USY Director -
Shalom!
For those who have not met me yet, my name is Melissa Duchin and I am the USY chapter advisor at Congregation Beth Torah. Rashi USY – our synagogue’s chapter – is comprised of a stronghold of dedicated, unique, funny, and amazing individuals. I advise the chapter, but the chapter board of teens really runs the show. Not only are they very involved at Beth Torah, USY, and Jewish leadership, but also community service, AP classes, sports, art, and just about every club under the sun. They will all tell you that this chapter is a priority for them.
Last year was my first year as advisor and we definitely had fun, but now it’s time to seriously bring this chapter to the next level, with superb programming, better-than-ever communications, and just a great group of friends to hang out with. When I was a USYer, Rashi USY was definitely the place to be. Now, I want every member of Beth Torah to know who ‘Rashi’ is and what USY stands for (hint: starts with United Synagogue and ends with Youth).
A little bit more about my background: USY has been a huge part of my life since I started high school. I was chapter president for three years and our regional Social Action / Tikkun Olam V.P. my senior year. I went on Poland/Israel Pilgrimage with USY and had the time of my life. Born and raised in Dallas, I was a member of Congregation Anshai Torah before my family came to Beth Torah right as I went off to college. I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Mathematics – Statistics and Psychology. I am currently a young professional working at Retreat Central .
If you have suggestions for improvements or questions about what it means to be a USYer, please do not hesitate to email me at USY@congregationbethtorah.org. Also, please contact me if you are a parent looking for volunteer opportunities to help with the youth group!
Looking forward to the best year in USY yet!
B’shalom,
Melissa Duchin
Kadima Director -
Dear Families,
Hi, my name is Anna Tasciotti. I am the youth advisor for Kadima at Congregation Beth Torah. Kadima is a youth group geared towards 6th-8th grade students. We incorporate service learning, Judaism, and fun activities into our social group for middle schoolers.
I was born in upstate NY and moved to Texas when I was three. My family lived in Denton before moving to Plano and joining Beth Torah in my 5th grade year. At Beth Torah, I was active in Hebrew school and Kadima, helped teach in the Learning Center, and held leadership positions in Rashi USY-the high school youth group at CBT.
Following my high school graduation in 2004 from Plano Senior High, I attended UT Austin. I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 2008. I hold three teaching certifications, with a focus in early childhood education. Currently, I am a Master Teacher at the Child Development Lab school at the University of North Texas. I am the morning lead teacher in the three year old classroom and instruct 20 student teachers throughout the semester. I have over 11 years of experience working with preschoolers, elementary age kids and middle school students as a tutor, camp counselor, and teacher. Working with children is my lifetime passion!
When I am not working with kids, I like to read, draw, watch tv, visit museums, and spend time with my family and friends. I have a younger sister, Sarah, who attends Boston University.
I am excited for the upcoming year! We have a lot of fun, interesting events planned! Kadima is an enriching opportunity for your child to have fun and socialize with their Jewish friends! I look forward to meeting you and your family. Please feel free to email me with any questions at Kadima@congregationbethtorah.org.
Sincerely,
Anna Tasciotti