By Brett Albert, NFTY Chicago Area Region (CAR) Programming Vice-President

NFTY can’t just be an extracurricular activity. Even if that’s all you want it to be, it won’t remain just that.

Since my freshman year, I have been infatuated with NFTY. To outsiders, it comes off very cult-like — we gather in circles with a twisted candle ablaze in the center; we chant prayers in unison; we cry while leaving each other, separated for many weeks at a time. Sometimes, people just don’t understand it — no matter how well we explain it. To us, it’s not just an organization, not just a Reform Jewish Teen Movement, and it’s not an afterschool activity to keep occupied before Mommy or Daddy can come pick me up. To me, and all of its 7,000 members across North America, it’s a second home. It’s a people, it’s a feeling that you get, no matter the setting.

NFTY isn’t some climb to the top of Everest, but it is a climb. Some people climb out of a dark place in their life and up into NFTY. Some climb from TYG to the North American level. I’ve climbed towards regional board of the Chicago Area Region. Here’s something for sure: no one walks out of our holy community the way he or she walked in. NFTY shapes each of us and exposes our true character through intense programming, spiritual services, and lasting friendships. If 17-year-old Brett was in the same room as 14-year-old Brett, I know they wouldn’t recognize each other: our appearances barely affected, but our attitudes, life goals, world views, relationship skills, life management, and self-expression completely re-modeled for the best.

The faces of this youth group will often change, and the leadership will be passed down. But, the trusting, caring, and open nature of NFTY will be everlasting.

Gonna live & die N-F-T-Y

-Brett