USY is a generation of crazy kids who find the one place they truly belong... with each other.
Tzafon USY has become such a large part of my life these past four years. It has given to me: courage, knowledge, happiness, self-confidence, strength and friends that will last a lifetime.
You may start out a convention sleeping on the temple痴 hard wood floor with people you致e only known a couple hours; but you will end with a friendship circle of people that you will carry with you all your life.
Regional conventions begin on Friday afternoons before Shabbat begins. Upon arrival you are greeted with loads of hugs from your favorite people. We all gather together and watch a rules skit put on by your very own Regional Board. Next we might have some ice breakers, where you値l get to meet so many new and exciting people. After this we get changed for Shabbat and eat dinner. After dinner we have the Kabbalat Shabbat service which welcomes in Shabbat. After the service is over, we do not use any form of electricity. This is not as terrifying as it sounds. There is usually either a planned program or Chofesh (free time) where you have the opportunity to bond with so many different people. Later on that night we all head to bed which consists of cuddle up with some of your new best friends and gossiping about the cute boys (or girls) you saw that day.
Saturday morning we wake up, eat breakfast, doven the typical conservative Shabbat morning service. This consists of Psukei-D'zimrah, Shacharit, Torah Service and Musaf. Then we eat lunch and participate in a study session or other program where you値l most likely learn a lot! After all your hard work, you finally have some time to relax during Chofesh. This is the best time to kick back and chat with new-found friends or just take a nap. Next we値l have Mincha and most likely more programs. Later on we値l eat dinner and then have a beautiful Havdallah service which ends Shabbat. You are then assigned to host homes where you will have the opportunity to shower (which you do not have to take) and get ready for the dance. You are driven to the Tzafon dance which are always absolutly amazing. Then head back to your host home for some rest.
Sunday Morning you return to the temple and pray morning Shacharit . You then eat breakfast, participate in one last program, buy tzafon regalia, take pictures, have a friendship circle (a big song session where you say goodbye to everyone) and board the buses to go home and tell your families how much fun you had.
That has only been an outline of what a convention is like, who knows what crazy stories you値l have to tell if you attend a convention. Convention applications are usually posted on the front home page. So make sure to sign up for one ASAP!!
Dana Critelli
Tzafon Regional Communication VP 2007-2008
Fifty years ago was a very uncertain time for Jewish people. Memories of the Shoah were burning freshly; and, as the young leaders of the day looked around, they saw similar danger lurking in the peace and quiet of America. If enemies seeking to destroy the Jewish people by violence did not succeed, our own sense of safety would do it for them. Jewish youth were assimilating and the tradition that so many died for in Europe and that more would fight for in Israel was in mortal danger in its peaceful American existence.
Recognizing this danger, youth leaders in the conservative movement began to organize, and at the First International Convention in New York, USY was officially chartered. The convention took on a ominous tone. Yes, the delegates were there to have fun, but there was also a greater task at hand: the drafting of the mission of the youth group. It was there that USY became what it is: a youth group dedicated to providing warm Jewish communities to youngsters who may not have the same chance to interact with their peers otherwise.
These chapter communities became and remain the backbone of USY. USY looked to provide Jewish Education to those who wish to become more in touch with their religious heritage, and it answered the call when Jews worldwide needed support in Israel and in the Former Soviet Union. Furthermore USY took on a position of social awareness, focusing much attention to Social Action and the fund-raising program that later became known as Tikkun Olam.
Now, Fifty some years later the goal remains the same. USY is dedicated to providing its members with a warm place away from the secular world, where they can be who they are and enjoy their heritage. It's your community, please take advantage and be a part of it.
Andy Friedson
Tzafon President 2002-2003
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