The Official Magazine of USY Are We

Spring 2006 • 1

Spring 2006 • e"""""qyz aia`DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH ACTIVITIES • The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

The Official Magazine of USY

The Futureof the

ConservativeMovement

The Futureof the

ConservativeMovement

AreWeIt?

AreWeIt? ??

2 • ACHSHAV!

Zach Greenberg of Seaboard is the 2006 InternationalCommunications Vice President of USY. E-mail him [email protected].

‘Celebrate the FutureHand in Hand’by Zach Greenberg

Ask Leo Tolstoy what a Jew isand he will tell you, “The Jewis eternal. He is theembodiment of eternity.” Andlooking back on history, itwould appear that Tolstoy is right.We have endured countlessattacks, countless numbers ofpeople who want us gone, but wehave prevailed, we are still hereand as strong as ever. Today, otherproblems face our movement.Disputes over pluralism, shrinkingmembership, and other issuespose a challenge to theConservative Movement. We arethe future of the movement, futureleaders and future congregants,and we must challenge ourselves to create solutions for theseproblems, to keep the Conservative Movement going.

In this issue of Achshav!, you will find USYers talking abouttheir involvement in the Conservative Movement and how theyplan to keep the future of the movement alive. Their thoughtsand ideas are ones that we can learn from, as it is our obligationas the young Conservative generation to keep this movementgrowing and strong for hundreds of years to come. So as yousit back, relax, and enjoy the articles you are about to read, wechallenge each and every one of you to think of one thing thatyou could do in which would help to keep the ConservativeMovement going.

Our Challenge:Keeping it Goingby Emily Berkowitz &Rachel Levi

“We are the future ofthe movement, future

leaders and futurecongregants, and we

must challengeourselves to createsolutions for these

problems, to keep theConservative

Movement going.”

CommunicationsCorner

CommunicationsCorner

From theEditors

From theEditors

Six years ago I walked throughFlorida’s Walt Disney World for theYear 2000 Millennium Celebration.Hundreds of performers walked by onstilts, playing drums and dancing,after the New Year came in with adisplay of fireworks of grandeur notto be put into words, the parkresounded with the words “celebratethe future hand in hand.” At the timeI was impressed with the beautifulmusic behind those lyrics and theimpressive light show taking place inthe center of the park. Now, I amimpressed with the incredible visionand optimism contained within thosewords. This is a message that wemust carry with us throughout ourlives and especially into those piecesof ourselves that are our own responsibility to ensure for the future.

USY does so much for us from giving us the unique opportunity tomake some of the most lasting friendships possible to providingus with an opportunity to engage in intense Jewish study, learning,and mutual experience. Beyond our beloved organization is theConservative Movement as a whole, the platform and foundationthat USY stands on. USY helps us to attain Jewish knowledge, asense of community, leadership skills, and a whole host of othertalents that will prove invaluable as we progress through life. Weowe it to future generations of Conservative Jews to allow them tocelebrate the future hand in hand with us; we owe it to theorganization that has given us so much to provide any and allsupport and leadership necessary to ensure not only the survivalbut the success and continued strengthening of ConservativeJudaism as a whole.

We, as the Jewish youth of today, need to recognize and act asthough we are the leaders of tomorrow. USY provides us with thetools we need to ensure the strength of our movement but it is upto us to use them. USY gives us a love for prayer, a strong sense ofconnection and commitment, and an irreplaceable sense ofcommunity. We must use that love of prayer to ensure that thesynagogues of the Conservative Movement remain strong andprosperous in the future. We must use that sense of connectionand commitment to Judaism to make sure that our families andfriends stay or become involved with Conservative Judaism. Wemust use that sense of community to ensure that we ourselvesgive back to the Conservative Movement the support and love thatUSY has given to us.

“We as the Jewishyouth of today needto recognize and actas though we are theleaders of tomorrow.

USY provides us withthe tools we need to

ensure the strength ofour movement; it is

up to us to use them.”

Emily Berkowitz and Rachel Levi are the 2006 Editors of Achshav!.If you have questions, comments, or want to volunteer to write forAchshav!, e-mail them at [email protected].

Get connected!

Visit us online atwww.usy.org

Spring 2006 • 3

e"qyz aia`Volume 55, Number 1

Are We It? The Future of the Conservative Movement

6 (Conservative) Jewish LiteracyWhat does it mean to be a Conservative Jew?

HADASHOT7 Defining a Conservative Jew

Conservative Jew? That’s Me, I ThinkCommitting Ourselves to the Future of Conservative Judaism

BOARD BITES

MESSAGES2 ‘Celebrate the Future

Hand in Hand’by Zach GreenbergUSY Communications VP

2 Our Challenge:Keeping it Goingby Emily Berkowitz & Rachel LeviAchshav Editors

4 YOU are the Future ofConservative Movementby Jules Gutin, Director of USY

4 The True Heroesby Matan Silberstein, USY President

D’VARIM10 USY and The Future of the

Conservative Movement

11 The Life-Long BenefitsTake advantage of all opportu-nities and prepare for the future

12 Where It All BeginsIt All Began in USY:Reflections from theUSCJ Executive Vice President

13 ‘Tag, We’re It’Stepping Up on SaturdayMorning to Lead by Example

13 Past, Present and Future

14 ‘Never Again!’Rally to Save Darfur Now:Impacting our Future throughRemembrance, Action

15 ‘Not On My Watch!’USYers Making Their VoicesHeard at National Rally inWashington, D.C.

MISCELLANEOUS5 What USYers Are Saying

Achshav! is a project ofThe Department of Youth Activities,

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism155 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaismpromotes the role of the synagogue in Jewish life in orderto motivate Conservative Jews to perform mitzvotencompassing ethical behavior, spirituality, Judaiclearning, and ritual observance. Combining anawareness of communal responsibility with a strongsense of commitment, the United Synagogue is adynamic force within the Conservative Movement.

Achshav! (USPS 949-640) is published quarterly by theDepartment of Youth Activities, The United Synagogue ofConservative Judaism. Subscription price is included in USYmembership dues. Periodical postage paid at New York, NewYork. Achshav! is the official magazine of United SynagogueYouth.

Postmaster: Send change of address forms to: Achshav!, 155Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10010.

Phone: (212) 533-7800, ext. 2326Fax: (212) 353-9439

E-mail: [email protected]: www.usy.org/achshav

Your submissions are welcome. Printed in the USA on recycledpaper.

Co-EditorsEmily Berkowitz & Rachel Levi

United Synagogue YouthMatan Silberstein, President

Zach Greenberg, Communications VP

Department of Youth ActivitiesJules A. Gutin, Director • Karen Stein •

Ezra Androphy • Ilana Clay • Aviva Tilles • Itzik Yanai •Yitzchak Jacobsen • David Keren • Yossi Garr

International Youth CommissionBob Sunshine, Chair

The United Synagogue of Conservative JudaismDr. Ray Goldstein, President

Dr. Marilyn L. Wind, Vice-President ofYouth and Education

Rabbi Jerome Epstein, Executive Vice President

Spring 2006

8 Conservative Judaism, Israel Affairs StyleStandards Show that USYers are Serious

9 No Matter Where We Stand, We Stand With USYThe Most Important Question

Managing EditorSheridan Gayer

Design and ProductionMatthew G. Halpern

4 • ACHSHAV!

Jules Gutin is the International Director of USY. Send your commentsdirectly to Jules at [email protected].

Matan Silberstein of Hagesher is the 2006 International Presidentof USY. E-mail him at [email protected].

Imagine that your last USY event hasjust come and passed. You will attendno more conventions, no more ruachsessions, and no more USY styleKabbalat Shabbat. You won’t have theuplifting experiences of USY SocialAction projects, you won’t learn aboutIsrael with other American Jewishteenagers, and you may never see yourUSY friends again.

What will fill this void in your life? Whatwill take the place of something thathas been such a huge part of yourbeing? One way to fill this void is to takethe lessons that we have all learned inUSY and bring them back to our owncommunities and synagogues. For thefuture generations of ConservativeJudaism, and for ourselves, we musthelp to create the "USY atmosphere"that we have come to love within ourown synagogues and communities. It istime that we take the responsibility upon ourselves to reach out toour communities so that they can experience what we haveexperienced through USY.

This year, talk to your synagogue leadership about having USY leadservices once a month. This year, make the commitment towelcome more mitzvot into your lives. This year bring USY home.

USY teaches young adults leadership skills that will help them toimprove their future Jewish communities. We must take theinnovative programming ideas that we have learned, and theyouthful perspective that we are blessed with, and put them togood use. In the words of Theodor Herzl, “If you will it, it is not adream.” The task may be great, but it is ours, it is achievable, andb’yachad (together) we will succeed. We are the future of theConservative Movement – and, USY, with you holding the reins, thefuture is looking good.

“All one has to do isto look at the

background of manyof the leaders of ourmovement today andwe would find that

many are USYproducts. That is as

true of the topleadership of our

movement as it is ofthose who hold

positions ofleadership on a

local level”

YOU are the Future ofConservative Movementby Jules Gutin

With USY, the Future isLooking Goodby Matan Silberstein

Forty years ago this spring, I wasfortunate enough to be elected as aRegional USY officer in Hagalil. Fortyyears sounds like such a long time, yetit doesn’t really seem that long ago. Isuppose that’s because myinvolvement with USY has beenuninterrupted since I attended my firstUSY Chapter meeting in the Fall of1963.

While many things have changed overthe past forty years, some things seemto be the same. I still remembervarious adults constantly telling us thatwe were the “future” of theConservative Movement. Even thoughthat refrain may have annoyed us attimes, upon reflection it seems theyweren’t far off base. All one has to dois to look at the background of theleaders of our movement today and wewould find that many are USY products.That is as true of the top leadership of our movement as it is ofthose who hold positions of leadership on a local level. From theChancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and theExecutive Vice President of our parent body, the United Synagogueof Conservative Judaism, to many of today’s Synagogue Presidents,Rabbis, Educators, and Youth Commission chairs, you will findadults who were deeply influenced by their USY experience.

Many USYers have passed through our ranks since I first joined theInternational USY staff almost thirty-five years ago. It is very movingto see how many have assumed leadership roles in our movement.

The truth is that you, our current generation of USYers, are not justthe future of our movement. You are also the present. You and yourfellow USYers will undoubtedly have an impact on ConservativeJudaism in the future. But you don’t have to wait to have thatimpact. Each day, active and committed USYers are helping to shapeConservative Judaism with your unique ruach and your commitment.Today’s USYers are often role models for the adults in ourcommunities. Challenge us, don’t wait. Help us to reach evengreater heights and to strive for excellence.

From theDirectorFrom theDirector

From thePresidentFrom thePresident

“USY teaches youngadults leadership

skills that will helpthem to improve

their future Jewishcommunities. We

must take theinnovative

programming ideasthat we have learned,

and the youthfulprospective that we

are blessed with, andput them to good

use.”

Spring 2006 • 5

What USYers Are Saying

Zach Pozin – HanegevUSY is an organization for young Jewishteens, which keeps us involved in ourJewish community. Through socialprojects and activities, we stay connectedto synagogue and friends. Without USY, Iwould have lost touch with my Jewishfriends from all over the country, and withmy synagogue.

Jen Gorden – NERUSYUSY keeps the Conservative Movementgoing because it keeps teens connectedto Judaism. Without USY, a lot of teenagersmight not know as much about Judaismand its history, or follow as many of itspractices. USY makes Judaism fun andmakes teenagers want to learn moreabout their religion because they are in asocial setting with other people just likethemselves. A lot of people who may notgo to temple very often gain anopportunity to pray and know theprayers through their attendance atUSY events.

Carolyn Ware –CRUSYUSY inspires the Jewishleaders of tomorrow. Thisensures the future of theConservative Movement. USYdelivers many leaders to the Jewish world,willing to take on the huge responsibilityof keeping our movement alive.

Greg Abdallah – METNYWe as USYers are the future of theConservative Movement. We are a veryfortunate age group within theConservative Movement. As teenagerswe get to travel the country and the world,and then come together to sing, dance,

FeedbackHow does USY influence and support the Conservative Movement?

FeedbackFeedback

share our knowledge and celebrate ourJudaism. As our time ends in USY we mustremember our roots and take it to the nextlevel in our lives as we mature in college andadulthood.

Melissa Waksman – HanegevDuring every Shabbat, USY hopes to instill apassion for ruach and prayer that no otherorganization can give each individual. USYersalways enjoy all the ruach and kavanah theyexperience when indulging themselves in theKabbalat Shabbat servicethat’s said all around theworld. After attendinga USY Shabbat,USYers havem a d e

memories and found newpassions for experiencing

this feeling that they can only experience inthe Conservative Movement. So they comeback for more and more and more, until youbecome an addict (said in a positive way) likeme!

Melanie Jolson – EMTZAUSY is the best thing keeping the ConservativeMovement going. We are creating the leadersof both today and tomorrow. We are starting

young and creating a close-knitcommunity of devoted, dedicated andpassionate Conservative Jews. We havestrong leaders now and those leaders willbe the strong leadership of the future.

Amanda Griffel – EMTZAAs a Conservative Jew who did notpractice regularly before her involvementin USY, I can say with some confidencethat USY promotes Conservative Judaismin Jewish youth. As a direct result of myactivity in USY I have started celebratingShabbat more often, now keep kosherout of the house, and have been more

active within the synagogue. It has reallyconnected me to the Jewish

community, and helped me realizehow important being a

Conservative Jewish adult is.Undoubtedly, USY and itsprograms have had the sameeffect on other teenagers in myprior situation.

Jacki Honig – Far WestUSY IS IS IS IS IS the future of theConservative Movement. Itgives us a connection to the

Conservative Movement, andjust Judaism in general. Also, it

helps us grow as leaders who will helpthe Conservative Movement down theroad.

Aaron Kaye – EMTZAUSY helps to strengthen theConservative Movement because itteaches young people why it is importantto maintain their Jewish identity as aConservative Jew throughout their life.Also, it allows for us to express ourselvesin a Jewish way, something that isinvaluable in such a secular world.

6 • ACHSHAV!

Hadashot

Hadashot (zeycg) is Hebrew for “news”

What does it mean to be a Conservative Jew?by Judah Kerbel, Hanegev

(Conservative) Jewish Literacy:

zeycgzeycg

TThe Conservative Movement is comprised ofmany affiliates with a wide range of beliefs andpractices. Different rabbis rule differently, andmany practices are acceptable. With such

diversity within one movement, how is it possible tofigure out the true identity of the ConservativeMovement? I advocate that when we want to lookfor an identity as a Conservative Movement, weshould think of the three things that ShimonHaTzadik teaches are the foundation of the world:Torah, Avodah and G’milut Hasadim (Mishnah Avot1:2).

The first foundation of our identity is the study of Torah. Even if it'snot vigorous study, every Conservative Jew should take the

opportunity to study Torah, and most importantly, apply it to theirdaily lives. Torah and its commentaries are there to teach usabout every aspect of our lives, and if we approach it open-mindedly, we might learn a valuable lesson about life that doesn'teven involve being scrupulously pious. This also includes beingready to turn to tradition and laws from books like the Mishnah,Talmud, and Mishneh Torah (to name a few) to guide our livesand not to look down upon it or ignore it just because we do notcare about it. While it’s important to maintain a life of Torah, wecannot forget, though, that as Conservative Jews, we are stillliving in a modern, diverse world. We cannot separate ourselvesfrom society and American or Canadian culture. Balancing ourJewish identity with our secular culture is an essential part ofConservative Judaism.

The second foundation of our identity is prayer. One should cometo synagogue with joy and excitement for prayer, seeking a way toconnect through God with a community. I encourage looking deepinto the prayer book, reading prayer commentaries, and talkingto rabbis before turning down the importance of prayer. By lookingdeeper into the meaning of prayer, one might find that it isn’t sobad after all. It is tremendously important to be able to understandthe deep meaning of having a connection with God; believe me,it’s not just mumbling words carelessly like we sometimes findourselves doing.

The third aspect of Jewish identity is g’milut chasadim. To me,this is following the path of God, by simply being the best peoplewe can be and making the world the best place it can be forourselves and for other people. This would include openlysacrificing our time and our own needs to fulfill the needs ofthose who are less fortunate than us. This can also mean justbeing out in the world and greeting people with a smile and beinga cheerful person.

If every Jew affiliated with a Conservative synagogue followedthese teachings we would be a significantly stronger movementand we will have truly accomplished our mission.

To learn more aboutConservative Judaismand the ConservativeMovement, visit thewebsite of theUnited Synagogueof ConservativeJudaism atwww.uscj.org

Spring 2006 • 7

HadashotHadashot

Conservative Jew? That’s Me, I Thinkby Betsy Moss, CRUSY

Defining a Conservative Jew

know what it means to be Jewish but I haven’t aclue what it means to be a true ConservativeJew, do you? This year has taught me that. Igo to a fine arts boarding school in Michigancalled Interlochen Arts Academy. I am

studying Creative Writing as my arts major, butstill taking academic courses. I will only be herefor one year as I am a senior, and I do not want todo the possible postgraduate year. This school hastaught me so much in the varying aspects of my life,but one place that it has taught me very little, and therebytaught me that I need to know more is in the realm of myJewish knowledge.

Personally, I have never seen going to synagogue everyShabbat as de rigueur. I do see observing the laws ofShabbat and Kashrut as important. I like to balance myspirituality and my religiosity. Spirituality comes from living in syncwith my natural world, and religiosity is the observance of thetraditions, such as lighting the Shabbat candles, davening, etc. Atschool though, I can’t do these things like I do at home. I can’t lighta candle or it violates the Open Flame Policy. But my friends and Iperform a Havdallah service every Saturday night, under theguidance of a hall staff person. The service fulfills the religiouscomponents through the prayers, and the spiritual aspects withthe songs and community. I can’t observe Shabbat in the way that

I customarily would at home because I have school Tuesday-Saturday with Sunday and Monday as the weekend.

So what has this taught me?

The perfect synagogue or community for me iscomplex. I want to keep Kosher, I want toobserve Shabbat, I want to live harmoniouslywith the environment (as in, create as little waste

as possible, be politically active, and have theknowledge that my food came from my own garden

or from a safe, eco-friendly Kosher farm), and I do notwant to be judged by other people for my choices. I want tobe able to decide my own parameters for what is ameaningful Shabbat observance, while still mindingConservative Jewish guidelines.

Am I describing the Conservative Movement? I think so, or atleast what it seems to me. Perhaps I am just describing how BetsyMoss will be Jewish, though. Does being Conservative mean morethan belonging to a Conservative synagogue? How does aConservative Jew practice their Judaism? Labels and theirconnotations are strong for Reform or Orthodox, but when it comesto Conservative, “somewhere in between” sounds right, all toooften. I may never find what it truly is to be a “Conservative” Jew,but I will keep trying new things to enhance my traditions in myquest.

II ??Committing Ourselves to the Future of Conservative Judaismby Adam Ginsberg, Hagalil

onservative Judaism is different from all the other branches of the religion. One major difference is that weaccept the fact that halacha can change and be altered as the times change. As klal Yisrael, the community ofJews, begin different practices, laws are made and changed based upon those practices. The era that we livein has a large impact on the laws created by the Committee of Jewish Laws and Standards. These laws are

promoted by USY among the youth involved in the organization. This youth group ensures that the practices ofJudaism are instilled among its members. The promotion of Jewish observance is done throughout most USY events,including the services, social action projects and study groups at conventions and on summer programs.

As Conservative Jews, we need to observe and abide by theselaws in our everyday lives. By abiding by the laws set forth by ourmovement, we will be able to continue the ideals of ConservativeJudaism and additionally make sure that generations after us willfollow the laws as well.

But, what is it exactly that we need to do to accomplish this verylarge goal? Do we need to go to more services at our localsynagogue? Should we keep kosher? Observe all holidays andfestivals? Wear a tallit and tefilin? Everyone has different answersto these questions. I feel that all people need to fulfill as many of

these laws as they possibly can to make sure that we can maintainthe tenets of the Conservative Movement.

As USYers, we all need to be active and promote the interests ofour movement of Judaism. We can accomplish this by joining USY’sclubs, like Abraham Joshua Heschel Honor Society, and attendingconventions and kinnusim, among other things. We can commitourselves to the future of Conservative Judaism. I am proud to saythat I will continue to follow the ideas and beliefs of the ConservativeMovement!

cc

8 • ACHSHAV!

Photos from all the fun of International ConventionBoard Biteshe Masorti Movement inIsrael is the Israeli equivalentof Conservative Judaism. Itwas created in Israel in 1979

and is known as an “indigenousIsraeli movement for Israelis and byIsraelis.” The term Masorti itselfmeans “traditional.” Themovement is firmly established inIsrael, yet at the same time, it is notas widely influential or successfulas it could be.

When others talk about the future ofConservative Judaism, it is often heard thatthere is a grim future ahead, and talk nearlyalways turns to a split in the movement, orthe decreased membership over the pastseveral years. However, no one will suggestthat USCJ, with over 1.5 million membersacross nearly 800 congregations, is notwidely known or influential. TheConservative Movement has a presence inNorth America, and no one can deny this.

The same is not always true in Israel. Thissummer, while on USY Etgar!, I spent a week

TTin Yerucham, a development town in theNegev. We spent our time with Tal, aNational Service worker. Tal, a religious Jew,told me that until I talked to her aboutConservative Judaism, she had no ideawhat it was, and was under the impressionthat it was just another form of secularism.She had no idea that Masorti Judaism evenexisted, and I soon found out that thismisconception was not rare in Israel. In fact,outside of big cities, Masorti Judaism evenexisted, and I soon found out that thismisconception was not rare in Israel.

Continued on Page 12

Conservative Judaism, Israel Affairs Styleby Nathan Miller, SWUSY

love standards. I really do. I know some of youare wondering what could possibly be goingthrough my head right now, and you may thinkI have been brainwashed to give up my

Saturdays to Shabbat and my right to inter-date,among other things. However, this is not how I seestandards. They are not a hindrance on my lifestyle;to the contrary, they typify what I think of asimportant qualities of the Conservative Movementof the future.

Standards, which are a requirement for all regional andinternational board members, call for the leaders of USY toobserve Shabbat and all Jewish holidays, to refrain from breakingthe law by drinking and taking illegal drugs, and to not inter-date. With these qualities of USY leaders, we need to show boththe world and the adult leaders of Conservative Judaism thatwe are serious about the future of our movement.

Once, I was talking to someone who asked me if I wasConservative. When I responded yes, she in essence responded“Oh yeah, me too. I’m not kosher in my house and I don’t observeShabbat, but I go to shul on Rosh Hashana, so I’m Conservative.”This level of observance works for this girl, and I respect her andthe way she observes. I’m glad she associates herself with ourstrong movement and has a backing for her Judaism. However,

in the greater world of Judaism, the Conservative Movement issometimes seen as a wishy-washy intermediate between theOrthodox and Reform movements. If we as a community choseto follow the standard of Shabbat observance, we are sendinga message that counters that false stereotype and we showstrength as a unified movement for the future.

So that is how our standards can show our dedication to thegreater Jewish world. But how do we show our adult leadershipthat this is our movement and we want it to have a strongfuture? We commit ourselves to education. The ConservativeMovement addresses so many complicated religious, socialand political issues, so it is crucial that we, the youth, are awareand active in what will be our movement. Paying attention towho we are and where we are going is key to future success. Itis up to us to take ownership of these issues and prove that wewill show the same responsibility and awareness when we arethe adult leaders.

These tasks and challenges that I have just posed are huge anddaunting in some ways, but exciting and uplifting in others. Whilewe have a hard job taking on and leading this movement in thefuture, I cannot wait to see what will happen. Based on what Isee USYers doing today, I have extreme faith that when ourtime arises, we will have the capability and enthusiasm to createa movement in keeping with our visions and create room for aneven stronger Jewish community.

Standards Show that USYers are Seriousby Sarah Lopatin, METNY

Sarah Lopatin is the 2006 USY Religion/Education Vice President.

II

Spring 2006 • 9

Board Bites

rik Erickson, a famous psychologist, created hisown set of social and emotional developmentstages in children and teenagers. This set containseight steps (hence the name Erikson’s Eight

Stages of Development), and by the fifth stage we aresupposed to all be able to answer one very importantquestion.

This fifth stage, entitled “Learning Identity versus Identity Diffusion,”states that we should be able to answer the question “Who am I?”So many times when I am asked this question I always search forwhat my answer should be. Sometimes, I answer depending onwhom I’m with. For instance, when I’m at school I might answer, “Iam a senior,” around family I might identify myself as a niece, adaughter, a cousin, or a sister, or in a group of foreigners I mightidentify as an American. But is there ever one thing which I canidentify being all the time? My answer is yes, “I am a Conservative Jew.”

That answer was easy for me, but the number of people who answerthat way are becoming fewer and fewer each year. This seems soweird, especially when the second part of stage five is seekingleadership and defining a set of values. This is the stage wherepeople really do begin to identify with a religion, not because their

EEparents tell them they have to, but because they want to. So whatis our movement doing wrong? I don’t think our movement isdoing anything wrong; it just isn’t doing enough. If we all want tohelp with the future of Conservative Judaism and ensure thatthere will be such a movement for your grandchildren to be a partof, we must start involving the kids in our community as early aspossible. As a youth organization, we already have an affiliate,Kadima, which caters to sixth- through eighth-grade kids. However,within our own communities we should hold programs for fourth-and fifth-graders, get them excited about being involved today,don’t wait until they’re older. By starting to work with these kidstoday, we can begin to ensure the kind of values they will besearching for by the time they reach stage five. Won’t they belucky to realize that while others around them are searching forvalues, theirs will have been right in front of them all of this time.

Who are you? If answering this question was easy for you, go outand help others. Make it your goal to make it easy for the nextgeneration to answer as easily as you just did. We all identify withdifferent things in different situations, but it’s the core belief, orthe thing that we can always identify with, that is the mostimportant.

Board BitesBoard Bites

The Most Important Questionby Francie Schrank, CHUSY

Francie Schrank is the 2006 USY Membership/Kadima VicePresident.

t is difficult to imagine thatevery single person in theConservative Movement, or inany other Movement, has the

exact the same views and opinionson all issues, religious or otherwise.In the rabbinic tradition, there areoften opinions side by side whichare in disagreement but are bothconsidered valid.

Furthermore, organizations are typicallyslow moving and resistant to change. It cantake years for an organization to adapt tothe times, and adopt new beliefs, whereasit can take individuals a very short while todevelop a belief and make a decision toact upon it. For example, this leaves roomfor those who identify themselves as“Conservative Jews” to drift far away from

the actual “Conservative Movement.”

This idea might mean that there is nopossible way for all members of anorganization or club to always agree, andalways represent the same ideals. So whatdoes the organization really stand for?What does its membership stand for? Whydo people remain members? Why is theorganization always recruiting newmembers? Moreover, why are their (andour) voices so strong in society and thegovernment?

Margaret Mead once said “Never doubtthat a small group of thoughtful, committedcitizens can change the world. Indeed, it'sthe only thing that ever has.” Perhaps thatis what drives our movement to maintainitself. I believe that in USY, our ability tochange the world is why we stand togetheras a united force. United in our basic

religious beliefs, united in our love of Israel,and united in our commitment to SocialAction and Tikun Olam.

Those are three of the pillars of USY. Nomatter how our personal opinions differfrom others’, we will always stand strong.No matter where we stand on an issue, westand together in our love of Torah, Israel,and Tikun Olam.

No matter if it is a group of vocal andpassionate USYers advocating for justice inDarfur, or USYers smiling endlessly as theyland in Israel and kiss the ground of theirhomeland for the first time, or USYers sharingz’mirot on a Shabbat afternoon, USYers sharethe passion for Judaism, Israel and TikunOlam.

No Matter Where We Stand, We Stand With USYby Jacob Slosberg, Pinwheel

II

Jacob Slosberg is the 2006 USY SocialAction/Tikun Olam Vice President.

10 • ACHSHAV!

D’varim

D’varim (mixac) is Hebrew for “all things.”

USY and The Future of theConservative Movement

obert Gordis said “modern Jews – and indeed allhuman beings – are entirely justified in concerningthemselves first with their own survival.” AsJewish teenagers, we ought to be concerned withthe future of our movement, the Conservative

movement, because it is, ultimately, our future and thefuture of our offspring. We can accomplish our goal bymeans of communication, mitzvot and studying traditionalteachings.

In the 1870s, Alexander Graham Bell invented the first electrictelephone. Soon after, Thomas Edison patented the firstphonograph. In the following years, telephone answering machines,radio signals, and televisions were invented to create the bestpossible field of communication among the American people.Throughout history, people have worked hard to ensure thatcitizens could interact easily with one another, both in nationaland international affairs.

Similarly, in USY we have created constructive systems ofcommunication across the United States and in Canada. Wealready have many established and vital connections betweenthe regions. We already have a constant reminder to activelyengage and promote g’milut chasadim, Israel awareness, and ourJudaism as a whole. We already have an understanding of theseimportant ideals of Judaism.

We learn about these ideals at our regional conventions as well.We study the Torah, and learn about Israel, SA/TO, and how wecan incorporate these values into our daily lives and routines. Wepromote these virtues to maintain active Jewish lives in the future.

We have incredible services at our conventions that allownewcomers to learn new prayers. Even to those who areaccustomed to attending services, USY provides a newenvironment enriched with ruach, kavanah, and enthusiasm. Thereare engaging discussions concerning the Torah and other Judaictopics. We learn about Israel’s history, and how we can activelypromote Israel awareness and link America to our homeland.

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RRThe mitzvot continue – we give tzedakah and learn about theimportance of g’milut chasadim, our acts of loving-kindness. Webring members of our Jewish communities from small towns andbig cities together to learn more about Judaism, and create lifelongrelationships and friendships. But USY is not wonderful simplybecause of these relationships. Through USY, teenagers learn moreabout themselves than they realize and grow stronger both asyoung adults and as Jews.

Without our generation of USY, how can the ConservativeMovement continue to grow and deepen? Unfortunately, manyJewish teenagers know little about their culture and history, butthrough USY, we can learn about and develop our Jewish identities.USY Pilgrimage trips to Israel, Ramah camps, and traveling acrossthe country by bus with USY on Wheels are all opportunities thatfurther allow teenagers to strengthen their Jewish identities.Besides bringing USYers together on the international level, thesewonderful international trips confirm and even increase our levelsof Jewish observance and awareness. Some USYers will come outof these trips with the decision to keep kashrut, or become moreobservant. Some even move on to rabbinical school, having nevereven thought about Shabbat before USY. This is the kind of devotionthat will keep the Conservative Movement alive, and we mustcontinue to encourage active participation on these trips.

However, we do not all need to become rabbis and cantors tomaintain our Jewish identities. If we remember the Jewish valuesand lessons, it is enough. Anything that allows us to create Jewishfamilies and provide for our future generations is enough. We mustcontinue to educate our children so that they can understand thehistory and the rich traditions of Judaism. Abraham Joshua Heschelsaid, “The Greeks learned in order to comprehend. The Hebrewslearned in order to revere. The modern man learns in order touse.” We must use the lessons we learned to keep Judaism vibrant.

So, in agreement with Gordis, as George Santayana responded, “aman must stand with his feet firmly planted in his own country, buthis eyes must survey the world.” We are here to keep USY strong.But we have an even greater role – to keep Judaism dynamic andto keep Jews around the world united as one.

by Adina Rosen, Hanefesh

Spring 2006 • 11

Take advantage of all opportunities and prepare for the futureby Phil Birnbaum, ECRUSY

f you asked me to predict my highschool life, I would have neverthought that I would becomeinvolved with USY, keep kosher, orobserve Shabbat.

Looking back, these things seemed socrazy to me before I entered grade9, and yet, I feel that USY haschanged my life so drastically, andI am so grateful for that.

USY isn’t just about going toconventions, and seekingpleasure in the moment, it hasso many long-term effects as well.

For the first time in my life, I willbe going to Israel. This fall I willattend NATIV. I can’t wait to go,and I credit my involvement inUSY for my decision to spend myfirst year out of high school inIsrael.

My friends think that I’m crazy. I went froma guy that used to see movies on Fridaynights, to someone that keeps Shabbat andis planning a future in a Jewish-related field.

It is for these reasons that I strongly believe

The Life-Long Benefitsmixacmixac

that USY is the heart of the ConservativeMovement. It is often said that youth arethe leaders of tomorrow, and USY seemslike the right place for those leaders to growand shine through. I know that I used USYto my fullest advantage and matured overthe four years that I have been part of it. So

many amazing opportunities presentthemselves to people that choose toparticipate in USY, whether it is going on aShabbaton, participating in a summer trip,or choosing to spend a whole year with USYin Israel.

The fact that these options are available is

IIabsolutely amazing, and they all allow forJewish youth to connect with religion in oneway or another.

I only hope that the adults in theConservative Movement can fullyunderstand the strength of USY, and as a

result give it as much support aspossible. I know of manysynagogues that choose toempower the USY leadership,and many parents who sendtheir children. I hope every parentand each synagogue can helpfoster a community which makesUSY a priority in teenagers’ lives.It is imperative that we takeadvantage of these availableopportunities and that bothsynagogues and parents supportus in our endeavors.

USYers today are the leaders ofthe Conservative Movement tomorrow. Asa senior leaving his final year in USY, I canonly urge all those with time left in USY totake advantage of your USY years and takeadvantage of all opportunities that you mayface. The long-term effects will be trulyastounding.

Write for Achshav!Achshav! is always looking for USYers to

write articles for upcoming issues!

Stay tuned for future announcements over USY listservesor on the USY website about themes, deadlines, and more!

Want More Information?If you are interested in writing, you find can out more

information by e-mailing your Achshav! Editorsat [email protected] or by go to www.usy.org/achshav

12 • ACHSHAV!

It All Began in USY: Reflections from theUSCJ Executive Vice Presidentby Rabbi Jerome M. Epstein

D’varimD’varim

In North America, some of the challenges facing Conservative Judaism are oftenattributed to inadequate funding. In Israel, where religious Judaism (in the form of HarediJudaism or Orthodoxy) is more prevalent, only these movements receive governmentfunding. Masorti Judaism, therefore, receives no government funding in a country wherepaying dues to a synagogue is atypical and unfamiliar. The result is a movement witheven less money than ours and with almost no recognition.

Over the past several years, great strides have been made for Masorti Judaism in Israel.The southern wall excavations have led to an egalitarian, Masorti section of the Kotel. Inaddition, recently, Masorti marriages and gets (divorces) outside of Israel are now fullyrecognized inside of Israel for legal purposes.

Many will agree that the future of Conservative Judaism is uncertain. The same can besaid in Israel for Masorti Judaism. Slowly, however, Masorti Judaism gains moregovernment support, more freedom, and more members. One can only hope that thefuture is bright for both of these sister movements.

Nathan Miller is the 2006 USY Israel Affairs Vice President.

“Masorti Judaism”, Continued from Page 8

Where It All Begins

How did you first get involved inHow did you first get involved inHow did you first get involved inHow did you first get involved inHow did you first get involved inUSY?USY?USY?USY?USY?In 1957, USY was relatively young and mysynagogue only began a USY chapter acouple of years earlier. Some friends sug-gested that I join them at a USY kinnusthat was being sponsored by the Chapter.Once I spent that weekend, I was “hooked.”I went to as many regional and internationalconventions as I could.

What kept you involved in USY?What kept you involved in USY?What kept you involved in USY?What kept you involved in USY?What kept you involved in USY?I found the chapter programs and activitiesfun and exciting. Although I participated inevery regional and international event thatI could, I decided to devote time and en-ergy in my large and active chapter becauseI felt that it was there that I could make thegreatest contribution. For me, it was theUSY chapter that was most important.

What did you do after high school toWhat did you do after high school toWhat did you do after high school toWhat did you do after high school toWhat did you do after high school tostay involved in USY?stay involved in USY?stay involved in USY?stay involved in USY?stay involved in USY?When I graduated high school, my regionaldirector invited me to help him work onCRUSY regional events as a regional fieldworker and I served as a chapter advisorwhile going to college in Pittsburgh, Pa.When I moved to New York, I served as aMETNY field worker, and a chapter advisorbefore serving on the USY Central staff.My wife and I also led USY on Wheels andIsrael Pilgrimage.

Do you still keep in touch withDo you still keep in touch withDo you still keep in touch withDo you still keep in touch withDo you still keep in touch withfriends from your USY days?friends from your USY days?friends from your USY days?friends from your USY days?friends from your USY days?Although many years have passed sincemy active USY involvement, I do still havecontact with USY friends. One of my bestfriends today, a fellow member of CRUSYand Past President of USY, Rabbi JimLebeau, [is] currently Director of the UnitedSynagogue Office in Israel.

How did USY affect your Judaism?How did USY affect your Judaism?How did USY affect your Judaism?How did USY affect your Judaism?How did USY affect your Judaism?In a large part, I am a committed Jew todaybecause of USY. I did not grow up in a homewhere Jewish life was actively observed. Itwas through USY programs that I becameintroduced to the great richness of Jewishliving. It was through sharing Jewish life with

my friends in USY that Jewish life began to havemeaning to me. Although it was hard to ob-serve Judaism alone, when I was with my USYfriends, Jewish living took on great meaning.

How did you decide to become a Jew-How did you decide to become a Jew-How did you decide to become a Jew-How did you decide to become a Jew-How did you decide to become a Jew-ish professional?ish professional?ish professional?ish professional?ish professional?When I entered college, I really had no thoughtof becoming a Jewish professional in general,or specifically a rabbi. It was largely throughmy work with USY and USYers that I developeda passion to share the love of Judaism andJewish living with others. After talking withmany people whom I respected, including Dr.Morton K. Siegel, first Director of USY andRabbi Paul Friedman who was the Director ofUSY at that time, I came to the conclusion thatit was through increased study that I could bestdevelop the ability to share my Jewish pas-sion with others.

How has the Conservative MovementHow has the Conservative MovementHow has the Conservative MovementHow has the Conservative MovementHow has the Conservative Movementchanged since you left USY and rabbini-changed since you left USY and rabbini-changed since you left USY and rabbini-changed since you left USY and rabbini-changed since you left USY and rabbini-cal school?cal school?cal school?cal school?cal school?When I entered rabbinical school, women werenot given aliyot, could not lead services, andwere not counted in a minyan. They could notbe ordained as rabbis or cantors. Today, manycongregations are egalitarian. But, our move-ment is neither “egalitarian” or “non egalitar-

ian.” Conservative Judaism teaches andfosters pluralism. Our movement is com-mitted to balancing tradition and change.

How does USY play a role in this?How does USY play a role in this?How does USY play a role in this?How does USY play a role in this?How does USY play a role in this?USY will play a vital role. The challenge,therefore, is to develop an understandingof and sensitivity to the broad spectrum ofalternative behaviors that are permissibleand acceptable within the spectrum of Con-servative Judaism. We must teach and prac-tice pluralism - in which all acceptable al-ternatives are validated.

Rabbi Jerome M. EpsteinUSCJ Executive Vice President

Spring 2006 • 13

USY, we are the past, present, and future ofConservative Judaism in the North America.We are the fundamental building blocks foreveryone who comes after us. We have theability and aptitude to continue to strengthenour movement and identify with our JewishIdentity.

Rabbi Hillel once said, “If I am not for myself,who will be for me? If I am not for others, whoam I? And if not now, when?” USY, now isour time to come together.

Without educating our peers of the basicknowledge and foundation of our rituals, Iam afraid our religion may not exist years fromnow. Right now it is our responsibility not toallow this to occur.

The decisions we make in our youth may

Stepping Up on Saturday Morning to Lead by Exampleby Sammy Forshner, EMTZA

‘Tag, We’re It!’

ag, you’re it!” I watch theShabbat babysitting-escapees play outside thesocial hall, rushingbreathlessly to tap the next

kid on the shoulder. Oblivious to themasses filing into the room for Kiddushlunch, they have their own agenda: fun.

The Junior Congregation crowd shufflespast them and towards the cookie table.Too old for kiddie games; not old enoughto eat lunch before dessert or count in aminyan, they’re just looking for somesweets while they wait for their parents tofinish talking and eating.

The USY and assorted high schoolcontingents straggle into the lunch buffetline. Hunger levels vary between “I got upan hour ago and am not ready to eat,” to “Iwas here at 8:50 a.m. for p’sukei d’zimrahand I’m starved.”

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Past, Present and Futureby Sydney Byrne, SWUSY

Count me in the latter group.

Shabbat mornings start slowly. People tricklein at first and some mornings a minyan canbe tough to come by in the beginning of theservice. By 10 a.m., the trickle is a steadystream of Jews; by 11, it’s a virtual downpour.The people that arrive first thing are there notto socialize, but to pray and fulfill theirobligation. These hard-core Conservative Jewswant to start on time and get it all in.

This is not the USY crowd. Heck, this isn’t evenmy parents’ crowd, as my mom is likely to bethe second youngest one there, after me atthat hour. The daveners at shul at 8:50 a.m.are not the future of the ConservativeMovement. If you asked them, they’d likelytell you they are the past.

Most Shabbat mornings follow a well-wornroutine. One of a handful of elderly gentlemanunsteadily ascends the steps of the bimah to

lead p’sukei d’zimrah. The rabbis andcantor will be along in ten or fifteenminutes. This core group consists of lead-off hitters in this game. Spring training waslong ago and half a world away for theseplayers. Their Hebrew is more akin toYiddish, and their davening is as fast astheir gait is slow.

Once in a great while the routine is broken.Someone is sick, or the roads are snow-choked and too treacherous for the lead-off daveners. The shul director looksaround to see who has arrived, and whohe knows can lead. Soon I’ll feel a hand onmy tallis-covered shoulder and hear, “Sam,how about starting us off this morning?”

The future of the Conservative Movementis still warm and cozy, asleep in their beds.They’ll be coming this Shabbat, but not justyet. It’s too early, too cold. They’re still sleepy,too tired, not ready to get up at this hour.Not to worry, they think, people are alwaysthere to get the service started, I’ll get thereeventually.

Eventually is no longer soon enough. Likeit or not, the time to wake up is upon us.We, the future of the ConservativeMovement, can’t afford to sleep in anylonger. We can’t count on someone elseto be there to start the service, make theminyan, keep the movement going. Thegenerations that came before us can’t doit alone.

The Conservative Movement needs usUSYers to be there. The future of theConservative Movement is fast becomingthe present. Just as surely as the Shabbatbabysitting escapees will soon move toJunior Congregation, we have to step upto our obligations. We have to step up tothe bimah, to leadership roles, to activeparticipation. The time for sitting back andsleeping in has passed.

Like the hand on the tallis-coveredshoulder, “tag, we’re it.”

“T“T

seem insignificant and unimportant, but theyare crucial to our existence. A decision orchoice such as marrying within the Jewish faithis a decision that affects the future of Judaism.That is why we must not be just for ourselvesbut for others as well.

Together we will stand and divided we willfall. It is our duty as USYers to leave a strongbase and backbone for those who will comeafter us.

L’dor v’dor, from generation to generation, wemust continue this pattern for centuries tocome. B’kol Echad, in one voice, we cantogether build, educate, strengthen and modelwhat it looks like to be a Conservative Jew andwe can help secure the continuation of Judaisminto the future.

14 • ACHSHAV!

‘Never Again!’

Rally to Save Darfur Now:Impacting our Future through

Remembrance, Action

s Jews we alwayssay Zachor. Weproclaim that wewill alwaysremember, never

forget and never again. Weare a people whose past isladen with trials andtribulations meant to breakour spirit and annihilatethe Jewish presence in theworld. On Sunday, April30, USY united at thenation’s capital in protestof a modern day genocide,which is taking place inDarfur.

The day began at Adas Israel,a Washington D.C. synagogue.Seaboard USYers, as well asUSYers from METNY andHagesher regions, met beforeheading to the capital to makesigns and inflate hundreds ofgreen balloons reading “USYcares”. In true USY fashion, wethen broke for lunch followedby a study session to help usrelate Jewish texts to thecurrent humanitarian crisis inthe Sudan. Next, our group ofmore than 200 left thesynagogue and boarded theD.C. Metro, alreadyovercrowded by people traveling the rally. When we finally didarrive we marched with thousands of others wearing green shirts

by Jayne Greenberg, Seaboard

AAwith slogans reading “NeverAgain” or “Not on our Watch” inorder to inform our governmentofficials of the dire plight of thepeople in the Sudan.

Speakers from Elie Wiesel toGeorge Clooney proclaimed thatwe are not going to tolerate theintentional murder ofthousands of innocent people.The experience wasoverwhelming; the NationalMall was a sea of green clothing,posters, banners and peoplesaying that it is enough and thatwe will fight for the men, womenand children of Darfur.

As a USYer, I felt that ourattendance at the rally wasimportant because it is ourobligation as Jewish teens toparticipate in our communitiesand display our support publicly.I was also impressed at thenumber of Jewish teens inattendance from across thecountry; the whole time wasspent bumping into people Iknew from Camp RamahPalmer, friends from otherregions or just people I happento know from somewhere.

The amount of support presentfrom Jewish communities nationwide allows me to feel as thoughwe are doing our part to lizkor, to remember, and doing as best wecan prevent a genocide from ever happening again.

To learn more about the genocide in Sudan and find out what you can do tomake an impact, visit www.savedarfur.org. You can also send an e-card to

President Bush, urging him to keep his promise: “Not On My Watch.”

HadashotHadashot

Spring 2006 • 15

‘Not On My Watch!’

USYers Making Their Voices Heard atNational Rally in Washington, D.C.

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16 • ACHSHAV!

Luckily, that’s the topic for the next issue ofAchshav! and we want to hear from you!

USYers ... we want to knowwhat’s going on in your mind!

If you are interested in writing,e-mail your Achshav! Editors at [email protected] visit the USY website at www.usy.org/achshav

What makes you happy?What makes you sad?

What makes you tick?What makes you proudto be a Jew? a USYer?

It’s time to go

Inside USYers’ Minds