There is no doubt that our children are our future, and making them feel at home in the tent of Jacob is as critical as making them feel comfortable in the synagogue. BIAV offers our youth the opportunity to participate in both NCSY and Young Judea. 

NCSY
Offering programs to bring Jewish teens back to their heritage, NCSY is at the forefront of the battle against assimilation. NCSY is a multi-faceted Jewish Youth group which is open to all Jewish youth regardless of background and affiliation. Offering social and educational programming, NCSY is a leader in bringing unaffiliated youth an awareness of what Judaism is all about. For Jewish teenagers, NCSY is a relaxed, fun environment to learn about their own heritage.

Our own NCSY chapter has won the coveted Regional NCSY of the Year Award two years running (2005, 2006). This is due in large measure to the enthusiasm of our youth and the dynamic leadership of Todd Cohn, our Youth Director. KCNCSY – Giborim Chapter: www.giborim.com

YOUNG JUDAEA
Young Judaea is the oldest Zionist youth movement in the United States. Dedicated to instilling Jewish values, Jewish pride and a lifelong commitment to Israel, Young Judaea challenges Jewish youth—through clubs, conventions, camps, Israel programs and university campus events—to become involved in social and educational activities that develop and sharpen their senses of Jewish and Zionist identity.

Here's what some of our teens are saying:

Ashley Choikhit:
I like going to BIAV for many different reasons. One is that it is not too big and it is not too small, it is absolutely perfect. Another reason is that though, i have not been going to BIAV long, it makes me feel at home. I also like how in the service there are lots of times that allow me to daven to myself. (At other synagogues that opportunity is not given.)

Rachel Bernard:
I love going to BIAV because there's a great, warm, welcoming community filled with teens from all different backgrounds.  Regardless of the school or whether or not their family is religious, they are all welcome and invited to onegs and stuff.

Aryn Rosenthal:
I recently coordinated a Shabbaton in Israel for all the KC kids.  The main reason people wanted it so badly was because of the great memories we all had from shabbos at BIAV that we wanted to try and re-create in Israel.  A lot of what we talked about was the ruach at seudah shlishit or how we would always go up to the front of the shul for havdalah and put our arms around each in the light of the havdalah candle.  You can't do that in any other shul!  BIAV, you are really part of the puzzle that raised the kids who are learning in israel all year long!

Samantha Hyman:
I love BIAV! Everyone is kind and friendly! I always feel welcome and part of the community when I'm at BIAV for services!!

Paulina Siegel:
I love BIAV because no matter who you are or where you are coming from you are treated with great respect and a lot of warmth. My Bat-Mitzvah there was truly a community celebrating together. In addition, Young Judaea is the greatest zionist youth organization