This is Our Work
My own social justice journey largely began my freshman year of high school, as a member of NFTY’s Southern Tropical Region. The summer of 2015, as a participant at a Union for Reform Judaism summer camp, I sat in the lobby at camp and watched President Obama give the eulogy at Reverend Clementa Pinckney’s funeral. The Charleston shooting had happened nine days earlier, and Reverend Pinckney was one of nine people murdered during a bible study at church. I watched President Obama sing Amazing Grace on the small camp TV, and I thought, “That could have been us.”
This is Our Fight: What’s Next for NFTY’s Gun Violence Prevention Efforts
By Jess Becker and Zoe Terner A year ago this March, our lives changed forever. We marched on Capitol Hill, we walked out of our schools, we demanded that our representatives listen. For our friends in Parkland, for our siblings, for our children, for our teachers,...
“We’re Not Just Teens, We’re Changemakers”
On Wednesday, March 13, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, met with the NFTY Social Action Vice President-elect Jess Becker to discuss their shared visions for the Reform Movement’s commitment to social justice. Their conversation – which covered gun violence prevention advocacy, the power of the youth vote, the Torah’s teachings on pursuing justice, and more – highlights the power of the adult-teen partnership.
Helping Teens Find Their Voice
As many people in NFTY know, if I hadn’t become a NFTY regional director, I would have become a music teacher. I have been incredibly lucky to have had opportunities to build meaningful relationships with students through teaching music in various capacities over the past decade. There is something so gratifying about facilitating other people’s personal growth.
How We’re Making NFTY More Accessible
NFTY Convention was a weekend full of fun, laughter, and new memories. Friendships were formed, community was built, and we were all inspired to lead. Perhaps most importantly, though, change was sparked in our Movement.
Everything is Bigger in Texas
I swear NFTY Convention was the best thing I have ever done. I made new connections, learned how to improve my community, reflected on important topics, and had the most fun of my life, so far. Every moment was incredible, from morning Zumba and yoga, to Havdalah with our neighboring regions, and so much more. I already can’t wait for my next NFTY event, and will never forget my time in Dallas with more than 1000 of the most amazing people I have ever met.
From NFTY Nashir to Songleading Onstage at NFTY Convention
To stand on stage in front of so many Jewish teens, advisors, speakers, and more and lead a song I grew up singing at my summer camp less than 20 minutes from my house was unlike anything else I have ever done. As we came together to pray for peace for the Jewish people and for the entire world, I couldn’t keep the smile off my face.
NFTY Convention: An Experience Unlike Anything Else
NFTY Convention gave me opportunities I would have never gotten anywhere else: meeting friends from across North America, exploring new ideas, learning more about causes I’m passionate about, and so much more. I’m truly grateful that I got to have this experience.
How My NFTY Experience Came Full Circle When I Launched My Career
In Judaism, and in life, a lot of things come full circle. Two weeks ago, my life once more came full circle when NFTY Convention was held at the Gaylord Texan hotel. I am currently part of the Voyager program, Marriott’s management training program, and I’m a NFTY-Car alumna. At NFTY Convention, I got to see my love of planning events combine with a defining affiliation: NFTY. As a Voyager, some key skills necessary include leadership, communication, partnership, adaptability, and problem solving. I believe that NFTY taught helped prepare me for the working world.
5 Moments from NFTY Convention 2019 That Will Give You Hope about the Reform Jewish Future
NFTY Convention is known to shape the future of the Reform Movement, and it did just that. From introducing new Jewish music to mobilizing thousands for gun violence prevention; immersing in innovative learning and building practical skills for youth engagement – every minute was filled with glimpses of the bright Jewish future these young leaders will build.