Temple Sinai of Hollywood offers a full range of youth and young adult programming for all age groups, as we strive to create a positive circle of Jewish life for each and every child. Under the leadership of our Youth Director, our youth groups have grown in popularity and participation because of the multi-faceted programming that includes religious, social, cultural, athletic and social action activities.

The importance of bringing a child or teenager into youth programming cannot be underestimated. Our youth group members have the opportunity to become more involved in various leadership roles locally, regionally, and internationally and actively participate in various religious and community service projects. Thus, as children grow in the youth groups during their religious school years, they will continue to develop a positive social life within the synagogue after their Bar/Bat Mitzvah that will last through graduation of high school. Even after graduation, we maintain communication with our young adults during their years of college.

Temple Sinai offers four youth groups to children and young: Tzahal (Kindergarten - 2nd Grade), Chalutzim (3rd - 5th Grades), Kadima (6th - 8th Grades), and USY (9th - 12th Grades). During the year, children and teens participate in various conventions, field trips, and creative in-house programs with other youth groups from around the USCJ (United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism) Sub-Region, Region, and nation. For Kadima and USY, our Sub-Region consists of 15 participating chapters from synagogues in and around South Florida, while our Region, Hanegev, includes almost 50 chapters from synagogues all over the Southeastern United States.

All of our youth groups at Temple Sinai have wonderful and caring staff to facilitate all activities that are implemented each week. Each of our staff members has extensive experience with young children and teenagers, and many of our staff have been with Temple Sinai for a number of years and have grown with the program.

Tzahal (Kindergarten - 2nd Grade)

Tzahal is one of the first social steps in a child's life, enabling him/her to be part of a fulfilling social gathering of children of similar ages. In this beginning youth group, children take part in many exciting activities including arts & crafts, cooking, sports, and much more. Certain Judaic components are infused into these creative activities, helping the children become more familiar with different holidays and customs. Tzahal is an excellent way to begin your child's life of Judaism in a positive, social environment.

Chalutzim (3rd - 5th grades)

Chalutzim generally meets in the evening and represents the "next step" in a child's involvement in Jewish social activities. Each youth group experience begins with dinner and schmoozing, generally followed by a broad variety of games and sports geared toward their age group. All the children in this group are extremely active and absolutely love Chalutzim as part of their social lives.

Kadima (teens in 6th - 8th grades)

Kadima is most-definitely the group for your middle school teen and is a youth experience that represents a first step towards leadership and responsibility. In Kadima, an executive board is elected through which programs are planned for the larger group. Kadima is full of exciting things that you can't get anywhere else. Every other week, those in Kadima plan a program with friends in another Kadima program. Throughout the year, Kadima takes field trips on Saturday nights to many local interesting places which, in recent months, have included Boomers, ice skating rinks, and bowling alleys. In addition, Kadima travels to Disney World with the USYers for an overnight stay. Kadima members also participate in many organized events such as Sub-Regional Dances and Regional "Disney Days." Our Kadima participates fully with Hanegev, the Southeast USY Region, and International Kadima.

All dates are subject to change. See our monthly calendar for additions & updates.

USY (high schoolers in 9th - 12th grades)

USY is the ultimate experience for high school teens who enjoy the responsibilities of planning and implementing all of their programs within the Temple Sinai USY Chapter. USYers take part in many dances, conventions, fund-raisers, social action projects, and a wide variety of social programs. USYers regularly participate in all Sub-Regional, Regional, and International Programs, allowing them to make new friends and meet other Jewish teens from around the nation. Many of these relationships will last a lifetime.

Temple Sinai USY is an extremely active, successful and well-regarded youth group. Over the years, our USY Chapter has won the Chapter of Excellence award and routinely excels in all of its varied endeavors. Our USY fields a high school basketball team that competes against other USY chapters from around the sub-region. Temple Sinai's USY has hosted many excellent programs over the years. As the host of the Arvot Fall Sub-Regional Convention in Key Largo, FL, many in attendance thought the event was the best USY convention ever. The event was one of the largest Sub-Regional Conventions in South Florida, totaling 276 USYers, and ushered in the new Temple Sinai USY mascot - Scooby Doo. Temple Sinai's USY group participates fully with Hanegev, the Southeast USY, Region and International USY.

2008-2009 USY OFFICERS

Scholarship

Scholarships by Temple Sinai are offered on a selective basis for our youth in Camp Ramah, High School In Israel, USY High, Israel Pilgrimage, and USY On Wheels, as well as for Regional and International conventions.

We invite you to join our youth groups here at Temple Sinai and begin a wonderful life of Judaism. For more information regarding any of the Temple Sinai Youth Groups, please call (954) 987-1694 or e-mail Youth@sinaihollywood.org