Dear Parents,
We are pleased that you are considering sending your child to NFTY Convention 2009 in Washington DC 13-17. It is a transformative experience for Reform Jewish high-school students who come together for five days of learning, laughing and “being Jewish” together. Imagine the power of 1500 voices raised in song; of 1300 teenagers praying together; of 200+ congregational youth workers, clergy, educators and lay leaders engaged in learning at the URJ Youth Workers Conference, which is held in conjunction with NFTY Convention. The excitement is palpable!
Teens who attend NFTY Convention come back energized and excited about their Judaism – motivated to act on important Reform Jewish issues with a better understanding of the valuable voice that they have in their synagogues, in NFTY and in the Reform Movement. They return with fresh ideas and leadership strategies for use in their synagogues and youth groups; with strengthened spiritual and interpersonal connections that allow them to explore their relationships with God and with each other; and with the tools and skills they need to act on important issues facing Reform Jews now and in the future. Most importantly, they bring home memories of celebrating Shabbat, singing, dancing and laughing that will last a lifetime.
Teens learn from the Movement’s best at NFTY. Please check this link for an updated list of speakers For an overview of what your child will do at convention, visit our highlights section. Convention is packed with high-quality programming and many opportunities for small group learning and socializing. There is scheduled time for NFTY Region and URJ Camp gatherings, nightly floor meetings of approximately 40 participants who debrief the day with resident advisors and peers, and lots of time to develop relationships with other Jewish teens from around the country and with adults who work with and truly care about teens.
On the Frequently Asked Questions page you will find specific information about supervision, safety and security, logistics, accommodations, travel, registration, fees, and much more. If you have additional questions, please email us at nftyconvention@urj.org or call the NFTY Convention Hotline at 212.650.4130.
Whether your child is an involved NFTYite, an alumnus of a Union camp or Mitzvah Corp Program, the Eisendrath International Exchange program or of the NFTY Summer in Israel program; Convention is the place to be! It’s the largest gathering of its kind in the world. We hope to see your child there!
Rabbi Michael Mellen,
Director of URJ Youth Programs and NFTY Director
Jessica Goodman
NFTY President 2008-09/5768-69
