Beth Haverim Shir Shalom runs Jewish youth programming for grades 4-12. Membership is open to all Jewish children grades 4-12, regardless of temple membership/affiliation. The programming includes interactive social and Judaic programming, which is designed to enhance the Jewish experiences and identities of our members. We seek to further these goals: to unite the youth of the Beth Haverim Shir Shalom membership and membership region; to provide the youth with an environment in which they are able to learn about the culture, religious and social aspects of Reform Judaism; to build for its individual members richer Jewish identities through a heightened religious consciousness and fuller knowledge of our Jewish heritage; to develop an awareness of, an interest in moral, religious and social aspects of Reform Judaism and their relevance to today’s society; and to prepare the members of the group for responsible Jewish adulthood and for intelligent and loyal shouldering of responsibilities of mature members of their congregations and their communities.

The Junior Youth Group, or JYG, is coordinated by Leah Woolis-Rosenberg. This is open to grades 4th-8th. There are both in-temple and out-of-temple events. Some events which we have enjoyed are laser-tag, monster mini-golf, game nights, popcorn and movie nights, karoke party, camping, water parks, and so much more. The cost of membership for the JYG is $25.00 for temple members and $35.00 for non-temple members. For more information about JYG, please contact Leah Woolis-Rosenberg lwoolisrosenberg@yahoo.com.

BHSSTY is the 9th-12th grade youth group. We do all sorts of fun activities both in and out of the temple. For example, we go to NYC, apple picking, hiking, movie nights, karoke nights, Hibachi and Japan relief, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Mall Scavenger Hunt, ice skating, and more. By being a member of the youth group, you get discounted rates for events. The cost of membership for the youth group is: $45.00 for temple members and $55.00 for non-temple members. Membership in BHSSTY also allows you to be a member of NFTY - GER or the North American Federation of Temple Youth - Garden Empire Region. This is a regional youth group for all of New Jersey and Central New York. They have kahlot, or retreats, throughout the region at various times throughout the year. It is a chance to spend time with friends, stay up late, learn something fun and interesting about Judaism in a new way, sing songs, and really so much more. The GER events are either over a weekend or for a few days at one of the regional camps (URJ - KUTZ Camp or URJ - Camp Harlam.) For more information about BHSSTY or NFTY - GER, please contact our advisor Stacey Butler stacey_a_butler@yahoo.com.

BHSSTY also provides the opportunity for the 9th-12th graders to learn more about themselves as leaders. BHSSTY has a student elected board, who plans and runs all or our events throughout the year. This is done with the guidance of our advisor Stacey Butler. If you'd like more information about student leadership positions within Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple Youth Group, please contact one of the current board members:

Co-President: Ashley Ellis and Eiley Stern
Social Action Vice President: Stefan Valhovic
Religious and Cultural Vice President: Rebeca Berger
Membership Vice President: Carolyn Miller
Co-Communications Vice President: Benjamin Kern and Samantha Spencer
Junior TYG Liaison: Rachel Teichman

KADIMA CORNER

“My daughter became a bat mitzvah last May.  Why send her to Kadimah?”

Unless your child already attends Kadimah, you may be asking yourself the same question.  Why indeed? 

Kadimah means “forward” or “moving ahead” and that’s what our educational program is all about.  Our students have, by the end of sixth grade, learned to recite blessings, sing Purim songs, counted their mitzvot, and maybe even learned a little about our history.  By the end of seventh grade (now part of Kadimah) our students can lead a Shabbat service and give a D’var Torah.  And just when it starts getting really good, many times these stellar students think that the learning is done. 

Kadimah offers your middle school and high school student continued learning in all the areas s/he barely touched on in the younger grades.  Did the Hebrew interest your son?  Suggest an Ulpan class with Rabbi Mosbacher.   Was your daughter shocked and confused by the recent events in Gaza ?  Recommend a current events elective taught by Manny Kaplan.  Did your child come home from camp laden with hand-made artifacts?  How about an art class with Dede Adika?  You get the idea! 

The bar or bat mitzvah is a pivotal day for your child.  Why not empower them to continue their learning?  Kadimah offers outstanding classes taught by exceptional teachers, new people to meet, a relaxed atmosphere and lots of choices for your teen.