Welcome to the AJP’s Teen Zine page. In this issue, we’re introducing Tucson’s youth groups.

Tucson Metro Temple Youth

I’m Anna Schwarz, adult director of TMTY, and I hope to have a chance to get to know many of you this year.  If you are a member of Temple Emanu-El, Congregation Or Chadash, or Congregation Chaverim, you can participate in this new and improved youth group. There will be local events about twice a month, plus events outside of Tucson. TMTY is an arm of the North American Federation of Temple Youth, or NFTY, which has chapters all over the world, including Canada and Israel.  TMTY is a part of the NFTY-Southwest region along with Phoenix, New Mexico, El Paso and Southern Nevada.

If you weren’t able to attend our ice cream social and informational meeting on Sept. 10 at the JCC, I hope to meet you at our next event on Sunday, Sept. 24. We will be doing something that involves ice, tennis shoes, and hockey sticks.  Look for more information to come in your mailboxes and inboxes. 

— Anna Schwartz

For more information on TMTY, email Anna Schwartz at Anna1@email.arizona.edu, or contact any of the three congregations’ education directors.

United Synagogue Youth

A roomful of hushed teenagers, awaiting those few words that hold the power to excite: “turn to page 88!” An explosion of cheers and excitement follow as the scramble to stand on chairs begins. As the Ruach (spirit) leader starts the song, a shouted version of that song drowns out the leader.

This scenario is seen at every USY event. USY, short for United Synagogue Youth, is a national youth group for Jewish teenagers in high school. Although USY is a Con­servative youth group, it is accepting of all levels of Judaism. USY is divided into regions; Arizona is in the Far West Region along with California, Nevada, New Mexico, Hawaii and Utah. Throughout the year, there are many regional events to attend where amazing experiences occur.

USY is not only a place to have fun, but also a place where Jewish teenagers have the opportunity to learn about things ranging from religion to Israel to current issues. USY helps us grow as a community and we also have the opportunity to give back to our community. People meet friends for life at USY; some even meet their future spouses. USY is amazing.

— Sarah Kats

For more information on USY, contact Linda Roy at 745-5550 or linda@caiaz.org.

Hebrew High

This July, with 39 other teens from around the country, I embarked on my first visit to Israel, hosted by the National Conference of Synagogue Youth. For six months before this journey, I learned about Israel in Hebrew High’s Israel Experience course. The class bonded me with other Jewish teens in Tucson preparing to visit Israel this summer. Along with Jewish electives, social action opportunities and Hebrew language courses, Hebrew High provides subsidies for teen summer programs in Israel. I visited the Kotel, went hiking, saw numerous museums and had a blast. The war had a definite effect on us but was never a deterrent. The first Katyusha rockets hit Haifa three hours after we left. We went to the Golan instead of a scheduled Shabbos in Safed and after Havdallah were relocated to Jerusalem to assure our safety. Being in constant touch with the Jewish Agency and the Tzahal (Israeli army), both the parents and participants were relaxed.  It is amazing how daily life in Israel carries on; walking through the streets of Jerusalem, you couldn’t tell we were fighting a war.  Israel was still a beautiful, fun-filled state. We felt extremely safe and nothing stood in the way of an amazing summer.  

— Avi DuBois

The “AZ-IS” Tucson community teen trip de­parts July 2007; generous scholarships are available. For more information about Israel programs, subsidies, and Hebrew High classes contact Elysa Ginsburg at the Jewish Federation, 577-9393 or eginsburg@jfsa.org.

B’nai B’rith Youth Organization

At first BBYO was just something to do on Monday nights. I still remember my first meeting, over a year ago; I was so nervous and excited. I met other eighth graders in addition to numerous high schoolers, all of whom seemed so happy to meet me. Only now do I understand why. When I see new girls come to meetings I see so much of myself in them. Like them, I was confused and shy at first, but opened up more with each meeting. I made new friends and participated in activities such as bracelet making and Jewish education nights. BBYO changed from being something to do, to something I loved doing. I was able to meet Jewish teens from all around Tucson. I even met one of my best friends through BBYO. For me, BBYO is much more than a way to be connected to my Jewish roots, it is a way to make more friends than I ever could have imagined. I look forward to taking a more active leadership role to give other girls the experiences I’ve had in BBYO.

— Laura Drapkin

For more information on BBYO, contact Sami Berkson at 299-3000, ext. 175 or sberkson@tucsonjcc.org.

Jewish-Latino Teen Coalition

When I showed up to the first meeting I didn’t know what to expect. I knew no one, and very little of what was to come. Little did I know that this would be one of the greatest experiences of my life, and that I would gain so much from it. In the months to follow I got to know new people from different backgrounds, ideals and cultures. As I became close friends with all, I learned a lot about my culture as well as the Latino culture. I learned about discrimination, community service, and much about governmental systems. To top it off, my first trip to Washington, D.C., was one I won’t soon forget. Seeing the buildings in which our forefathers founded this country and speaking my mind to intelligent, powerful people on issues facing our country, was an incredible experience to say the least.

 — Sam Gallen

The Jewish-Latino Teen Coalition is now accepting applications, due Oct. 6, for the 2006-2007 Coalition and trip to Washington, D.C.  For more information, contact Josh Protas at the Jewish Community Relations Council at jpro tas@jfsa.org or 577-9393.

Let us know what you think is hot in Tucson’s Jewish teen life  — email us at localnews@azjewishpost.com And watch the AJP for more Teen Zine!