As NFTY’s only North American-wide event, NFTY Convention 2011 is THE place for teens and youth professionals to experience the ultimate NFTY community. No other NFTY-event comes close to NFTY Convention in its size, scope, and impact.

 

Not only will NFTY Convention attendees learn from some of the Reform Movement’s most dynamic educators and experience some of the Reform Movement’s most innovative artists and prayer-leaders, but the NFTY Convention experience is transformative in and of itself. Imagine a community of hundreds of engaged Reform Jewish teenagers, all gathered under one roof for the common purpose of connecting, learning, and having fun with Reform Jewish teens from across North America.

 

To learn more about the program itself, please view the pages under the “About NFTY Convention” tab on this website. Or, contact us at nftyconvention@urj.org.

 

Additional Information: Scholarships for NFTY Convention | Safety & Security

Dear Parents,

 

We are pleased that you are considering sending your child to NFTY Convention 2011 in Dallas, Texas from February 18-22. 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 hundreds of voices raised in song; of hundreds teenagers praying together with 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. For an overview of what your child will do at convention, visit the About NFTY Convention section of our website. 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 Corps 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, NFTY Director