Midbar Kodesh Temple's Steven Doctors returns as Youth Director

Midbar Kodesh Temple's Steven Doctors returns as Youth Director of the synagogue as he resumes his position of director and advisor for junior and senior USY (United Synagogue Youth). Steven, who works for local entertainers, stepped down 2 years ago because of work and family obligations. At that time he had been coordinating with Cantor Daniel Gale to oversee the programming of USY, Kadima and Katan. Former Midbar Kodesh Temple USYer Alayna Baron took the position after Steven. She is leaving Las Vegas to prepare for an upcoming wedding and to take a teaching position in Los Angeles.

Steven brings years of experience and dedication to the USY program as he served with wife Tiffany as youth advisor at another synagogue and has served on Midbar Kodesh Temple's youth commission for many years. His daughter Elizabeth is a senior in USY and son Jordan was a USYer in his high school years.

"USY at Midbar Kodesh Temple is a stellar program," according to Andrew Spivak, Director of Advancement. The teens bring a fresh dynamic to the synagogue with their programming and enthusiasm. "Under Steven's guidance they will continue to build on their leadership skills, bringing tikkun olam projects to the synagogue as they learn and play together," he said.

"The USYers have several opportunities to travel to other cities in the 5 state region to celebrate shabbat and immerse in other Jewish activities where they learn responsibility to their community," said Steven. They focus on Israel awareness, Jewish education, and religion and social action/tikkun olam projects. "By learning how to make our world a better place, they learn how to take leadership rolls on college campuses and in the work place," he said, "and they do this in a casual setting." Steven is pleased to announce that Midbar Kodesh Temple will host a kinnus, a regional Shabbaton weekend, in 2018.

The youth program at Midbar Kodesh Temple begins with Katan for 1st through 3rd graders who graduate into Kadima for 4th through 6th grade. Midbar Kodesh Temple's USY begins at 7th grade and ends with high school graduation. The youth programs are open to all Jewish youth of the community, and you do not need to be a synagogue member to join.

For more information about youth programming at Midbar Kodesh Temple contact Steven Doctors at 702-454-4848 or go to www.midbarkodesh.org to learn more.