Kadima
What is Kadima?
Kadima is a synagogue-based, international youth program for Jewish youth in grades 6-8. It is sponsored by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and offers programs through Neve Shalom and other affiliated congregations. The Hagalil Region offers a variety of programs for synagogue Kadima groups throughout Northern and Central New Jersey.
What kind of programs does Neve Shalom Kadima offer?
The Neve Shalom chapter ordinarily meets twice a month on Monday evenings at 7:30. It offers a range of Social, Educational, Religious, Athletic and Social Actions programs, and lots of fun. Some of the programs that Kadima has run in the past include scavenger hunts, game nights, arts and crafts activities, chocolate seders, Jewish Jeopardy, and Make Israel in Ice Cream. Neve Shalom also sponsors a coed basketball team which participates in the regional Kadima basketball league.
My child already has so many after school activities, why should my child become involved in Kadima?
Participation in Kadima will broaden your child’s outlook by allowing him/her the opportunity to make Jewish friends, not only in your neighborhood and community, but also all over Northern and Central New Jersey. Kadima teaches leadership skills, and will enable your child to grow and develop in a unique way, while giving him/her the opportunity to embrace and more fully understand his/her Jewish heritage. AND IT’S FUN!!!!
What programs does the Hagalil Region offer?
Each year the region holds Shabbat overnights (Shabbatons), dances, social programs such as fun day, game night, and rollerskating, Great Adventure Day, an 8th grade Shabbaton, a Spring Convention and a week of camp at the end of August (Encampment).
What is a Shabbaton?
A Shabbaton is a Kadima community observance of Shabbat. Kadima members gather at one synagogue in the region on Friday afternoon and have the opportunity to spend a joyous Friday and Saturday together, with icebreakers, study, singing, food and peer-led prayer, which ends with a social program such as a dance or other entertainment.
How do Shabbaton accommodations work?
Shabbatons are hosted by congregations in the region. Kadimaniks are housed by families who are members of the congregation, often those with children of Kadima age. Housing that is within walking distance of the synagogue is available. Kadimaniks are always housed at least two to a house, and bring sleeping bags so they can be together.
Allergies to pets or food are taken into account through appropriate arrangements.
How are meals provided at a Shabbaton?
Most meals are served at the synagogue, beginning with dinner on Friday night. Breakfast on Shabbat is served at the host’s home, and consists of cold food, e.g. cereal or doughnuts. Lunch and dinner, as well as some snacks, are provided at the synagogue.
How do accommodations work at Spring Convention?
Spring Convention is one of the high points of the year, because it is held at a hotel. Kadimaniks feel very grown up when they are staying in a hotel with their friends for two nights. Kadimaniks are roomed three or four to a room and share either double or king size beds. All meals are provided for them.
What about security at Spring Convention?
At the hotel, Kadimaniks are not permitted to go to their rooms alone. The staff rooms are on the same floor (separate for boys and girls) and are intermingled with the Kadimaniks’ rooms. All rooms are checked to make sure no one is left on the floor during sessions. In addition, staff is on duty on each floor until well after the Kadimaniks’ curfew, and the hotel security guard checks the floors for the remainder of the night.
What is Encampment?
Encampment is a one week program for Kadimaniks that incorporates all the elements of a summer sleep away camp into a shorter time frame. The campers sleep in bunks with indoor plumbing (including showers), and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities including sports, arts and crafts, color war, and social action programs, as well as several educational classes during the week geared to their age and interest. Kadima-led religious services are held during the day at a variety of locations and with varying emphases.
How can prayer be used to enhance the experience?
As part of the Conservative Movement, Kadima perpetuates the traditional practice of praying three times a day. The prayer services are specially geared for this age group. Services may take place outdoors or may consist of learning services or other methods of worship. Kadimaniks can participate to the extent of their desire and ability in a creative learning situation, with the ability to try new ways to communicate with God, while learning the traditional prayer sequences.
How can my child join Kadima?
To join or for more information about Kadima, contact Neve Shalom’s Kadima advisor: youth@neveshalom.net