⇒ Youth & Teen Programs
Youth Group: Temple Emanu-El USY
Temple Emanu-El's United Synagogue Youth (USY) Program incorporates many fun and innovative ways to meet new people, gain leadership skills, create a sense of connection to Judaism and to just have fun!
Providence USY's programs incorporate elements of social time, religious engagement, Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), and connection with Israel.
Regionally, we are part of the HaNer USY region, which covers Connecticut and New England. Regional events include conventions, lounge nights, and other meetups. It's a great way to meet other teens in the area!
We offer programs to three different age groups:
- Chaverim for 3rd-5th graders
- Gesher for 6th-8th graders
- USY for 9th-12th graders
Teens: More ways to stay involved!
We have plenty of paths to take as a teen at TE. Our offerings include:
“Lounge & Learn” on Tuesday evenings
- *New for 2023-24* *Led by Ronni Guttin + guest speakers*
- Tuesdays 4:30 - 6:30 pm (*timing may be adjusted depending on schedules of interested students). Open to 8th - 10th grade students
Approximate schedule:
- 4:30 - 5:15 - youth lounge open, social time
- 5:15 - 6:00 - Class on topics in leadership, arts, social justice
- 6:00 - 6:30 - dinner
Madrihim
Work as a teaching assistant and help guide younger students. For returning madrihim, there is an option to work 1:1 with students with special needs.
Sunday mornings 9:30 - 12:30 and/or Tuesday afternoons 4:30 - 6:30
Compensation: Earn $12.50 an hour as a starting madrih(ah), plus an equivalent of $5/hr in scholarship funds to go towards a Jewish overnight experience (camp, youth group trip, etc.).
Jr. Congregation Leader (open to post-b'nai mitzvah students)
Lead students in the mini Shabbat morning service for kids ages 5-12. Two teens co-lead together whenever possible. Four training sessions are required (to be scheduled based on your availability).
Saturday mornings 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (expect to lead approximately once a month)
Compensation: Receive $250 for the year, plus $250 to go towards a Jewish overnight experience (camp, youth group trip, etc.)
HaZamir
Join HaZamir, The International Jewish Teen Choir. You will learn and perform Jewish music locally, as well as attend events with other HaZamir chapters in New England or around the country.
Rehearsals are weekly on Sundays at noon. For more information, contact Cantor Brian Mayer at: bjmayer@teprov.org. HaZamir is sponsored by The Sylvia Zimet HaZamir Memorial Fund.
Scholarships are available to attend HaZamir events.
Torah Tutors
Help tutor younger students as they prepare for their b’nai mitzvah. Sessions are based on your and your tutees’ availability.
Compensation: $180 / student for the year, plus an equivalent of $5/hr in scholarship funds to go towards a Jewish overnight experience (camp, youth group trip, etc.).
Contact Cantor Brian Mayer bjmayer@teprov.org to sign up.
Gym Assistants
Lead games with younger kids during open gym time on Shabbat morning or during Family Friday night dinners. You can get volunteer hours for this, or get paid $12.50 / hr plus an equivalent of $5/hr in scholarship funds to go towards a Jewish overnight experience (camp, youth group trip, etc.). Contact Rachel Cohn rcohn@teprov.org to sign up.
Staff
Rachel Cohn is the Director of Youth education and engagement and oversees the Youth Department. Jackie Benjes is our lead USY advisor. Please feel free to contact Rachel regarding scholarships, payments, questions, event ideas, or anything else!
Get involved
Contact Rachel Cohn to sign up for any of the above programs!