Thank you ATSJA. Good luck DJMRA.

At a gathering of 120 Jewish teens this past week, the incredible feeling of power as a movement was astounding. As a collective group, we were able to have conversations that not only demonstrated progress in the relationships we formed, but also in the entirety of Reform Judaism.

Over the course of the weekend, we discussed everything from prioritizing our goals for the future, to the need for advocacy themes in our organization, as well as the need to provide certain structure to our voting processes to both maintain the integrity of our elections process, as well as that of the candidates.

After one particularly long discussion that resulted in the tabling of a large decision to a later date, one of the greatest young men I have ever met said "It is not so much about the changes we are making, but rather that we are empowering people to make change." This was truly insightful.

As teenagers, people are always telling us we can accomplish great things. In most contexts, this sounds like a hoax. How can I, one teenager, make an impact on the world? It is when we get to practice decision making, practice standing up for what we believe in, and practice making necessary changes in our society that we can begin to make these lofty goals an actuality.

Our youth movement is just what it's title is. A movement. We are constantly moving forward and developing our priorities, as well as setting up systems that will allow us to better the work that we are doing. Yet, our most significant act of motion is simply growing up.

Another of the amazing parts of this past week was the installation of the coming year's board that occurred on Saturday night. For this ceremony, each of the outgoing board members shared some words about their discoveries during their term and imparted their wisdom unto the rest of the general assembly.

Seeing the leaders who helped to train me and shape me as a leader in this movement leave it was a sad thing. I was disappointed to see them no longer called NFTYites. But they gained a new, even more significant title: JEWISH LEADERS. After all of the movement in the youth organization, it was time for the movement to grow beyond its borders and escalate into a lifelong journey. Who could possibly have set a better example for me than these five outgoing board members, and who can possibly be more capable to take their place than the five incoming.

In the coming year, there is so much excitement to follow in the footsteps of those who came before us as well as to pave our own trail. Being given the opportunity to be empowered to make change is something that I will cherish for my entire life, as well as an excellent opportunity to not only make my way along a path, but to leave behind ideas, proposals, guidance and support, so that those who come after me can see the way as well.