Sinai Association of Way Cool Youth -- 7th and 8th graders

Our Junior Youth group meets twice a month--once for a "pegeesha"— a meeting to plan and just hang out, and again once a month for an activity. Activities range from leading services, to apple picking, and lazer tag.

SAWCY is a junior youth group for all Temple Sinai’s 7^th and 8^th graders. My name is Rachel Mutter-Leonard, and I am thrilled to be the new SAWCY Advisor! Everyone has been working hard to put together a great line-up for the 2009-2010 school year.  By now you should have received the SAWCY applicationand tentative calendar of events in the mail. If you have not, please contact me. We do not want to leave anyone out. 

Mark your calendars for these fun upcoming events:

Minnehans Kick Off & Pizza 9/18/11 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Pegeesha & Pizza 9/26/11 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM (@Temple Sinai)

See the 2011-2012 SAWCY Clanedarfor additional meetings and events

Are you getting ready for college? Have you decided where to go, or are you thinking about where to apply? The KESHER Directory at www.keshernet.com/directory, will help you consider your Jewish experience on campus.

At college, where you encounter endless opportunities for getting involved in athletics, Greek life, cultural activities, and more, it is easy for the Jewish commitments of new college students to get lost in the shuffle. Attending a school with a strong reform Jewish community will provide you with an important outlet for Jewish expression. It will keep you connected as you move through these exciting next few years, and it will also enable you to continue contributing to the growth of Reform Judaism, for young adults are essential to keeping the Movement on the cutting edge.

Not all campuses are alike. Important partnerships will be available to you while in college, with the Unionfor Reform Judaism and KESHER, Hillel: the Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, HUC-JIR, with local reform congregations, and with student leaders and chaplins.

Rochester Association of Temple Sinai Youth -- 9th-12th graders

Our Senior Youth group meets every Wednesday evening and additional times during the month for programs, which range from social to social action, to religious. Teens also get the opportunity to go to regional events during the year, and learn and socialize with teens from around the region.

RATSY is as enthusiastic as ever and if any members or non-members have any questions our advisors and board members will willingly give answers. RATSY is linked with NFTY, the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) affiliated with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. Check out the NFTY link.

Come and check out RATSY in October!!!!!

December in RATSY will be absolutely fantastic with all the excellent programs we have planned! We have a murder mystery pajama party on the eighth which will be entertaining. Next after that we have a awesome game night where tons and tons of fun will be had. On the weekend of December 17-18, we have our...drum roll please...Hannukkah Shul-in! We will also begin discussion that about Spring Kallah, the NFTY-NEL event that we, in conjunction with BriKTY (Temple Birth Kodesh)'s youth group are hosting, so be sure to come if you have any ideas. On the 22^nd there will be an adviser program. Looking forward to a great month ahead within RATSY!

If you have any questions, contact Keith Greer at greer59@rochester.rr.com

_{Hello Temple Sinai. My name is Keith Greer and I am the new advisor for RATSY, the temple’s senior youth group. For those of you who don’t know me, I would like to take a moment to introduce myself to you.  My wife Carol and I, along with our children, Joshua and Rachel have been members of the congregation for about 12 years.}

_{Professionally, I have over 25 years of experience working with teens and families. In September, I will begin my 21^st  year as a School Social Worker for Webster Schools. I also have a business as a Life and Wellness Coach that in part focuses on assisting teens and young adults in identifying and achieving personal, academic and professional goals.}

_{Over the years I have also served as a volunteer for various area sports programs that provide services to children/teens with physical/developmental disabilities.  I am an avid runner and biker and this summer completed my first triathlon and hiked my first Adirondack high peak.}  

_{Are you a parent who is looking for a youth program for your teen that can assist them is utilizing the most important tenants of Judaism as they head toward adulthood? If you answered Yes, then please consider introducing your child to RATSY!}

_{My family’s membership in Temple Sinai has been a very meaningful time for us as we have had the opportunity to enjoy the B’nai Mitzvah and Confirmation of both Joshua and Rachel as well as witness the positive influence that greater Temple involvement has had on our children. Both of our children are very active in RATSY as well as other aspects of Temple Life including Sason, the Youth Choir, and serving within the Religious School as Madrichim. It is extremely comforting to know that as our children negotiate the challenges of adolescence within a greater culture that sends them many mixed and unhealthy messages, they are being positively influenced by the beliefs, rituals, and guidance that the Jewish culture provides. Participation in RATSY in one way that your teen can continue to build his/her connection to Judaism within a welcoming and accepting teen community. RATSY will provide your child with a teen friendly environment that is fun, inspiring, educational and thought provoking. They will have the opportunity to create friendships with other Jewish teens from all over the Northeast Lakes Region while exploring how they want Judaism to fit into their lives. Every piece of research I have read in my career on creating resilience in teens points to the importance of maintaining a strong connection with their faith community. Let RATSY be a place where your teen can continue to incorporate the values of our traditions within the comfort and understanding of a teen lead organization.}

_{I am incredibly excited to be offered this opportunity to play a role in the continued growth of RATSY. I have always found it energizing to spend time with teens. There is just something special about their energy, perceptions, and vision for the future. This is such prime time for deep and significant learning about their strengths and abilities as well as honing a number of important life skills such as leadership, team building, and care for their greater community. I am honored, through my role in RATSY, to be a part of this process.}

_{Lastly, I would like to thank Lori Harter and Sheryl Silberman for organizing the 2008-2009 RATSY calendar. I am also looking forward to working closely with my colleague, Sandi Ben-Dov, SAWCY Advisor, as well as the entire Temple Sinai Youth Team.}

_{If you or your teen is interested in more information on RATSY, please feel free to contact me by either phone (764-9431) or email (keith@intentionalstrategies.com).}