MOUSY
MOUSY is Madison's Only USY, the Beth Israel sponsored local chapter of United Synagogue Youth (USY), an international Jewish organization of high school students. MOUSY is open to all Jewish youth, affiliated or not, and we offer a range of cultural, religious, social, community service and recreational activities. Our main decision-making body consists of an executive board of high school students elected by MOUSY members every May.
Our social action projects have included assembling and delivering food baskets to Jewish senior citizens in nursing homes on Rosh Hashana, making meals for a homeless shelter, and making fleece blankets for patients at American Family Children's Hospital.
On the lighter side of life, MOUSY engages in outdoor adventures like hikes at Devil’s Lake or capture-the-flag in a local park, and indoor affairs like murder mystery nights and Shabbat Schmoozes, where we gather at a member's home for Shabbat dinner.
Through these activities, we seek to develop a positive identity with Judaism, the community, the synagogue, Israel, and the world at large.
We pride ourselves in keeping Tikun Olam at the core of every program. For example, we have donated crates full of nonperishable food items to Dane County food pantries, toiletries to Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, and tzedakah to Third Avenue YWCA.
MOUSY is open to all Jewish high school students and second-semester 8th graders. Anyone can participate in MOUSY programs. Members have the additional benefits of:
- Being placed on the regional and national USY mailing list.
- Getting discounted rates to attend and participate in our own local programs.
- Being eligible to run for an office or vote in our MOUSY Executive Board elections held in May
- Having the good feeling of knowing you support your MOUSY chapter as a fun social group.
To join or ask questions, please email Deborah Hoffman, hoffman@bethisraelcenter.org.
Kadima
Kadima is the Madison branch of the United Synagogue’s international Jewish organization of middle school students. This group is sponsored by Beth Israel Center, and is open to all Jewish 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Programs are scheduled about once every 4-6 weeks. We’ve climbed the walls at Boulder’s Climbing Gym, putted our way through Vitense Mini-Golf course, enjoyed bowling at Schwoegler's Park Towne Lanes, and done a myriad of other things. We keep Tikkun Olam at the heart of every program, collecting non-perishable foods, clothing and toiletries and donating them to local charities.
Does this junior youth group news fill you with excitement or a warm and fuzzy feeling? Then come join the merriment of our fun-loving organization by becoming a paid member! You will be able to reap the benefits of annual membership which include:
- getting discount rates to attend and participate in our local programs
- attending regional youth events
- knowing you have supported your awesome KADIMA Jewish youth group
