Looking Back & Looking Forward ...

As many of you already know, I won't be returning next year as the BEKI-BJ Kadima Advisor.  I've very much enjoyed leading the group this past year.  Organizing and hosting the events has been a lot of fun, particularly because all of the Kadimaniks have been so amazing.  Over the past year, I've been continually impressed by the openness, comradery, and enthusiasm of our group.    BEKI-BJ Kadima truly is an exceptional organization!  And this, of course, is due in no small part to the parents whose participation and support have made our activities possible.  (Thank you again!)  

Kadimaniks, USYers, Parents, & Advisor Steve at Lighthouse Point.

Although I'll be exploring new opportunities in New Haven, I've been asked to stay involved through the BEKI-BJ Youth Commission.  So, I'll still be around next year!  And as always, please don't hesitate to contact me with any Kadima issues.  (My personal email address is shwerlin@gmail.com.)

As we look ahead to the coming year, the Youth Commission has decided to combine the responsibilities of the Kadima Advisor and USY (high school students) Advisor into a single position: "Youth Coordinator."  I have pasted below the official job announcement below.  In addition, I'd like to point out that, in the past, our youth advisors have come from a variety of backgrounds, from college students to established adults.  Many congregations have found that parents often make the best youth advisors, in part because they are more personally invested and experienced.  I encourage any parents interested in the position to contact me or another member of the Youth Commission for more information.  It's a wonderful way to actively be part of the "village" that raises our children!

Seeking Youth Coordinator for Grades 4-12

The Joint BEKI-BJ Youth Commission is seeking a Youth Coordinator.  This is a new 20-hour/week position, reporting to the Youth Commission.  If you are interested, please apply (see below).  If you know an appropriate candidate, please forward this announcement:

We are seeking a dynamic Youth Coordinator to run the Kadima/USY programs sponsored jointly by Congregations Beth-El Keser Israel (BEKI) and B'nai Jacob.  This is a 20-hour/week position, providing top pay.  Our ideal candidate must have a background working with youth, and, preferably, prior personal or professional involvement with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) (e.g., USY, Nativ, Ramah, Day School, Religious School).  Our Youth Coordinator must be self-motivated, organized, computer savvy, able to work independently, and must have strong verbal and written communication skills appropriate for middle-schoolers, teens, and adults.  Car ownership is required.

If interested, please email letter of interest and resume to: BEKIBJyouthcommission@gmail.com.  Full job description is available at http://bekibjkadima.blogspot.com/p/jobs.html.