Youth Groups
Temple Beth Hillel–Beth El is a great place to be a kid! The Youth Department creates and runs exciting, fun and meaningful programming for all of the youth of our congregation. Activities for age-specific groups are planned by our Youth Director, Ari Schwartz.
We welcome parent participation as chaperones, as well as to provide feedback and ideas. Our goal is for every child at TBH–BE to feel a part of our synagogue community.
Young Explorers (families with young children)
The Young Explorers group provides social and educational opportunities for families with young children to meet and develop connections and friendships. Past activities have included: apple picking at Linvilla Orchards, volunteering at the Jewish Relief Agency (JRA), and pottery painting. Families also participate in the Sisterhood Havdalah program.
Bonim (Grades 1-4)
Bonim (builders) offers exciting monthly programming for elementary school-aged children that allows them to gain independence by attending events without their parents. Events are well supervised with the help of a few parents to ensure the safety of all children. Past activities have included a magic show, minute-to-win-it games, and an under-night; most events are held on Sunday afternoons.
Kadima (Grades 5-7)
The theme of Kadima (moving forward) is building friendships. TBH–BE’s Kadima chapter is being run collaboratively with Adath Israel to encourage children to make and continue friendships with other kids in the area. Past events have included BounceU, rock climbing, making candy sushi, and Top Chef: Cake Edition. In addition to these Main Line events, Kadima members are encouraged to attend regional events with other Kadimaniks throughout the greater Philadelphia area, such as the annual day trip to Hershey Park.
USY (Grades 8-12)
Our USY (United Synagogue Youth) chapter runs programs both on a chapter level as well as jointly with other synagogues within the Hagesher region. Programs, which are created by the teens on the USY board, have included sushi in the Sukkah, hayride at Linvilla Orchards, Friday night dinners, ice skating at Penn’s Landing, ComedySportz, lounge nights, Casino Night and our annual phone-a-thon fundraiser for tikkun olam (charity). We also encourage participation in regional events and conventions, the annual International Convention held over winter break, and USY summer programs.
Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl’s Thing
Rosh Hodesh, our monthly program for girls in 6th grade, engages Jewish “tweens” in discussions and activities they care about most. Topics have included friendship, body image, popularity and decision-making. Our relaxed forum allows each girl the time to talk, laugh, disagree, wonder, create and experience joy!
Shevet Achim: The Brotherhood
Shevet Achim is our monthly program for 7th – 10th grade boys, created by Moving Traditions. The group meets monthly in small gatherings where a teacher builds ongoing community with a group of young men. Each meeting is filled with both discussions and physical activities.
Contact Information
Ari Schwartz – asch94@aol.com
Youth Director
Wed, July 18 2018
6 Av 5778
