Journal of Youth Engagement

Screencap of teens gathered together on ZOom with an NC21 overlay atop it

Connecting During COVID: NFTY Convention 2021

Fletcher Block

Lynne Butner

February 16, 2021

The weekend was extraordinary. Teens shared that it was the best virtual experience they had this year - that it felt as close as it could get to an in-person experience. Many said that they felt a new connection to NFTY.

Five smiling teenagers jumping in unison

Journal of Youth Engagement

"Like Dawn Skimming the Horizon": Riding the Changes in NFTY (Part 2)

Fletcher Block

Michelle Shapiro Abraham, MAJE, RJE

January 6, 2021

Change in the middle of a global crisis is simultaneously invigorating and exhausting. NFTY has more than an 80-year history of change, and as of late, the reality of COVID-19 has sped up our change process.

Four teens wearing Judaica and posing with their arms around one another

Journal of Youth Engagement

Announcing NFTYx: A Space for Teens to Create

Fletcher Block

Michelle Shapiro Abraham, MAJE, RJE

August 18, 2020

For NFTY teen leaders and staff, this summer has been all about brainstorming, strategizing, and planning for the future of NFTY. We are thrilled to announce the launch of NFTYx, a space where teens can turn their ideas into experiences for others.

Campers dressed in Shabbat whites with their arms around one another as they face a nature scene

Youth Engagement

A Heartbreaking Announcement: In-Person URJ Camps, Israel and Youth Programs Canceled for Summer 2020

Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman

Rabbi Rick Jacobs

Ruben Arquilevich

Shelley Niceley Groff

April 30, 2020

While nothing can replace the feeling of being together at camp, the URJ is committed to offering a virtual camp experience this summer to ensure that the ties that bind campers to one another and to their summer home remain as strong as ever.

Israel

Leadership Lessons in the Time of Corona from URJ Heller High

Rabbi Loren Sykes

April 16, 2020

While evaluating my role in handling the situation, I found that the leadership skills I acquired over the years in different organizations and settings served me well in dealing with COVID-19. Most of these skills were learned as a camp counselor.