About Far West USY
What is Far West USY
Far West USY is one of 17 regions of International USY and is affiliated with the United Synagogue, of Conservative Judaism. The Hebrew name for Far West is “Ha-Ma’arav”
.Far West is comprised of Southern California, Arizona, Southern Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Hawaii. The region is in charge of running Kinnusim, Shabbatons, and regional dances. The region is made up of 38 different chapters that are spread out throughout Far West. The mascot of Far West is the roadrunner.
History
At the Ninth Annual International USY convention in 1953, a new Region was born. Twenty-nine USYers and three advisors represented the new Far West Region. At the time there would serve as the Conservative youth group for the Pacific Southwest Region of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. At that time, the Region covered three states including Arizona, Nevada, and California. Far West Region has grown, adding new states - New Mexico, Utah, and Hawaii, into its domain. As of June 1995, there were 1,840 members from 34 chapters. According to Robert Fisher, Far West Regional Director (from 1981-1994), “Far West has doubled in membership in the last five years. This increasing wave in membership demonstrates that Far West Region USY is meeting its goals’ and more and more Jewish youth are being turned on to Judaism.”
Principles and Structure
Far West Region’s principles are specified in its Constitution and By-laws. The founders of the Region understood “that the youth must perpetuate Judaism and be cognizant of the historical and cultural background”
of the Jewish people. Article II of the Constitution states the aims and objectives of Far West Region. These aims and objectives are molded after those of International USY. The basic goal is “to develop a program based on the personality, needs, and interests of the Jewish teenager.”
The Constitution also calls for a Regional Cabinet of USYers and states each of their responsibilities. The eight-member cabinet consists of a President, Executive Programming Vice-President, Israel Affairs Vice-President, Religion/Education Vice-President, Social Action/Tikkun Olam Vice-President, and a Parliamentarian. The latter is appointed to the Cabinet by the elected officers.