Bucks County Youth/Teens D'Var Torah from Gabby Levine Read More In the parsha Beshalach, the Israelites have escaped from Egypt and find themselves trapped between Pharaoh's armies and the sea. Caught between an evil they know and the unpredictability of the unknown, Moses sticks to his original intentions to save the Israelites and raises his staff, parting the water to allow passage. Once through, songs of praise erupt from Moses and his people, graciously thanking G-d for his guidance and protection. But even freedom is not enough to satiate the Israelites; their biological needs pose a present challenge to Moses and Aaron as the Israelites constantly complain of thirst and hunger. Southeast and Southwest Conventions See More Southeast Photos See More Southwest Photos USY Southeast Convention was an unforgettable weekend (January 17-19) filled with friendship, ruach, and meaningful experiences. We had 113 people attend from all across the continent. From inspiring tefillot and engaging discussions to spirited competitions and bonding moments, every day brought something special. We closed with a heartfelt farewell and celebrated an incredible weekend with a trip to Universal’s Islands of Adventure! The memories we made and the connections we built will stay with us long after the convention ended. USY Southwest Convention (January 24-26) had 147 USYers and staff from Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, NY and Florida gather at Camp Ramah Ojai for an unforgettable weekend. Wild West with USY had plenty of USY ruach, meaningful prayer experiences, discussion sessions on Jewish identity and programs all created and led by the USY leadership in the southwest and staff. The participants raised funds for the California fire victims as well as decorated kipot on Sunday morning to be sent to congregations that sustained fire damage, in an effort to replace some of the religious items. The program closed with a very meaningful and ruach-filled closing circle. Here's What Teens Had to Say! Southeast Convention: The USY convention was amazing. My parents are quite secular, and we live outside of a Jewish community, so I've always wished I was closer to Judaism. USY helps with that. I loved the community there. Everyone was nice, even people I had never met before. I made so many new friends, and had a lot of fun.   I had the most amazing weekend with people who became my best friends in less than forty-eight hours!   Southwest Convention: I had so much fun! Going into the weekend as a senior I expected it to be bittersweet but for the most part I was having too much fun to be sad.   I loved coming to the USY convention this year and last year. It is such a fun and engaging experience where I can truly connect with other people just like me and make connections that I wouldn’t find anywhere else.   I love USY so much. It feels like a family, even when we haven’t seen each other in a while. USY is such a unique experience and I have made so many special memories that have all strengthened my pride to be Jewish.   Join these Immersive Experiences! REGISTRATION CLOSES 2/14!   Graphic created by: Aviva Magnan, Richmond, BC, Lower Mainland Register Here Graphic created by: Yakir Filhart, Edison, NJ, Hagalil Region Register Here Graphic created by: Skylar Adler, Glenview, IL, CHUSY  Register Here Register for this Summer! Join a Summer Info Session Register Here Live Jewishly along the East Coast or across the USA.   USY On Wheels EAST  Grades 7-8   USY On Wheels CLASSIC  Grades 9-11 Register Here Find your personal connection to Israel.       Yuval Yisrael Grades 10-12 Register Here Engage with a local community in the Dominican Republic.   Impact Dominican Republic Grades 9-12   A Note About California USY is giving a mezuzah to every family affected by the California fires. Visit this form to order your mezuzah. Stay Up to Date! Follow us on Instagram @usyeverywhere Be the First to Know  About our Exciting Updates

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