Youth Groups

Shaare Tefila Youth Groups are the perfect way for our children to hang out with their friends.  Participating in a youth group is the way to make Jewish friends from Shaare Tefila and around the world!  Children are welcome to invite their Jewish friends from other arenas, too.  Any Jewish youth can join in the fun; their parents need not be members of Shaare Tefila.  

All youth groups are led by experienced adults, with Rabbi Tirza Schmelzer-Covel as the Youth Director and Sharon Kaye as the Youth Commission Chair.  We participate in Seaboard Region Kadima/USY activities.  Registration forms can be found in the Shaare Tefila office.

Bonim:  This group for children in Kindergarten, First and Second Grades meets once a month for an outing and activity.  Ranging from museum trips and picnics to bowling or havdalah and a movie, these age-appropriate activities bring young children together for a wonderful time with their friends.

Machar:  Meaning “tomorrow”, this assemblage for Third, Fourth and Fifth Graders.  Events will include rock-wall climbing, paint-it-yourself ceramics, bowling, apple picking and miniature golf.  This year, programs will be centered on the theme of Israel @ 60!

Kadima:  This international youth group for Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Graders includes regional activities with children from Maryland, DC, Virginia and North Carolina!  Monthly activities include swimming, sports, movies and special trips, not to mention inter-chapter programs with other synagogues.  Advisor TBA. 

USY  (United Synagogue Youth):  The Conservative Movement’s youth group for Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Graders, not only has chapter events, but regional and international events, too!  The chapter has a student-led board, student-run activities and leadership opportunities.  This is the place to be for all high schoolers!