Trip 2: CJTL

With the second weekend of my travel experience, I went to Boston, Massachusetts for the Coalition on Jewish Teen Leadership. This group was a collection of the leadership of the leading youth groups in Jewish America. NFTY, BBYO, and Young Judea were present, while USY and NCSY were unable to join us, but still hold a place in the think tank.
During the time we spent together, the six NFTYites who were present got the chance to talk to the 8 BBYO representatives and 1 Young Judean as to the customs and traditions associated with their group, the way that they do things, and what makes each group a unique experience.
Over the course of the weekend, there were several opportunities to push the way in which I, as a NFTY leader, thought about my organization as well as the others. I would not say by any means that this was a “fun” weekend; I did have plenty of fun, but what really happened was we tackled big issues that face our organizations and attempted to figure out how we can work together to improve the future of Judaism.
What I found most incredible was the discussion of the possible footprint that the five major youth groups cover. We have the potential to touch the lives of as many as 100,000 Jewish teenagers if we can reach our maximum outreach. That number is incredible. As someone who went to a high school with plenty of Jews, many of whom were unaffiliated with a youth group or even a Jewish style of living, I see this group coming together to improve the opportunities of Jews all across the country and globe to become active in their Judaism, and to be excited to participate.
This next week is my travel region to NFTY Northwest. Check back for an update!
With the second weekend of my travel experience, I went to Boston, Massachusetts for the Coalition on Jewish Teen Leadership. This group was a collection of the leadership of the leading youth groups in Jewish America. NFTY, BBYO, and Young Judea were present, while USY and NCSY were unable to join us, but still hold a place in the think tank.
During the time we spent together, the six NFTYites who were present got the chance to talk to the 8 BBYO representatives and 1 Young Judean as to the customs and traditions associated with their group, the way that they do things, and what makes each group a unique experience.
Over the course of the weekend, there were several opportunities to push the way in which I, as a NFTY leader, thought about my organization as well as the others. I would not say by any means that this was a “fun” weekend; I did have plenty of fun, but what really happened was we tackled big issues that face our organizations and attempted to figure out how we can work together to improve the future of Judaism.
What I found most incredible was the discussion of the possible footprint that the five major youth groups cover. We have the potential to touch the lives of as many as 100,000 Jewish teenagers if we can reach our maximum outreach. That number is incredible. As someone who went to a high school with plenty of Jews, many of whom were unaffiliated with a youth group or even a Jewish style of living, I see this group coming together to improve the opportunities of Jews all across the country and globe to become active in their Judaism, and to be excited to participate.
This next week is my travel region to NFTY Northwest. Check back for an update!