#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!

Mastering the Mishnah

In this month-long course, we’ll explore the world of our early rabbinic sages and how the Mishnah emerged as a foundational text of Rabbinic Judaism. We will survey various aspects related to the Mishnah, including its structure, composition, and portrayal of the rabbis. This class presupposes no knowledge of rabbinic literature; some familiarity with Hebrew, especially reading skills, is strongly encouraged. This class is for incoming 9th graders through the Class of 2020.

Program Date(s):
Mondays and Wednesdays starting July 27th, 2-3 PM

Drash and Dragons

Join us for a Dungeons and Dragons-based format where players will interact as biblical characters and role-play storylines from different Torah and Midrash stories! This is for teens in 8th grade through the Class of 2020.

Program Date(s):
Thursday July 23, August 6, August 13th, 3-5 PM

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

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

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

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