YOUth and teens

Temple Sinai strives to provide quality, Jewishly-rich social opportunities for our young congregants. As a URJ congregation, we are affiliated with the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY).

We are committed to the following:

• To help strengthen Jewish identity and connections,
• To create an environment that is accepting and open,
• To build strong relationships among our youth and teens, and
• To provide opportunities for leadership development.

Kesher (Kesher means a knot, connection, or link.)

• 'Kesher' mean knot, connection, or link. 
• Third through 5th graders get together several times per year on Sundays after religious school.
• The SAFETY Board plans and implements each event, with the goal being to create a sense of community while having fun with friends. There are no yearly dues for Kesher.

JOOSY (Junior Organization of Sinai Youth)

Sixth through 8th graders get together for social, cultural and community service events. Participants may attend Hatikvah Kallah, a junior NFTY convention. JOOSY and SAFETY sometimes have temple events together.

SAFETY (Sarasota Area Federation of exemplary Temple Youth)

High school students meet once a month for student-organized and student-led programs. SAFETY members may participate in NFTY-STR events called Kallahs, attend Camp Jenny, and have opportunities to run for board positions and take on leadership roles. Download the SAFETY Constitution here. 

Youth group members always join in and help with temple and community-wide events. Whether it is Temple Sinai’s Annual Food Festival or Temple Sinai’s Annual Mitzvah Day, youth group members pitch in – but ALWAYS have fun!

Whether it is other gatherings, such as painting pottery at Arts A Blaze or going bowling with just JOOSY, Temple Sinai’s SAFETY and JOOSY youth groups welcome all Jewish teens in grades 6 – 12. Come check us out!

meet the youth group advisor

Deb Bryan has been working with children since she began teaching in 1991. She currently teaches in the English Department at Riverview High School from which she graduated but has also taught at Pine View School for the Gifted as well as Booker High School. In 2006-07, Deb taught music at Temple Sinai, and is thrilled to be working again with such a fine staff!

In 2001, Deb was the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year and has received numerous other awards, including a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of South Florida where she received a Bachelor of Science (BS) in English Education. Deb also has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre, a Masters of Education (M Ed) in Interdisciplinary Studies in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Educational Specialist (Ed Spec) in Educational Leadership. She has presented numerous workshops and conducted seminars both locally and throughout Florida.

Deb is the daughter of Dr. Barry Torine and Mrs. Saundra Torine, and she is married with two children, Dylan and Madison, who attended religious school and celebrated their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs here at Temple Sinai. Deb’s philosophy about teaching and working with children can best be summed up with the words of the English philosopher, Herbert Spencer: “The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.” Contact Deb .