Youth Programming at Adath Israel

The Adath Israel Congregation Youth Department offers programs for families and their children in first through twelfth grade and beyond.  The programs are grounded in the principles of Conservative Judaism and include the following topics: Tzedakah, Israel, Conservative Jewish practice, tefillah and community.  The Youth Department is run in conjunction with United Synagogue Youth, which is an international Conservative Jewish Youth organization.  The following programs are offered by the Youth Department.

Family Education Programming:

Throughout the year, families are invited to attend programs that will allow them to learn, experience and socialize together.  Programs are held approximately once a month and take place both in and out of the synagogue building.  This year, families will be able to celebrate Shabbat at our Youth and Family Shabbat dinners, daven together on Friday nights, make Hanukkah gifts for families and friends, enjoy Hanukkah as a community, come together for a Passover meal, play games and cook out for Lag B’Omer and so much more. 

Jewish Stars for 1st-2nd Graders:

The Youth Department is proud to announce the start of our youngest Youth Group,  Jewish Stars.  Kids will meet together every 6-8 weeks for programs in the synagogue and around Cincinnati.  This youngest group will allow the students to come together to form and strengthen their ties with each other while experiencing the fun and creative aspects of Conservative Judaism.

Atid (3rd-5th grade):

     Students come together once a month for programs they have chosen (with the assistance of their advisor Carly).  Most of the programs are scheduled for Sundays at noon.  Already planned for this year is tubing at Perfect North, late nights in the Adath Israel Youth Lounge and trips to different sites in Cincinnati.  In addition to Sunday activities, Atid will participate in "Youth Group Mondays”.  Every other month, on the third Monday of the month, students will meet for an exciting program from 5:30 PM until 7:00 (dinner will be included).

Kadima (6th-8th grade):

These students meet at least 2 times per month for programs both in and out of Adath Israel.  The programs are chosen by the Kadima Kouncil, a group of students from Kadima who work together to plan the program year (this is open to anyone).  Once a year, Kadima participates in Kadima Kinnus, a weekend long convention through CRUSY (the Central Region of United Synagogue Youth)   Kadima will also participate in Youth Group Monday.  Every other month, on the third Monday of the month, students will have an exciting program until 7pm (dinner will be included).  Participation in Kadima allows students to continue strengthening their ties with each other, make new Jewish friends and experience Judaism in a “hands on”, fun and exciting way.

USY:

9th to 12th graders are involved in United Synagogue Youth (USY).  USY is run by an elected board of students from the synagogue.  There are many opportunities for students to get involved and help to plan and run different aspects of the chapter while developing strong leadership skills.  Participation in USY allows students to do Tzedakah, learn about Israel, experience Jewish holidays, get involved in the synagogue and socialize with other Jewish teens.  Throughout the year, students participate in CRUSY (the Central Region United Synagogue Youth) conventions, which take place throughout the Midwest. 

Kesher:

Kesher is open to all post high school “kids” from Adath Israel.  Packages will be sent to students and young professionals on holidays throughout the year, as well as regular emails from Rabbi Wise.  Reunion programs will be held twice a year, along with visits from Rabbi Wise to New York and Chicago to see anyone residing in those locations.  Please call in contact information for all post high school students to the main office, (513) 793-1800.

For more information regarding Youth Department programs, please contact Brett Schwartz, Director of Youth and Family Programs, at (513) 792-5082, extension 103 or e-mail  at brett@adath_israel.org