Youth and young families are a large part of Kehillat Beth Israel! Our programs are for kids and families of all ages and stages. KBI’s Youth and Young Families programming is a great way to get involved in the community and make lasting memories. Our goal is to help our tiniest kids grow and connect to their Judaism, flourishing on a steady path through our youth program into full-fledged leaders in the Jewish community.
To contact the Interim Director at david@kehillatbethisrael.com or call 613-728-3501 Ext. 234
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Our youngest members and their parents are warmly invited to participate in a host of activities, services, virtual offerings, and more. Please visit our Family Engagement page for all the info.
We’re pretty BIG on “small ones” at KBI! Programming for Ketanim and Chaverim includes both parent-participation events as well as drop-off happenings (or have parallel parent socializing opportunities). This is a great way for our youth to start finding their independence and developing their own Jewish identities while getting involved in a fun way. In the past, they’ve enjoyed outings such as laser tag and bowling, often with havdallah; eating ice cream sundaes together while learning about keeping kosher or why we eat dairy on Shavuot; playing games (Jewish Apples to Apples is a favourite!); doing crafts that help the environment or brighten a senior’s week; or participating in our annual Chocolate Seder… among many other opportunities.
It’s what “comes before” USY! Programming is usually drop-off, and includes local activities with our Youth Director/Cantor and/or parent volunteers. It is powered by our Youth Board, who come up with programs and projects and run them with the guidance of the staff. Starting in Gesher, kids help host and take part in local and regional Shabbatonim, Encampment, online educational programs, and conventions where they enjoy amazing times with their counterparts from the other chapters, participate in leadership exercises, ruach (spirit), chinuch (learning), t’filah (prayer), and chofesh (relaxation). KBI currently underwrites all Gesher membership dues so there is no barrier to participating in regional events, voting, or being elected to the regional board; there is a palpable sense of ownership, pride, and Jewish connection with something larger than the home chapter. As with all our youth levels, Gesher-ites ‘graduate’, becoming proud USYers.
USY doesn’t mean anything in Hebrew, but USY means a lot to our teens! Programming at this level is also driven by the JACCUSY board and supported by the Youth Director/Cantor. The president of JACCUSY and VP of SATO (Social Action and Tikkun Olam) come from the ranks of USYers. This age group takes a larger lead on organizing and running local and regional conventions (described above, under “Gesher”). USYers often act as madrichim (teen leaders or assistants) for Gesher, Chaverim, Kehillateinu!, and Tot programming at KBI. There are also expanded opportunities for prayer learning and leadership in the adult community guided by Cantor Green. Membership is covered by KBI so anyone can participate in conventions; and maintain voting privileges for, and being elected to, ECRUSY (Regional) board positions. USYers proudly go on to become leaders, not just at the Regional, National, and International levels, but in the Jewish community in general. They are the future of Conservative Judaism!
Shabbat Beyachad is our weekly Junior Congregation service (for grades K-6), weekly, designed and led by Ravi or other volunteers, features games based on Torah Portions and holidays, as well as a social space to spend time with other Jewish youth. It is geared at developing skills and enthusiasm for the next level, joining in and leading our main prayer services.
Celebrating a Bat or Bar Mitzvah in the next 2-3 years? Mazal tov! We are proud to help you make the occasion most enjoyable, meaningful, and memorable. For more information visit our B’nei Mitzvah page and connect with Cantor Green, our B’nei Mitzvah Program coordinator.
Our Youth Committee is made up of parents with kids in all the above age groups who are passionate about the Youth program at KBI. Its current chair is Emma Mallach.