Our youth groups are an important part of our educational program at Congregation Beth Shalom. Youth groups provide an opportunity for socialization within a Jewish context. We are members of the Pinwheel (Pacific Northwest) Region of United Synagogue Youth, encompassing Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alberta, and British Columbia. Youth Group Membership is included in Religious School and Prozdor for grades 2nd-7th.
We offer four youth groups based on grade.
Matanot – For youth grades 2nd and 3rd. This group holds one event per month. Events include activities such as Shabbat dinners, a Chocolate Seder, and mini-golf.
Chaverim – For youth grades 4th and 5th. This group holds one event per month. Events include improv, laser tag, board games, ice cream parties, and volunteering.
Kadima – For youth grades 6th-8th. This group holds 1-2 events per month and participates in the Regional Shabbaton at Camp Solomon Schechter. Post B’nai Mitzvah students may also attend the monthly USY Youth Minyan. Events include Masterchef Jewnior, Israeli Movie Nights, and Kadima only Shabbat dinners.
USY (United Synagogue Youth) – For youth grades 9th-12th. Regular events for this group include a monthly youth minyan, board meetings, participation in Regional and International programs, and other social and religious events. Popular events include: Into the Night, Havdallah, Movie Nights, and more!Follow our USY Chapter, Seattle Nimratz, on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seattlenimratz/
Welcome Bevin Fritz-Waters our 2020-2021 USY Advisor
Along with being the CBS USY Advisor, Bevin is a case manager at YWCA. She was an active participant in USY at Temple of Aaron synagogue and on the board of Iowa State University’s Hillel. She loves hiking, dancing, reading and listening to podcasts. She is also a Moishe House Without Walls host and a One Table host. Her favorite comic book is Ms. Marvel. Bevin is excited to join the Beth Shalom community and make this year great for USY Nimratz.
Beth Shalom Youth Groups require a yearly registration and membership fee. Here are the prices for each of the youth groups 2020-2021:
| Youth Group | Membership Fee |
| Matanot (2nd & 3rd Grade) | $50 |
| Chaverim (4th & 5th Grade) | $50 |
| Kadima (6th-8th Grade) | $60 |
| USY (9th-12th Grade) | $110 |
For overall youth department questions, please contact Rachel Wachtel, Director of Education by email.
