We're constantly hearing that young Jews are alienated, that they are not involved in the Jewish world and don't have any desire to be.

You couldn't tell that from talking to Shira Steinberg.

Steinberg, a 17-year-old junior at Highland Park High School, couldn't be more involved. She is just finishing a term as social action vice president for the Midwest Region of United Synagogue Youth, the Conservative movement's youth program, and is just beginning a term as president of the Chicagoland region. And she's getting ready for a USY trip that will take her to Poland and Israel.

Shira went to Solomon Schechter Day School through eighth grade and spent six summers at the Conservative movement's Camp Ramah. "When I decided to go to public school for high school. I still wanted Judaism to be a part of my everyday life," she says. Her brother was active in USY so she joined the chapter at her family's synagogue, North Suburban Synagogue Beth-El.

She quickly became involved, running for the board her freshman year, then working on projects with other USY-ers in the region, the country and even - through the Internet - around the world.

She is particularly please that, as social action vice president. she helped to raise $23,000 that will be given to help Jewish charities around the world and help USY members go to Israel.

Steinberg says that, although she knows there are kids who drop out of the Jewish world after their bar or bat mitzvah, most of her friends are as dedicated to Jewish activities as she is. At her high school, she's in the Hebrew Honor Society and the Israeli Dance Club.

"It doesn't worry me that there aren't more people involved," she says. "The people who are involved are so active. I think I'd rather have the more dedicated and willing people rather than try and pull people in who really aren't interested.

"What Jewish teens need to realize is that Judaism isn't just about going to services and praying," she adds. "It can be incorporated into your everyday life. It's the little things that count, like realizing it's Shabbat and doing something different that day."

She credits much of her attitude toward Judaism to the example of her parents, Miriam and Mort Steinberg. "They encourage me a lot and really support me," she says. "When there are events that require home hospitality, they're always more than willing to house people." Her synagogue also encourages participation, she says.

Lisa Alter Krule, director of youth activities for the Chicago USY chapter, calls Steinberg "one of those special kids who crosses your path every now and then. she is thoughtful, bright, sensitive and is dedicated to her friends, her community and her religion."

Krule works exclusively with teens who are active in the Jewish community, but says of Steinberg that "she is even beyond the norm - but you wouldn't know it because she doesn't separate herself from others."

Though, as the new president of the Chicago region, she is the leader of others. In the prestigious position, she'll represent the region at national and international events, meet with other members of the executive board to make various decisions, and preside over the planning of events.

"I'll be representing the Conservative youth movement in Chicago," she says, making it clear it's not a job she takes lightly.

Noting that the region has grown and added chapters in areas as far as Milwaukee and Benton Harbor, Mich., Steinberg says one of her goals is "to make all the members have more of a connection."

As for personal goals, Steinberg says she wants to become even more knowledgeable about Jewish issues. She has been to Israel twice before, but this summer will mark the first trip for her as an older teen. "There's so much that I don't know about Israel and the Middle East," she says. "That's one of the reasons I'm so excited about this summer."

She's not sure about future career plans, but whatever she does, she wants to remain actively involved in the Jewish world. "It's given me so much, formed the person I am, given me the friends I had through high school," she says. "It's given me so much, and I definitely want to keep giving back."

Reprinted with permission of The Chicago Jewish News -- The Guide 2000.