By Pamela Schuller, NFTY-GER Youth Programs Manager

It’s hard to believe the NFTY year has come to an end. While we have lots of great plans in the works for the upcoming year, I’d like to take a moment to remember some of our great events over the past 10 months!

We had an amazing group of participants this year in NFTY-GER. As a region, these teens are caring, funny, polite and dedicated to having an amazing Jewish experience together. I truly love having the opportunity to work with them. One of the best ways to see some of the great things teens are taking from our weekends is to continue following our experiences on the NFTY Blog, which includes event recaps, lit team submissions and topical discussions.

Hagigah

Hagigah, was hosted by Temple Beth Miriam in Elberon. The theme of the event was “Turn Up Your Shine.” Along with the usual components of an event, participants were also able to pick an arts elective to focus on. Temple Beth Miriam provided amazing choices from creating your Kiddish Cup. creating your own Tallit and Krav Maga (a form of Israeli self defense).

Another highlight was having Havdalah on beach! It was too beautiful to put into words. The weekend was a huge success!

Elections

Elections were hosted by Temple Beth El in Spring Valley. We had almost 100 participants attend the event where we elected the next NFTY-GER regional board. Ten amazing teens were elected and since that date, 21 chair positions have also been filled. Mazel tov to all of them and to all of you for helping to create such incredible leaders in this region!

Spring Kallah

Spring Kallah, at the URJ Kutz Camp, was our last event of the year. Along with saying goodbye to the seniors, we had some amazing Jewish programming. The theme of the weekend was fittingly “Oh the Places you will go!” A great portion of the event was spent talking about where Reform Judaism fits into one’s life right now and where it may fit into the future. There were some tearful goodbyes to the senior class but tons of smiles knowing that they are going on to do incredible things!