Teens & Youth Groups
L'dor Va Dor
Discover the vibrant teen community at Beth El Synagogue, where young congregants come together to make new friends, build Jewish community, and HAVE FUN! You don’t need to be a Beth El member to join—our youth groups and programs welcome all Jewish teens and pre-teens with open arms.
Chai School
Chai School invites 8th–12th graders to learn, grow, and connect with Jewish peers in a welcoming community. From exploring Israel and Jewish history to engaging with feminist literature and more, Chai School offers something meaningful for every teen.
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Location: All classes meet at Beth El
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Core Classes: Sundays, 1:00–2:00 PM
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Tuition: $118 per session (scholarships available)
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Includes: All materials and supplies
Youth Groups:
PreKadima (Grades K-5)
PreKadima offers young students a taste of youth group involvement, setting the stage for Kadima and USY. From bowling to rock climbing, scavenger hunts to pizza parties, our PreKadima crew explores, learns, and bonds. For more information, email our Education Director.
Kadima (Grades 6-8)
As the national middle school youth group for Conservative Judaism, Kadima at Beth El fosters friendships, adventures, and social action. Our Kadima-niks drive their own programming, enjoying laser tag battles, ice-skating outings, mystery bus rides, and the exhilarating Kadima Iron Chef competition. For more information, email our Kadima/USY Advisor.
United Synagogue Youth (Grades 9-12)
USY empowers Beth El’s high schoolers to shape their Jewish journey through self-led events and community engagement. From a Chocolate Seder to game nights and digital scavenger hunts, USY sparks creativity and camaraderie. Our youth have also explored beyond the Triangle with trips to Charlotte and participation in regional and international USY conventions. Beth El has also become more involved in the Seaboard Region. For more information, email our Kadima/USY Advisor.
Meet Your BEDUSY Advisor!
My name is Jocelyn Morgenstein, and I am so excited to be the BEDUSY Advisor this year! I am a sophomore at Duke University studying Environmental Sciences, and this will be my second year with Beth El. Last year, I taught in Kitah Gan, and this year I will be working with Kitah Zayin!
I am from Cary, North Carolina and attended Beth Shalom Synagogue my entire life. I was a sixth grade Hebrew teacher for two years and was on our youth group's board for two years as well.
I love being Jewish, and my high school youth group was and always will be a key reason why. I believe there is so much fun to be had connecting with others and celebrating our Judaism, and I am so excited to help provide this space for teens at Beth El!
