Ohr Kodesh Congregation in Maryland and Moriah Congregation in Illinois Recognized for Programming
November 21, 2016—United Synagogue Youth (USY) announced today the winners of its annual awards recognizing local USY chapters that demonstrate excellence across the organization’s major areas of focus: social action/tikun olam, religious education, Israel education, membership, and communications.
Marlboro Jewish Center in Marlboro, New Jersey was named Chapter of the Year for overall excellence, diversity, creativity, and value of programming. Additionally the chapter received three out of five programming awards for excellence in the areas of Israel education, social action/tikun olam, and membership/Kadima performance.
Other program awards went to Ohr Kodesh Congregation in Chevy Chase, MD for excellence in religious programming and Moriah Congregation in Deerfield, IL for excellence in communications.
The Chapter of the Year award was presented by Rabbi David Levy, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s Sr. Director, Teen Learning at Hagalil (New Jersey) region’s fall convention, this past Sunday morning at Temple Beth Or-Beth Torah in Clark, NJ.
“I am thrilled for our teens, who worked hard for this award” said Rabbi Michael Pont of Marlboro Jewish Center. “[The chapter’s] leaders are amazing young people who truly enhance Jewish life at our synagogue and beyond. As the rabbi I am so proud and feel blessed to work with such remarkable youth.”
The Marlboro chapter will also be given a banner honoring their accomplishments and invited to share their ideas with other synagogues at USY’s International Convention this December in Dallas, TX. Programming award winners will receive certificates commemorating their achievements.
“We are thrilled to recognize these chapters for their outstanding work engaging Jewish teens locally” said Rabbi Levy, “It’s through our dedicated youth staff and kehillot leadership that we are able to truly maximize USY’s impact and reach more teens with our transformational experiences.”
Award winners were chosen by teen regional presidents and the International Executive Board based upon USY’s standards of excellence.
About USY
United Synagogue Youth (USY) is Conservative Judaism’s premiere youth group, run by its parent organization, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. With more than 350 local chapters, USY boasts a membership of thousands of teens throughout the United States and Canada. For more than 60 years, USY has taught the young Jews the values and skills they need to become exceptional leaders in their religious and secular communities. USY’s focus on leadership, social action, and relationship building has produced successful alumni with a deep sense of pride in and love for their Jewish identity. Through year round programming and domestic and international travel opportunities, USY provides meaningful, immersive Jewish experiences, helping teens integrate Jewish rituals and values into their everyday lives.
About USCJ
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is a community of North American kehillot (congregations) committed to a dynamic Judaism that is learned and passionate, authentic and pluralistic, joyful and accessible. USCJ creates the spiritual, intellectual, and managerial network that empowers our kehillot to fulfill their sacred mission and connects them with a common sense of community, shared mission and purpose. To learn more, visit www.uscj.org.
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