Shalom!
My name is Eliana and I recently attended the spring convention for Seaboard USY. I had the opportunity to make many friends that lived in the DC area, which is where the region is based. Before I went, I wasn’t sure if it was going to be hard to make friends as I didn’t really know anyone. This changed as soon as I got there. Everyone was kind and welcoming and I fit in right away.
My favorite part of the convention was ruach when everyone sings songs and it brings the community together. I also enjoyed the dance, where everyone would scream and jump around with all of their friends. I also had the opportunity to connect more to Judaism through the services led entirely by USYers. For shacharit each morning you can choose a themed service. For example, the first morning I participated in improv shacharit and the second morning I chose cooking shacharit.
I am so excited for the next convention when I will be able to see all of the friends I made. I would love for more people from Beth El to come to more conventions in the future. It could allow us to build up a reputation one of the big chapters! The USY conventions are open to anyone in grades 9-12 and are held in the fall and the spring (8th graders are invited for spring). There is also an international convention with representatives from all of the USY regions. For Kadima (grades 6-8) there are several Kadima Kallahs throughout the year. If you are interested in getting involved contact Averyl (averyl@betheldurham.org).
Thank you!
Eliana
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