Congregation Beth Shalom recognizes the importance of a strong youth program. Its commitment to its youth is evidenced by the continued support of youth activities supervised by a professional staff headed by Director of Youth Activities Matt Rissien. Kevin Braude is the Vice President of Youth for the synagogue and heads the Youth Committee.

While Nitzanim and Chaverim are unique to CBS, Kadima and USY are part of the International Jewish Youth organization sponsored by the Department of Youth Activities of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. In addition to chapter programming, Kadimaniks and USYers have the opportunity to participate in regional and international programs. CBS USY is part of the CHUSY (Chicago-area USY) region, and we partner with other CHUSY chapters for various programs throughout the year, as well as participate in other regional events including a weeklong encampment, various weekend-long KINNUSIM (conventions) and a weeklong International Convention which takes place in a different city each December and is attended by hundreds of teens.

All of our programs offer a range of cultural, social, educational, religious, and recreational activities geared to the needs and interests of Jewish youth of each age group at the chapter, regional, and international levels. Some programs that have been very popular and successful in the past include our dances, bowling, mystery bus/limo rides, social action projects, teen discussions, and more. In addition, the CBS Youth Department has started a new Teen Shabbat Service as part of the CBS Connect 4 Shabbat Services, where teens are invited and encouraged to participate in a teen-led Shabbat service once-a-month.

Although our formal programming ends with high school, we do maintain contact with our college students through our College Connection. Each year, parents have the opportunity to sign their university-age children up for our mailings especially designed for college students. These mailings consist of boxes filled with goodies designed to bring a little bit of Beth Shalom to each student, along with letters from members of the Beth Shalom staff. 

Our youth program is very special in that we work with all different arms of the synagogue. Our annual Youth Department vs. Men’s Club Basketball game is extremely popular, as is our Film Festival we hold jointly with the CBS Religious School Midrasha class. In addition, we are very pleased to offer a new Israel Advocacy Program, a joint program with Men’s Club and Adult Education Department.

Join today!  Click here for the Youth Membership Application.

The CBS Youth Department is ready to meet your needs and we would love to have you as part of our program. If you have any questions about any of our great programs or just want to sign up and join in the fun, give Matt Rissien Youth Director, a call at 847-498-4100 x25 or send him an email, he would love to hear from you!