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Congregation Brothers of Israel

L'dor Vador—From Generation to Generation since 1883
לדור ודור

Home > SYNAGOGUE LIFE > Youth Activities

Youth Activities

BUCKS COUNTY USY AWARD

We are pleased to inform you that the Bucks County USY has been awarded $1950 from the USY Chapter Innovation and Engagement Grant, funded by USCJ. For more than 70 years, USY programs around North America have sought to engage Jewish teens in an authentic and dynamic Jewish life. Please help support these programs with participation in USY events.
 

Bucks County Jewish Youth

Congregation Brothers of Israel is proud to participate with four other area synagogues in social activities for Jewish youth from 3rd grade through High School.  

 

 
 

Chaverim

For 3rd & 4th graders

Our Chaverim group holds one event each month. Activities focus on social and Jewish holiday events. This program provides a wonderful atmosphere where friendships develop.      

Kadima

For 5th, 6th & 7th graders

Our Kadima group participates in one or two events a month. Kadimaniks also enjoy a variety of activities that promote socialization, Jewish culture and pre-teen interests.

BUSY Chapter of HaGesher USY

 

Our BUSY Chapter (Bucks County United Synagogue Youth) offers participants a wonderful opportunity to explore their Jewish identity through social, cultural, educational, and social action programming while connecting with Jewish teens.

 
Ruchot: Social Action at the Capitol

March 13-16, 2026, in Washington, DC

Calling all changemakers and world shakers! Join our second annual Ruchot delegation to Washington, DC, to meet national legislators and learn to lobby for your favorite causes. You’ll meet Jewish activists and experts to learn about significant issues in today’s world. Organize, advocate, and change the world! 

DID YOU KNOW: Last year, our Ruchot delegation held more than 25 meetings with congressional representatives during our weekend in DC! Don’t miss your chance to meet national leaders face-to-face and make your voice heard. Read more about last year’s delegation…
Fill Out Interest Form
But wait, there’s more!!!

In addition to these amazing International immersive experiences, you can also experience ruach-filled Shabbaton weekends in your own communities. All of our conventions are open to USYers from anywhere in the world - so pick a new city to explore and join us!
See All Events
Scholarships Available

Finances should never be a barrier to participation in USY. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please apply early. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis from the date of deposit. If you have any questions or need guidance with the scholarship process, please contact Avram Pachter, Director of Business Operations, at apachter@uscj.org. Apply early to ensure your request is reviewed and to make the most of available funds!
 

Snow is on the ground, it gets dark outside earlier in the day, and it's freezing out there. Winter is definitely here. Of course, now we are daydreaming about summer. Join USY this summer on one of three great trips being offered: USY on Wheels, Impact DR, and Yuval Yisrael.

USY on Wheels

Grades: 8 - 10

 

This summer, USY on Wheels is offering new and flexible travel paths that let you design the adventure that fits you best—whether you want a few weeks or an epic cross-country experience by bundling paths together.

 

Here’s where the road will take you:

🌄 Westbound Path

June 29 – July 21 (3 weeks)

New Jersey → Los Angeles

$8,499

Travel west from New Jersey with stops in Chicago, roadside Americana like the Corn Palace, Mount Rushmore, and the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park. The journey continues through Salt Lake City before ending in sunny Los Angeles.

Subject to change

🌅 Eastbound Path

July 22 – August 13 (3 weeks)

Los Angeles → New Jersey

$8,499


Start on the West Coast and cross the country with unforgettable experiences at the Grand Canyon, a Louisiana swamp tour, and Atlanta’s World of Coca-Cola. Finish strong with meaningful time in Washington, DC, and an iconic finale in Philadelphia—Rocky Steps included.

Subject to change

Want more time on the road?

Teens can bundle paths to create a longer, coast-to-coast summer adventure—more cities, more friendships, and more memories that last long after the bus pulls back home.


While it may be cold outside now, summer will be here before you know it. Start counting down to warmer days, open roads, and the adventure of a lifetime with USY on Wheels.


Warm up your summer plans today.

Round Trip (Westbound + Eastbound) (June 29–August 13): NJ → LA → NJ | 6.5 weeks | $12,599
Sign Up for USY on Wheels

Impact DR

Dates: July 26- August 6

Grades: 9 - 10

This summer, join USY and Cambio Trips for a one-of-a-kind adventure that blends service, culture, and fun. Spend your mornings running a mini summer camp for local kids—teaching, creating art, and playing sports—then dive into afternoons of exploration: caves at El Choco National Park, the Jewish Museum in Sosua, and the historic streets of Puerto Plata. Experience Dominican culture through cooking, dominoes, and bachata, and recharge with yoga, paddleboarding, and time on stunning beaches. Along the way, share Shabbat, enjoy local meals, and reflect on the powerful ties between Jewish and Dominican history. More than just a trip—it’s a chance to give back, grow, and create lifelong memories.
Sign Up for Impact DR

Yuval Yisrael

Dates: June 28 – July 21

Grades: 10 -12

 

Yuval Yisrael’s mission is to make the Israel experience an integral part of the individual’s Jewish journey. Our program allows participants to intimately connect with Israeli society and culture by creating an immersive Jewish experience that speaks to participants of diverse backgrounds. Powered by Ramah Israel and USY, Yuval Yisrael benefits from over six decades of experience designing and running exceptional, safe, and meaningful Israel programs with a focus on building egalitarian Jewish communities. Approaching Israel as a dynamic arena in which various expressions of Judaism intersect, participants engage in both intellectual and experiential exploration of Jewish tradition. Yuval Yisrael encourages the development of a personal understanding of one’s Jewishness and an individually meaningful relationship with Israel and the Jewish people.
Sign Up for Yuval Yisrael

Want to Learn More?
Join an Info Session

Register for February 10 at 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET

 

Register for February 22 at 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET

 

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Jewish Peer Leadership Program Now Accepting Applications

Princeton, NJ, March 2021 — Gesher LeKesher, a program of JFCS, partially funded by the Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks, is currently accepting 11th and 12th grade teens (as of the 2022-2023 school year) to participate in Gesher LeKesher, a Jewish peer leadership program.

As Gesher "Madrichim" (Peer Leaders), teens lead a group of 7th - 9th grade
"Talmidim" (Learners) in outreaches addressing trending topics from a Jewish perspective includ- ing friendships, the impact of social media, peer pressure, healthy dating relationships and ad- dressing anti-Semitism on campus.

This is a great opportunity to develop leader- ship skills which can be used in college and beyond while meeting and working with other Jewish 11th and 12th graders in the Greater Princeton Mercer Bucks area. Last year's Peer Leaders represented 7 area high schools.

Gesher LeKesher meets 6 hours each month-2 Monday Night Trainings from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm and an additional Outreach time either Monday/Wednesday Night or Sunday Morning.

For more information, please visit
www.jfcsonline.org/gesher-lekesher/ or con- tact Celeste Albert at 609-987-8100 x210

 

ATTENTION COLLEGE BOUND STUDENTS

Two college scholarship opportunities are available to Jewish students who reside in the Princeton Mercer Bucks community.

The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Mercer is offering book awards to college bound Jewish students. Facilitated by Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) of Greater Mercer County, the scholarships are award- ed based on financial need and students must be accepted and enrolled in a college or university for the fall semester.

Application Deadline: June 2023

The Dr. Esther Wollin Memorial Scholarship Fund offers monies from Dr. Wollin’s estate which were designated to grant a college schol- arship. Eligibility is limited to Jewish female full-time students who will be, or are already at- tending Rutgers University and raised by their Jewish mother in a single-parent household in the Princeton Mercer Bucks Community. Eligibility is based on financial need.

Submission Deadline: June 2023

For more information, visit https:// www.jfcsonline.org/scholarships-internships/ or contact Joyce at 609-987-8100 or JoyceW@JFCSonline.org.

 

CBOI Scholarship Information Kessel-Young Memorial Scholarship

The Kessel-Young Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in June 1976 by Ida Kessel and the late Joseph Kes- sel in memory of their parents, Lena and Louis Kessel and Do- ra and Louis Young.

A scholarship will be awarded to a member of our Congregation graduating from high school, on the basis of need, to further the student’s education.

Applicants must be “hard workers” who will benefit from this assistance. The intent is to encourage students to continue their education. Academic excellence is not a criteria for this award.

In establishing this special Fund, the Kessel Family has recognized that awards are usually made to outstanding stu- dents in either sports or academic work. All too often, many students who show promise and are willing to work are denied assistance. To receive an application for the Kessel-Young Memorial Scholarship Fund, contact the Synagogue.

 

George S. Weiner Religious School Scholarship Fund
The George S. Weiner Religious School Scholarship Fund has been established to aid youngsters from Congregation

Brothers of Israel to attend the Rabbi Howard Hersch Religious School. Scholarships will be given out based on need. Contact the CBOI office for information.

Mon, February 16 2026 29 Shevat 5786