Youth Community

Through both experiential education and social programming, we foster growth in the Jewish community and lasting friendships. Participating in a youth group is one of the key indicators of an active Jewish life through adulthood. While we know kids and teens today are involved in a variety of activities and programs across the Chicago area, we are committed to providing meaningful experiences for children of all ages. For information regarding these programs, please contact Stacy La Mell, Youth Community Director, at slamell@nssbethel.org

BEANS

The Youth Community at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El is affectionately known as “BEANS”.

We run three youth groups for children in grades 2-12, as well as our Beth El Sisterhood College Connection program. Youth can be drawn to Judaism in many different ways and we strive to help them create their own Jewish identity in an informal environment.

USY Chaverim (2nd-4th)

USY Chaverim is our youth group for kids in grades 2-4 and includes programming such as Day Off events, art programs, silent discos, movie nights, and much more.

USY  Gesher (5th-7th)

USY Gesher is our youth group for kids in grades 5-7. Programs for this age group focus on fostering friendships within the synagogue and around the Chicagoland area by participation in regional programming. Programs are planned with the help of the USY Gesher leadership cohort, to foster responsibility and provide activities of interest to the students. Escape rooms, pizza and movie nights, bowling are just a few of the events we offer. USY Gesher extends beyond our local chapter, and is affiliated with our region, CHUSY, and the youth programs of the Conservative movement.

USY (8th-12th)

BEANS USY is our youth group for kids in grades 8-12. Programs are planned by a board of USYers with the help of our dedicated staff. Generously supported by the Barbara P. Hochberg USY Fund, BEANS USY is committed to social activism, tzedakah, and Jewish engagement, all while building a peer community. BEANS USY is affiliated with our region, CHUSY, and with the United Synagogue Youth programs of the Conservative movement. BEANS USY and teen programming in general, continues to explore opportunities to engage teens when there are so many extracurricular and competing activities. A dessert tour of Chicago, sushi in the Sukkah, escape rooms and community service programs are just a few of the programs we offer. 

 

For updates on the programs, or for ways to get involved, please contact Stacy La Mell, Director of Youth & Family Engagement at slamell@nssbethel.org.