop series will provide the tool necessary to develop your very own USY Talk! We will discuss speech-writing, non-verbal delivery, and a wide range of public speaking skills, leading up to a final, polished, and powerful USY Talk to be shared with the USY community!

All levels of speaking experience are welcome! This session is for 9-12th graders. The only question is, do you have a passion worth spreading?

Program Date(s):
Tuesday July 14, 21, and 28th - 2-3 PM