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

 Joshua Leinweber, Youth Group Advisor, has years of experience with all aspects of education. He taught 4th grade at Temple Sinai’s Religious School and confirmation class, holds a BA from University of Miami, FL and an MA in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern, Davie, FL. and has been Assistant Principal at Booker High School. His three children, Noah, Sage and Alix, have gone through Temple Sinai’s Religious School and are active in Youth Group. His wife, Bethany, is Director of Youth Education, Outreach & Engagement.