Calling all changemakers and world shakers! Join our third annual Ruchot delegation to Washington, DC, to meet national legislators and learn to lobby for issues you care about. You’ll meet Jewish activists and experts to learn about significant issues in today’s world. Organize, advocate, and change the world!
(No prior social action experience required.)
Last year, our Ruchot delegation held more than 25 meetings with congressional representatives during our weekend in DC! Don’t miss your chance to meet your elected officials face-to-face and make your voice heard.
“Our theory in creating Ruchot is that to be a Jewish person in the world requires us to act upon our values. Judaism is not silent on climate, immigration, reproductive rights or any other issue of the day. The Torah in most cases doesn’t say exactly what should be done, but it does offer us values and orientations to the world as well as definitions about who falls within our communal responsibilities that can guide our response. We are building muscles. By taking teens to learn to lobby and then practicing, they are doing and learning. They are speaking from their hearts, listening to the reactions of the elected officials and creating muscle memory so they can stay engaged for the rest of their lives.”
Ruchot means “winds” in Hebrew (like “winds of change”). This seminar is designed for high school students who want to change the world. We’ll teach you to start organizing your community to act on issues such as climate justice, reproductive rights, access to education, poverty, and more.
Read more about last year’s delegation from Rabbi Stephanie Ruskay (JTS Associate Dean).
Ruchot Path
Some days, the news can feel overwhelming and that the world is full of big problems. As a young person, perhaps you care deeply about issues you see around you but aren’t always sure how to act and make a difference. That is why we created Ruchot.
Ruchot means “winds” in Hebrew (like “winds of change”). This seminar is designed for high school students who want to change the world. We will teach you to start organizing your community to work towards systemic change.
This year we will explore issues from the Conservative/Masorti Movement’s Tzedek Center for policy and social action, related to Jewish safety, combatting hunger, and advancing sustainable energy.
Some days, the news can feel overwhelming and that the world is full of big problems. As a young person, perhaps you care deeply about issues you see around you but aren’t always sure how to act and make a difference. That is why we created Ruchot.
Ruchot means “winds” in Hebrew (like “winds of change”). This seminar is designed for high school students who want to change the world. We will teach you to start organizing your community to work towards systemic change.
This year we will explore issues from the Conservative/Masorti Movement’s Tzedek Center for policy and social action, related to Jewish safety, combatting hunger, and advancing sustainable energy.
Room & BoardAll ProgrammingAll Meals
Travel to DCSpending Money See how Jewish teens across North America come together through travel, friendship, leadership, and unforgettable shared experiences.
Don’t just take our word for it. Hear from the teens
who found their second family and the parents who
trust us with their journey.
The convention was an incredible weekend. From Sloach and Shacharit Live, to Havdallah and singing around a campfire, everyone was filled with ruach and excitement for Shabbat and for USY. We made connections with other teens from across the region, and explored what it means to grow into Jewish identities, building meaningful relationships to last for years to come. Congratulations to our new Regional Executive Board, who were installed Sunday morning, and to Arvot for winning HUSY Comp!
Ruchot was an amazing experience. I had the best time. Not only did I make new friends, but I really felt I was able to express my Jewish values, with others who had the same. It felt very similar to camp, everyone clicked instantly, and there was an amazing Jewish aspect of it. Not only that, but it was an amazing opportunity to learn about speech writing, and speaking with important people for the future. I really learned a lot and had the best time overall!
It was cool. I got to see a lot of people I usually don’t see. That was fun. What I like about USY it really connects me with other Jews in my area and I usually don’t get that in my community especially people who are more observant.
The main thing I love about USY is its grounding in Judaism. Whenever I am at convention I feel like everyone is very focused on providing a good Jewish experience and learning experience for everyone else which I found very enjoyable.
The Chidush trip had a huge impact on me, and gave me a new perspective on Israel. With all thats been going on in the world and in the media, it was so eye opening to be present in the holy land and understand more about what life is like there. Our programs were also so thoughtful. Amongst all the fun I had and new friends I made, I took home lots of new knowledge about Israel and Judaism which I learned from the amazing activities and programs we had. I had the best time and I’m so grateful to have been able to go.
