Youth Programming
Beth El youth programs are fun and exciting!
Machar
Second and third graders participate in our group which meets once a month during the school year for fun events such as Coldstone tours and ice cream making, laser tag, and holiday events. Machar -niks begin associating Jewish life and friends with fun.
Kadima
Move up in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade to meeting once a month for events such as bowling, Chanukah parties, San Diego Kadima Day, and Kadima Kinnus at Camp Ramah in Ojai. Kadima is a wonderful way to develop strong Jewish friendships and connections to the Jewish community. Through joint chapter and regional events, Kadima-niks become aware of a larger Jewish world while learning how to become a part of it.
United Synagogue Youth, USY
USY is on Facebook! - "friend" Beth El USY
Grades 7-12 have a wide range of programs and opportunities through Beth El USY. Our chapter is run by a board of officers who plan events such as
- Bi-monthly lounge evenings for hanging out and making friends
- Weekend programs of all types such as indoor rock climbing and ice skating.
- Inter-chapter events such as Into the Night, an all-night adventure
- Community service projects and fundraising for tikkun olam
- Day trip excursions such as to Julian and Coronado Island
- USY Shabbat led entirely by members of USY
- Kinnusim, weekends at other synagogues within Far West Region
- USY Madrichim, a Far West Region leadership training program
- Opportunities for USY’ers to meet Jewish teens outside of Beth El.
- Trips to Israel, New York, and other European cities, as well as Far West on Wheels and USY on Wheels are all summer programs available to USY’ers.
Confirmation
10th graders are invited to participate in our Confirmation program which involves Torah, Avodah, and G’milut Chasadim. Confirmants study with Rabbi Libman monthly, mentor younger children, and participate in community service projects together. The year concludes with a trip to New York City or Los Angeles and a Confirmation ceremony. Click here for Confirmation calendar.
Madrichim
Our Beth El Madrichim program allows teens in grades 9-12 to gain leadership experience and skills working with children one-on-one, in a classroom setting, and with special school projects as an aid in the Viterbi Torah School. Teens make a commitment for the year and are matched up with a particular class to assist the teacher in class projects and day-to-day activities.





