Youth

Our youth department has won the Far West Region’s “CHAPTER OF EXCELLENCE” eight times and offers a variety of programs and events for children and teens beginning in 4th grade through their college years. These programs encompass a friendly and continuous connection to their Jewish identity and to our synagogue life.

Between our many age-specific programs, there are ongoing community service events, youth-oriented Shabbat and Jewish Holiday celebrations, summer activities, and an array of leadership opportunities.

Chaverim is the new Youth Department that brings together teens in grades 3-12 from both Shomrei Torah and Temple Aliyah.

Chaverim includes Kadima, our programming for 3-5th graders, and our Teen program for 6-12th graders. Kadima meets once or twice a month for Lounge Night and the Teen program meets every Wednesday night for their Lounge Night. While Chaverim will still participate in USY events, it is also meant to encompass events beyond the USY realm that will be happening in our synagogues and beyond. 

In our affiliation with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), we are part of their Far West region. The Far West Region encompasses Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, southern Nevada and Hawaii. We see the extended region at regional events throughout the year and mainly interact with our local chapters. 

Our goal as a Youth Department is to have ongoing community service and social action events, youth-oriented Shabbat and Jewish Holiday celebrations, off-campus outings, and an array of leadership opportunities. Our teens will develop skills to grow as Jewish leaders through planning and participating in programming in a Jewish social setting all while being given the chance to make lots of lifelong Jewish friends. Both synagogues have a youth lounge to provide a safe and welcoming space to our youth and a place they feel ownership over as we bring these communities together.

To become a member of Chaverim there is a $75 membership fee for grades 6-12 and a $45 membership fee for grades 3-5th. For this year, the membership fee for Chaverim is the same regardless of if you’re a member of either synagogue. This membership will allow your child to participate in events at a discounted rate or for free. Our events include weekly lounge nights, challah bakes, monthly Shabbat gatherings, leadership training, volunteer opportunities, and more! If you wish to become a member, please download and fill out the Membership forms below and email them to Michelle Greenberg. You can follow us on Instagram @chaverim.la to stay up to date with upcoming events! 

Chaverim Membership Form

For more information on the Youth Department, or to make sure you are on our mailing list, please email Michelle Greenberg, our Director of Youth Engagement, at michelle@chaverimteens.org. 

Chaverim Youth Commission

This volunteer committee is comprised of parents who have children currently in or who are alumni of the Shomrei Torah or Temple Aliyah Youth Departments. They meet approximately once a month and act as a resource to the Youth Director throughout the year including over the summer as necessary. Our Youth Commission Chair or Co-Chairs act as a liaison to the Synagogue Board. They assist with many aspects of the Youth Department including but not limited to the following:
• Preparing and overseeing the youth activities budget 
• Fundraising on behalf of youth activities and scholarships
• Chaperoning events as needed
• Handling any legal issues that may arise
• Formulating youth related policies

UPCOMING EVENTS