FJCC Teens Connect
Through Young Judaea and
USY (United Synagogue Youth)
United Synagogue Youth
Get involved with USY today!
Meet other Jewish teens and make lasting friendships.
Be a leader in your community.
Discover the joy of Jewish living.
Engage in meaningful Jewish practice.
Find a sense of belonging.
Make a difference in the world. Have the time of your life.
For more than 60 years, USY has brought the joy of Judaism to life for teens, inspiring them to deepen their Jewish practice, become leaders, make a positive impact on the world, and develop lasting connections to their Jewish identities.
USY, for grades 9-12, allows the kehilla to engage youth with fun, meaningful experiences based on the ideology of Conservative Judaism.
USY links Jewish teens to a network of more than 10,000 USYers participating in 350 local chapters in 16 regions across North America. USY members participate in: chapter events, regional events (such as weekend Shabbatons and dances), social action and volunteer opportunities, Leadership Training Institutes, an annual week-long international convention bringing together Jewish teens from across North America, and immersive summer travel to Israel, Europe and across North America.
At the Flemington Jewish Community Center (FJCC), youth in grades 2-8 join Young Judaea members exploring all facets of Jewish culture, developing a cohesive bond with their peers and learning to be leaders. They participate in youth-led services, social action projects, and social activities.
There are three groups: Ofarim (Hebrew for "fawns" grades 2-5), Tsofim ("scouts" grades 6–7), and Bogrim ("elders" grade 8).
Founded in 1909, Young Judaea is a peer-led youth movement. Its programs include youth clubs, conventions, camps and Israel programs, with an emphasis on social action and Jewish identity. All Young Judaea programs are centered around the movement's ideology. The charter of the organization, officially titled "Yehudah Hatzair Leumi Chukah," outlines the ideology and goals of the organization. Its main points include:
- Young Judaea is a politically non-partisan and religiously pluralistic organization.
- Young Judaea is a Zionist youth movement and recognizes the State of Israel as a central part of Jewish life and encourages visiting Israel.
- As a Jewish youth movement, Young Judea stresses Jewish values, Jewish education, and the preservation of the identity of the Jewish people.
- Social action is a part of both our Jewish and Zionist identities and as such Young Judea works to help Jews and others in need both local and worldwide.
- A cohesive community can be built regardless of religious and political affiliations.