Youth 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:

• Grades 3-5: Chaverim, meets 3-4 times per year.
• Grades 6-8: Gesher, monthly programs.
• Grades 9-12: USY, monthly programs.

Teens: More ways to stay involved!

"Mitzvah Mensches"

We are adjusting our Tuesday post-b’nei mitzvah educational offerings at Temple Emanu-El to be more volunteering-based, as we saw how engaged the teens were last year in these opportunities. We will offer volunteering approximately 1-2 times a month for 8th grade and up at local organizations, including Kosher Food Pantry, Save the Bay, and Tamarisk Assisted Living.We will include orienting them to the work and de-briefing about their experience in each session, highlighting Jewish texts and Jewish values that motivate this work. 

Fall/Winter 2024 Sessions:

• Tuesday, September 24: Volunteer at the Kosher Food Pantry, 4:30 - 6:15 PM
• Sunday, September 29: “Reverse Tashlich” park cleanup with Save the Bay, 10 AM - 12 PM
• Tuesday November 12: Volunteer at the Kosher Food Pantry, 4:30 - 6:15 PM
• Mid-December (date TBD): Singing at Tamarisk Assisted Living

RSVP Now!

Community Beit Midrash of RI (CBM)

This wonderful partnership between several local synagogues and other organizations in RI brings together rotating scholars and teachers in the community to teach teens (6th - 12th grade) about Jewish texts and Jewish Life.  Some example topics studied include preparing for the High Holy Days, how to be a good friend, and an introduction to Talmud. 

This group meets on Wednesday evenings, Saturday afternoons, and occasional Sundays. Rabbi Fel will be teaching one of the Middle School segments this year!  Please see below for more details and to sign up for this enriching experience!  Feel free to email RabbiNavahLevine@gmail.com or aliza.krieger@gmail.com to hear more about CBM.

Learn More!

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Madrihim

Sunday mornings 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM and/or Tuesday afternoons 4:30 - 6:30 PM

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. 

Compensation: Earn $12.50 an hour as a starting madrih(ah) plus an equivalent of $5 an hour 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)

Saturday mornings 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM (expect to lead approximately once a month)

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). 

Compensation: Receive $250 for the year, plus $250 to go towards a Jewish overnight experience (camp, youth group trip, etc.).

Jr. Cong. leaders get training and experience in the following areas:

- Leading Shabbat morning prayers

- Leading icebreakers and community-building activities 

- Becoming a positive role model for younger students 

- Planning and managing time

- Strategies to keep participants motivated and engaged

For the 2024-25 School year, we are lucky to have 6 Jr. Cong. leaders + 2 leaders in training!  Email Rachel Cohn to learn more about leading Jr. Congregation:  rcohn@teprov.org

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 12:00 PM. For more information, contact Cantor Brian Mayer at bjmayer@teprov.org. HaZamir is sponsored by the Sylvia Zimet HaZamir Memorial Fund. 

Scholarhsips are available to attend HaZamir events. 

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 an hour plus an equivalent of $5 an hour in scholarship funds to go towards a Jewish overnight experience (camp, youth group trip, etc.). Conract Rachel Cohn to sign up. 

Staff

Rachel Cohn is the Director of Youth education and engagement and oversees the Youth Department. Ma'ayan Stutman-Shaw is our lead USY advisor.  Please feel free to contact Rachel regarding scholarships, payments, questions, event ideas, or anything else!

Get involved

Email Rachel Cohn to sign up for any of the above programs!