We had a large SALTY attendance at NFTY-GER New Member Kallah in September, bringing 19 SALTYites, and now we want to continue the trend and we are working hard to make sure all of our SALTYites can enjoy the greatness of NFTY-GER. New Member was a great fun for all! You can see what some GERites had to say about New Member, as well as our very own SALTY President Haley Peckman, freshman Jake Cameron, and myself, at this link: nfty.rjblog.org/2011/11/07/nfty-ger-lit-team-corner-1/

Go back in time with NFTY-GER on November 26th! Just a reminder, NFTY-GER Homecoming is on November 26th at Temple Emanu El in Edison, NJ. Homecoming is an awesome event for all members of NFTY-GER and NFTY-GER Alum who are Freshman in College. The event is a themed dance, this year’s theme is prehistoric times. The Dance will last from 7:00pm-10:00pm. This event costs $20.00 or $15.00 with two cans of food to donate, at the door.
Remember no NFTYites are allowed to drive themselves to this event and this rule also applies for GER Alumni. SALTY will be putting together a carpool, so if any adults would be able to drive, please respond to this email.

It’s Time For Another Kallah! Winter Kallah is the third NFTY-GER event of the year. This year it will held at Camp Harlam in Kunkletown, PA from the morning of Monday December 26th until the afternoon of Thursday December 29th. Join NFTY-GER for 3 days of fun, learning, social action, prayer, and creating life-long friendships. This is the longest NFTY-GER event of the year and my personal favorite! Early bird Registration ends December 12th and regular registration ends December 15th, this event fills up quickly and once the bus is full that’s it. To register please contact Jenna Wyatt for online sign-up info at at jmwyatt95@yahoo.com.

* I know this event is sometimes hard for everyone to get to, as it is over winter break and some families celebrate Christmas as well. Although we can definitely make it work for everyone, if you are having this conflict then contact me and I would love to help you come up with a game plan!

If you cannot make it to the this event, have no fear because there are many other events. Below is the upcoming event calendar for the NFTY-GER year 5771-5772:

Hagigah Kallah at Temple Beth Miriam in Elberon, NJ March 2nd-4th

A home hosted event, which we have the honor of hosting this year!

This event is art-focused as well as focused on a wide variety of
other topics. We will release more information about this event soon!

NFTY-GER Elections at Temple Beth-El in Spring Valley NY – April 1st

A day-long event, where the NFTY-GER regional board is elected for
the 5772-5773 year.

Spring Kallah at Camp Kutz in Warwick NY – April 27th-29th

The last event of the NFTY-GER year 5771-5772 and the last kallah
for the Class of 2012.

In case we haven’t met or spoken before I am Jenna Wyatt, the NFTY-GER Representative on the SALTY board for the year 5771-5772. My position is a recently created board position to answer any questions you may have about NFTY. So at anytime, everyone can reach me by email at jmwyatt95@yahoo.com, or by phone at (570)-647-8502 with any questions or concerns. I would love to set up a meeting with anyone interested in NFTY-GER or to answer any questions whenever it is convenient for you!

Also do not forget to become a member of SALTY, if you are not a member yet, it is never too late and a SALTY membership makes a great gift for every occasion.

Why become a member? SALTY
members often get discounted prices for events, sometimes SALTY members even come for free! Why would you want to miss that?!?!

***Visit this link to register for SALTY: bethmiriamyouthgroup.org/Membership.html

 

 

Shalom,

 

I am Jenna Wyatt, the NFTY GER Representative on the SALTY board for the year 5771-5772. My position was a recently created board position to answer any questions you may have about NFTY. So at anytime, everyone can reach me by email at jmwyatt95@yahoo.com, or by phone at (570)-647-8502 with any questions or concerns. I would also be willing to set up a meeting with anyone interested in NFTY GER.

 

 

New Member Kallah is the first NFTY-GER event of the year. This year it will held at Kutz Camp in Warwick NY from the evening of Friday September 23rd until the afternoon of Sunday September 25th. All new members will be paired up with older members, so they will be able to feel more comfortable during their first event. Dee Ross, Haley Peckman and myself Jenna Wyatt will also be at this event checking in with all SALTYites.

 

 

If you cannot make it to the first event of the year, have no fear because there are many other events. Below is the calendar for the NFTY GER year 5771-5772:

 

 

 

 

New Member Kallah at Camp Kutz in Warwick NY

 

 

 

 

September 23rd-25th

 

NFTY-GER Homecoming at Temple Emanu El in Edison NJ

 

 

 

 

November 26th

 

An awesome evening event for all members of NFTY-GER and NFTY-GER Alum who are Freshmen in College. This event is

 

a themed homecoming dance.

 

Winter Kallah at Camp Harlam in Kunkletown, PA

 

 

 

 

December 26th-29th

 

An awesome event over winter break that focuses on social action as well as a wide variety of other topics.

 

Hagigah Kallah at Temple Beth Miriam in Elberon, NJ

 

 

 

 

March 2nd-4th

 

A home hosted event, which we have the honor of hosting this year! This event is art-focused as well as focused on a wide variety of other topics. We will release more information about this event soon.

 

NFTY-GER Election at Temple Beth-El in Spring Valley NY

 

April 1st

 

A day-long event, where the NFTY-GER regional board is elected for the 5772-5773 year.

 

 

 

 

Spring Kallah at Camp Kutz in Warwick NY

 

April 27th-29th

 

The last event of the NFTY-GER year 5771-5772 and the last kallah for the Class of 2012.

 

As I said in the beginning of this message, feel free to contact me at anytime.

 

 

 

 

Kol Tuv,

 

Jenna Wyatt

 

SALTY NFTY GER Representative 5771-5772

These teens dedicated 6 weeks of their summer to volunteer in the New Brunswick, NJ community.  SALTY interviewed them to get a glimpse at their life-changing experiences. To learn more about this program, log onto this link.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Jenna
1) What were your job sites?
Daisy and Play SAFE

2) What did you learn there?
At both jobsites I learnt about how other people live and their perspectives. Then at Play SAFE I learnt what it is like to be eight years old again.

3) Were there any surprises at your job sites?  Anything that you didn’t expect?
I do not think that I expected to love Play SAFE as much as I did. I was a little bit apprehensive going in since we had very little preparation and I knew that my site was the least organized. Yet I made really great connections with my eight year old boys and girls.

4) What was the best part of living at Rutgers?
Even though we did not have air conditioning in our rooms or a dishwasher… I absolutely loved everything about living at Rutgers. Being there, the place I now consider my home, is something that I truly miss. I loved having a roommate, waking up in the morning and talking to someone in the bathroom, and just having everyone around me all the time. I felt like it created a place where I truly felt safe, and I know it sounds weird, but now I am a little bit homesick.

5) Was was your favorite educational program?
My favorite educational program was this guest speaker named Rabbi Darby. Rabbi Darby is a death man who talked about deafness and Judaism. At the end of his program he taught us to sign the Sh’ma. Sign language now really interests me, and I hope to learn more.

6) How was the L’Taken Seminar in DC?  What did you lobby for?
I truly enjoyed the RAC trip and believe that SALTY should definitely go on a trip this year, UMC bonded a lot in DC and I even had my Bat Mitzvah service there. The programs of the RAC and lobbying are a phenomenal experience. I lobbied for LGBT Rights and Bullying.

7) Did you go through any changes this summer?  Did your point of view change?  If so, please share.
UMC is truly a life changing experience. Over the summer I am pretty sure all 42 people changed. One thing someone said is that we all met each other and then we met each other again because we all grew up so much this summer. I feel like I have changed quite a bit, yet I am not exactly sure how yet.

Would you recommend UMC to other SALTYites?  Any ideas on how to encourage the program at TBM?
I would recommend this program to everyone in the world because it was absolutely the greatest experience of my entire life. I would like to have a information night for SALTY that provides more information about NFTY, UMC, Kutz Camp, as well as EIE and NFTY in Israel trips. This year I hope that SALTYites will become even more involved then before.


Scott
1) What were your jobsites?
Elijah’s and Daisy

2) What did you learn there?
At Daisy, I learned about the mentally handicapped and the struggles they go through daily. At Elijah’s, I learned how many people struggle to feed themselves and their family and I also learned about how a soup kitchen work (processing, shipping and storing of food).

3) Were there any surprises at your job sites?  Anything that you didn’t expect?
At Elijah’s, I was surprised by the amount of physical labor it is to harvest, ship and store food. I didn’t expect to be challenged physically but I came back tired everyday from work. At Daisy, I was surprised by how sweet and caring both the campers and staff members were. The staff was willing to help with all of your problems you had and the campers were all happy to see you and always willing to play with you.

4) What was the best part of living at Rutgers?
There were many good qualities about living at Rutgers. One quality is that you are right in the middle of a beautiful college town of New Brunswick. Another good thing about Rutgers is that we as a community could live together in one small place. Living as one community definitely strengthened our bonds together. Finally the quad was a very nice place to hang out with friends and a great opportunity to   have some fresh air.

5) Was was your favorite educational program?
My favorite educational program was led by Anshe Emeth’s Director of Youth Activities Chase Foster. It was about the Union for Reform Judaism’s mission to get more teens involved in Reform Judaism. He asked us some basic question about what we do at our home temples to keep post-bar/bat mitzvah kids involved. It was a really interesting program as I feel we need more teens involved in the URJ.

6) How was the L’Taken Seminar in DC?  What did you lobby for?
I feel like the RAC seminar really brought we as a community together. The programs there were really informative and inspirational. I personally lobbied for the ban of offshore oil drilling throughout the United States. I feel like SALTY should participate ion the L’Taken seminar next year as it was very inspirational to a lot of us at UMC.

7) Did you go through any changes this summer?  Did your point of view change?  If so, please share.
This summer changed my life for good. I grew as a leader and a person. The experiences you gain at the jobsites and form the programs will stay with you forever. Each and every participant and staff member changed my life and I believe I changed their lives too. I learned about so many things that I can bring back to SALTY  and to NFTY-GER.

Would you recommend UMC to other SALTYites?  Any ideas on how to encourage the program at TBM?
I encourage everyone who has the chance to participate in this great program should participate. It is truly a life-changing experience. I believe we can have a program about Urban Mitzvah Corps during a youth group event. I also asked the UMC publicity and alumni chairs to send me the UMC promo video when they are finished and we could show it during Friday night services.

Maris
1) What were your jobsites?
My jobsites were PlayS.A.F.E. and Regency.

2) What did you learn there?
At PlayS.A.F.E, I learned how to be in charge of a large group of kids, without being mean or yelling. I learned how to help the kids how to have fun while still being safe. Growing up in a school without much diversity, I was not very educated in how other cultures live. Being a counselor for over twenty Hispanic six-year olds was informative. I got the opportunity to practice my Spanish-speaking every day. My neighborhood is middle class; at PlayS.A.F.E., I saw the struggles of low-class families. When we went to the county college pool, many of the girls did not have any bathing suits to wear. One little girl told me that at home, she shares a bed with two of her sisters. That was eye-opening.

At Regency, I learned how to communicate with the older generation. My conversational skills with the elderly drastically improved. I learned to listen to their stories, laugh, and dance with them. I was not aware of the level of loneliness amongst older people. All they really wanted was someone to sit and talk with, and we provided them with just that. Seeing the smiles on their faces and hearing how much we meant to them showed me how much of a difference a simple conversation can make.

3) Were there any surprises at your job sites?  Anything that you didn’t expect?
Because I had spoken with UMC alumni from the previous year, I already had a fairly good idea of what each jobsite would be like. Seeing it for myself was a different experience, but my only real surprise was how much of an impact we were making, and how much I enjoyed every day.

4) What was the best part of living at Rutgers?
The best part of living at Rutgers was the community. I absolutely loved having so many great people in such close quarters. My roommate and I stayed up till three in the morning talking about our lives and eating chocolate-covered pretzels, my best friend (normally an hour away) was within walking distance, and every dinner was shared with 37 other teens.

5) Was was your favorite educational program?
My favorite educational program was probably the Tzedakah program. We were all given cups with M&Ms in them, and we had to finish the game with 15 M&Ms left. Each of us started with different instructions about giving to each other, taking from each other, and asking from each other. A few of us, myself included, were blindfolded, and we had to ask for M&Ms while simultaneously protecting ourselves from being robbed. It was informative, fun, and it got the point across in a creative way.

6) How was the L’Taken Seminar in DC?  What did you lobby for?
The L’Taken Seminar in DC was really great. The programs they did to teach us about the different issues were very informative and well-done. I chose to lobby for reproductive rights, and I really enjoyed lobbying to our representatives.

7) Did you go through any changes this summer?  Did your point of view change?  If so, please share.
I did go through a lot of changes this summer. I learned how to respect the opinions of others, and to take what I can out of every conversation I have. I now believe that there’s a potential friend in everyone, because I could connect to every person at UMC in one way or another. I think my social skills have improved drastically. I know I’m awkward and shy sometimes, but being in an accepting community gave me an environment where I could be myself. I’m hoping to carry that over to my school life. I think I am a more confident person overall after Urban Mitzvah Corps. I was surrounded by people who told me how great they thought I was, and their support makes me more motivated to accomplish my goals, especially those of being a musician.

I also feel more passionately about social action. I had my morals and opinions before, but after seeing poverty in the flesh, I feel strongly about economic justice. I know that I enjoy volunteering, and I hope to volunteer more in my hometown community.

Would you recommend UMC to other SALTYites?  Any ideas on how to encourage the program at TBM?
I would definitely recommend UMC to other SALTYites. It was an unforgettable experience, and I want others to have as great a summer as I did. I think by creating programs about UMC to be carried out at events, we can inform the younger members of our youth group about our summers. I also think just talking about UMC in conversation can make an impact. I was sold on going to UMC after hanging out with my older friends and hearing what an amazing time they had.

Lauren, an active senior and regional board leader in NFTY-GER shares her experience attending Camp Kutz in Warwick, NY for the summer:

I had a tough choice to make this summer. As a rising senior, I had a fair amount of options: I could work as a camp counselor, get a job and attempt to earn some cash, maybe start the common app… or I could attend one of the few camps that still allowed me to be a camper, even at the age of 17. For me, the choice was simple. I decided to enroll at the URJ Kutz Camp as part of the Regional Board Leadership track.

I had never attended a URJ camp before. In fact, I’d never even gone to a “real” sleep away camp. I didn’t know if I would know how to share a cabin with 17 other girls, or what it would be like to spend 3 and a half weeks with about 180 other campers. But I went into the summer with an open mind, and came out of the experience with amazing memories.

The biggest part of my summer experience revolved around Regional Board Track. It was my “major,” so I spent a big chunk of my day there with the 25 other participants who had also chosen it as their major. Everyone in the major held a position on Regional Board for their region of NFTY, which gave me a unique networking opportunity, and also connected me to NFTY on a national level. Every NFTY region has a unique way of leading events, fundraising, and writing programs; we all had so much to learn from each other. But we also had a lot to learn about ourselves. Regional Board Track helped me discover who I am as a leader, and helped me fine-tune my goals for this upcoming year on GER’s Regional Board.

While I did spend a lot of time in my rather serious Major, I also had a ton of time to explore the fun side of Kutz! Part of each afternoon was spent in Minors and Electives, which could range from Advanced Tanning to Yoga to Kutz Glee. The choices seemed limitless– Kutz encouraged us all to shape unique experiences for ourselves and really pursue our interests.

The hardest part about Kutz was saying goodbye. By the time the summer came to a close, I had met so many amazing people from all over the world, and I knew it would be hard to figure out a way to see them again. It was also sad to be leaving a community where I felt that I fit in so perfectly; where different points of view worked in harmony, and where I could be completely myself. I hope to return next year as staff and see some of my friends again. But until then, I will hold on as tightly as I can to the friendships I made, lessons I learned, and the amazing memories I created.

The Union for Reform Judaism’s Biennial is where Reform Jews gather to learn, pray, share ideas, dance and sing, hear from inspiring guest speakers, reunite with old friends, make new connections, and make decisions about the policies of the Reform Movement. Your teens who attend the NFTY Leaders’ Assembly will experience the tremendous sense of community, the fellowship and the “magic” that happens when 4,500 Reform Jews gather in one place. They will come home energized with new skills and a strengthened Jewish identity to share with your family, congregation and community.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

• The NFTY Leaders Assembly begins on Thursday, December 15, 2011 and ends on Sunday, December 18, 2011.
• The registration fee is $795.00 USD until November 1, 2011. Registration continues after November 1 at a rate of $845.00 USD on a space-available basis.
• Registration includes full program, room, board and all Biennial expenses with the exception of lunch on Thursday and Sunday afternoons, when teens will be traveling. Teens DO NOT need to book a hotel room.

NFTY PROGRAMMING

• NFTY Leaders Assembly is designed for high school teens in grades 9 to 12 who are active in Jewish life or NFTY. The program will focus on developing teen leadership skills and nurturing the young leadership of the Reform Movement.
• Teens will participate in some learning sessions, plenaries and forums of the larger Biennial while also participating in exclusive NFTY-only programming, including Saturday afternoon activities in Washington, DC.
• NFTY will be part of the Shabbat worship experience and will eat dinner on Friday night with the adult delegates.
• Teen delegates will participate in a program of the Education Summit that is being led in conjunction with the Religious Action Center.

TYG SCHOLARSHIP PROCEDURES

• A reminder to please refer to our TYG scholarship page for procedures for how your teens register for NFTY Convention with a scholarship for your congregation.

SCHOLARSHIPS FROM NFTY

• NFTY is pleased to offer partial scholarships for the NFTY Leaders Assembly. Preference will be given to teens who are receiving financial support from their congregation.
• Application materials are available online and must be returned to by October 12, 2011.

Finally, we want to remind you about your own opportunity to join us in Washington, DC for the URJ Biennial. Be sure to visit www.urj.org/biennial for more information or to register!

This summer, we have four teens participating in Urban Mitzvah Corps, a 6-week summer volunteer program run through the URJ.  Every night, a participant posts a blog entry and click HERE to check out an entry from a current SALTY leader, Jenna Wyatt.

NFTY Convention has been one of the most memorable experiences of my Jewish life so far, if not my entire life. I had heard stories from other NFTYites about their amazing Convention experiences, but it still managed to exceed even my highest expectations. Each day was jam packed with programming and services, as well as trips into nearby Dallas. But simple explanations of our excursions and program procedures could not possibly do the experience justice, so I’ll give you some emotional highlights. The night of the Josh Nelson/ Dan Nichols concert was, for me, the most intense part of Convention. About 800 other Jewish teens gathered in the hotel ballroom. Even before the first note was played, the anticipation was palpable. As the lights dimmed and the musicians entered the stage, energy coursed through the room. We all leaped up on our chairs. As the music pounded through the speakers, we sang so loud and and jumped so high that the entire floor shook. It was an unforgettable experience. The enthusiasm and excitement that I felt from the other teens around me, their passion for Judaism, was so inspirational. I’ll never forget the feeling.   – Lauren Harris

I’ve always found something really interesting in airplanes. Everyone has come together to get to a specific point, probably without knowing many people on their flight. Everyone on the flight is headed to the same destination, but not necessarily from the same starting point or at the same ending point. This fascination carries to NFTY Convention literally with the plane example, but also as Convention is a sort of plane. Each person reserved a seat to be there, decided to devote time to getting to the next place more swiftly.. In my opinion, airports are the ultimate people- watching experience. You have many opportunities to meet new people, watch how others interact with each other, and understand how different home environments lead to this social spectrum. At Convention, I participated in a program educating all opinions of Marriage Equality. Rabbi Mike Mellen prefaced all workshops with the idea that most of the time we do not see the whole picture. Understanding all sides can make your belief stronger, and help to educate others instead of creating further conflict. In my Marriage Equality session, we split into 3 groups (one learning about equality, one about civil unions, and one against equality wholly). Then 3 people from each group (a total of 9)came together to present the opinion their large group worked on. My group of 9 happened to be made up of kids from 9 different regions of NFTY. Each of us believed in marriage equality as best decision after discussing the rights and responsibilities of being married and in love. I thought about how different it must be to live in Kentucky and feel singled out to be pro- equality. I found not only the surface of what we had learned about equality fascinating, but also what we had learned more deeply about each other as young Reform Jews from all over North America. There were many other learning experiences like this at NFTY Convention, and I am very proud to have been able to be a part of its influence on our movement.

– Haley Peckman

From the moment I got to the Newark airport, all I could say was “I’m going to Texas.” I was in complete disbelief that the event was finally happening, and that I was going on a plane trip without my parents to spend four days in a hotel with over seven hundred Jewish teens. The flight was a breeze, and I enjoyed myself every minute of every day I was in Texas. We stayed at the beautiful Fairmount Hotel in Dallas, and spent most of our time there. The programs were really impactful. There was one in particular about texting and driving, and the speaker was a woman who had been in an accident caused by distracted driving. Hearing her speak about her parents who had passed away and seeing the lasting injuries from the crash was very emotional, and I think it had an effect on every teen in the room. It is a hard thing to capture the attention of a large room of teens, but Convention accomplished that. We had two concerts, fun programs, a comedian, and field trips to the Dallas Cowboys Stadium and Gilley’s. The whole event was well organized. There was always something to do. For me, it was beyond amazing to see my camp friends. I got to reconnect with people who had gone to Kutz with me, and spark new friendships with people I didn’t get a chance to talk to over the summer. I met teens from all over the country. However, I also made some bonds that weren’t so long distance. I got closer with kids in my NFTY region. I had the opportunity to introduce my NFTY friends to my camp friends, and I watched new friendships blossom. Everyone at Convention wanted to make friends and meet new people, so this created a comfortable, accepting environment. This kind of atmosphere made me feel more outgoing and confident, which is always refreshing after months of schoolwork and stress. Convention was an incredible experience, and I wish I could have stayed there forever.

- Maris Krauss

NFTY Convention cannot be described in words. This is due to the fact that there are not enough words in the world to properly describe it. NFTY Convention 2011 was one of the best experiences I have ever undergone. Convention shows the unity of all nineteen regions in our NFTY community.

With around 800 voices, 800 hearts and 800 teens joined together we see the magic of Kehillah Kedoshah. Being a sacred community and a single family united, every individual brings something different to the table even if they are a part of a larger picture. Everyone contributes their many different opinions and cultures to make what we have so special.

Convention brings a time for making bonds stronger with those whom you already know and for creating bonds with new people from all over the United States and Canada. For instance, at this Convention I felt the bond of GERites growing stronger, but I also made strong bonds with new friends that live in other places such as Michigan. Convention truly is an awesome experience and I recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to go.

Like most other NFTY events, Shabbat is filled with music and dancing; While days are filled with programming as well as a ton of fun. Participants are also informed about many vital social action issues currently going on in our world.

Some highlights of Convention 2011 included a trip to the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, a program with the RAC, a Josh Nelson/Dan Nichols concert, a night at Gilley’s in downtown Dallas, a presentation from Jacy Good and Steve Johnson about staying focused while driving, a presentation from the organization Invisible Children, and as always song session.

But I cannot forget that one of the greatest parts of Convention was seeing the six other SALTYites having an awesome time. The fact that Beth Miriam was able to send seven teenagers in addition to Dee Ross our youth advisor is incredible, it shows how strong and supportive our congregation is. It is so nice to see a congregation willing to support their teenagers who have continued Judaism, while studies show that only 25% of teens continue being active in the Jewish community post Bar Mitzvah. A special thanks to everyone who made this trip possible for the teens of SALTY and especially thanks to Pess and Berg Families. – Jenna Wyatt

Convention was a new and exciting experience for me. It was so cool to be able to get away and spent time with a bunch of people that are my same age. All of the workshops that were available were very informative and allowed me to look at the world in a different light…. to be able to see both sides to arguments and to understand society. It was fun to hear all of the powerful, religious, music around me, that made me want to always get up and dance. I especially enjoyed the meals that everyone shared together, always having new people to learn things about or even just to sit back and laugh. The Convention really helped me to see my religion in the eyes of many others. It was awesome to be on my own, like a young adult and I feel very lucky and special to have spent this time in Dallas, Texas. Thank you! – Gemma Smolokoff

Another great experience was had at winter kallah 2010.  It took place during the huge snowstorm in New Jersey.  There we had about 3 inches of snow at most.  One thing it was extremely cold.  It was a great way to spend four days of my winter vacation, starting the 26^th until the 29^th.  Three things occurred during this event: the Urban Mitzvah Core (UMC) auction, the talent show, and the meeting to see if an amendment would be passed for the way to vote for the chairs on the NFTY board.  There was never a dull moment at Camp Harlem.  — Andrew Costello

This winter I had a great time again! I loved seeing all of my friends again and reconnecting with them. Also I learned so much from the programs. I had such an amazing time and cannot wait until the next kallah.  – Matthew Hall

NFTY-GER’s Winter Kallah 2010 was like no Kallah I’ve experienced before. As the longest and most jam-packed event of the year, it was also the busiest, the most stressful, and absolutely the most fun. As a member of Regional Board, I was part of the preparation since November. We worked hard to pick a theme, write our programs, and make the kallah a success. All in all, there were 6 programs over the course of this 4 day event, along with the UMC Program and auction. All of them went amazingly well.  Despite running around everywhere and having almost zero downtime, being a Regbo member at winter kallah was a remarkable experience. Hearing people talk about how much fun they were having made our hard work more than worth it. I met new friends, re-connected with old ones, and hopefully became a friend to a few new members. Now I’m counting down the days until Convention when I get to see everyone again!  – Lauren Harris

Through varied perspectives, yet consistent positive experiences, Winter Kallah has remained my favorite NFTY event. Winter Kallah is a cozy sunbeam through the snow and wind. It is a break in the madness of the school year, and it is four days of learning. This year, the perspective changed as I continue to see through my Regional Secretary lens. I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Regional President to run a meeting for all of the region to attend. We received some guidance from graduated GER Secretary and President, which was beyond helpful. I am continuing to enjoy legacy moments like that, where I can see my own impact as a leader staying strong in the future, as well. After each event, SALTY-ites who are financially supported (as well as being generally supported by the congregation) by Beth Miriam write these paragraphs. I have found writing and reading these submissions is an effective genuine exchange of gratitude back to our awesome Temple community. As Secretary, I am currently working on have other GER-ites write submissions about Winter, to spread this movement of gratitude and enthusiasm. I am going to be organizing these submissions from my Lit Team, and working to send the writings to Temples throughout the region. Thank you Beth Miriam for inspiring this idea and of course always supporting SALTY!

Peace, Love, and Gratitude,

Haley

Winter Kallah was a lot of fun. It was my second NFTY-GER event so things seemed more familiar and I saw some of the friends that I met at New Member Kallah. I also met new friends and grew closer to the people I previously met. I cannot wait to see my friends again at Convention. I would recommend  NFTY events to everyone and anyone, especially those who love meeting new people. After only two events I can say this much: NFTY-GER, I’m in love.  – Jenna Wyatt

This is my second event and I enjoyed it. I like being with friends and away from my family for the weekend. I also enjoy staying in rooms with friends and staying up late. The talent show was funny and the auction was really fun. The camp went too quick for me and I think everyone else agrees. I can’t wait until more opportunities at these camps arise. – Aaron Pingitore

The entire east coast was trapped inside their houses, staring aimlessly out the window at the snow covered ground, doing nothing, thinking  about nothing. But I and my other peers were experiencing a time full of creative services and impact sessions on how to change the world at Winter Kallah. When the coast was silenced by the snow, we were singing the beautiful words of Havdalah, all holding hands, all singing with our hearts, all opening our souls to the one candle that was lit in the center. When the streets were not getting plowed, and tension was growing in the neighborhoods, we were learning about all of the things that are possible for us. Like spending a month in our homeland Israel, or helping others for six weeks surrounded by our peers. When the time spent on television turned into the only thing to do all day due to the snow, we were learning about ourselves, our friends around us, our society around us. When the only thing to think about was counting the footprints in the snow, we were learning how we can place our life’s footprint in society today as our ancestors did for us. At Winter Kallah, we made a difference. Not even a snow storm stopped us from experiencing something that we will never forget, it only made us appreciate it more. – Jenny Laliberte

Though it was particularly cold and blustery, the warmth found in NFTY-GER’s Winter Kallah is truly inspiring. Whether it was in prayer, friendships, or programs, each one of us eventually finds ourselves.  When I am older, I know that I will look back on the memories that I’ve had through NFTY and Youth Group in general be reminded of how lucky I am for the opportunities I am given and how very very proud I am to be a jew.  – Bryce Peckman

My experience at NFTY was good. My favorite part was the social part of the weekend. I enjoyed hanging out with new friends and spending time doing fun things especially the dance. It made the weekend more enjoyable and fun. It was fun to hangout in our rooms with friends. I liked being away from my parents for the weekend. It also made Jewish studies and Temple time more fun to be with friends. The party was a lot of fun also on Saturday night.

- Aaron Pingitore

 

There’s something different about NFTY. A type of safety that I’ve never felt before. With only one foot off of our bus, I already felt at home. Everyone is comfortable with each other there. Especially at Havdallah services, I could literally feel the bond of strangers begin and the bond of old friends build stronger. These friendships pulsed around everywhere I went. The amazing feeling that we were all had at NFTY was presented in so many forms. In music, in programs, in services, and in free time, there were always ways to express ourselves. NFTY is not just events. It is not just learning. It is a home, a home I can take along with me anywhere.

- Bryce Peckman

 

At new member kallah, I had a blast. I have to admit at the beginning it was somewhat weird because the people that had already been there before on the first day seemed as if they had never left. It seemed very well planned and exciting. When the havdalah service began everything just seemed to fit together right then and there. New member kallah was a blast with the full days and the small amount of sleep we got because we stayed up with the people in our cabin. This was an experience I will never forget and I cannot wait for the next event!

- Andrew Costello

 

Before last weekend, I had attended NFTY-GER’s New Member Kallah only as a freshman. I remember the experience clearly: the craziness of arriving at a new place, full of possibilities, surrounded by people I had never met, and overwhelmed by the enthusiastically embracing people around me. I had felt, at the time, lost in the mix. But even then, it didn’t take long for me to begin to feel at home. I began to realize that the people around me would make room for us, the wide-eyed new freshmen, and embrace us with open arms into their community. It was that realization (along with the new friends I made) that kept me coming back to NFTY, event after event.

 

This year’s New Member Kallah was an entirely different experience. I was returning not only as a junior, but also as a newly-electred member of Regional Board. This time, I was one of those crazy upperclassmen who screeched with happiness as their friends came into view and tackled them with a huge bear hug. But an even bigger change was my new role in the region: for the first time, it was my responsibility to make new members feel welcome. I was excited for the challenge. Yes, the weekend was hectic, and it was busy, and it was, at times, stressful; but I was happy knowing that I was making a difference, and hopefully encouraging new members to return to NFTY-GER, and make room for it in their hearts the way I have.

- Lauren Harris

 

The first couple hours of NFTY for new members are a little bit stressful and scary. Whether it is because of everyone else’s excitement to see each other or for some not being in a cabin with friends. However once those moments end, there is no doubt you will feel right as home. At New Member Kallah, my cabin didn’t have anyone that I was really friends with in it and I only knew one person. Yet I grew to love every single person that I stayed with and when I went home I missed our late night conversations. The friends you make at NFTY aren’t like the friends you make at school. You get close to your friends at NFTY-GER really quickly. The atmosphere at NFTY-GER is really great. Even if you go up to someone you don’t know and start up a conversation they will be happy to meet you and chat. Also if you like the religious and cultural stuff then you will love Shabbat services, Havadalah service, and Becca’s Torah Study. I highly recommend that others go to NFTY-GER events because once you go and meet some friends you will not be able to wait to go back again. Maybe you will find NFTY-GER as home more than your hometown. My experience at New Member was great.

- Jenna Wyatt

 

Last weekend at New Member was so much fun. I got to see al my friends that I was looking forward to see them all summer. I met new people and made new friends that I will have forever. Every event I am at, I learn something new. It is a learning experience that you get a lot out of and makes you a new person. I had so much fun and can not wait to see all of my friends again at the next event.

- Matt Hall

 

I have been to 18 NFTY events in just over three years. And after this event it still seems like something new and wonderful is beginning for me. This year, I chaired New Member Kallah as a Regional Board member; meaning that I led programs, ran around, and led the region into one of my homes built away from home: NFTY-GER. Although all of regional board was somewhere on the spectrum of anxiety, there were many moments where we knew things were going the way they should, and completely passing our expectations for the event. I wrote and led a program for the enitre region (about 170 particiapants attended) called Battle of the Sexes vs. the Media, where participants gained awareness about how the media affects how we perceive gender and how we stereotype traits and activities for guys and girls. The program was highly interactive, and everyone seems to have really enjoyed it, which was a genuine feeling of accomplishment for me. Another point of the weekend when I felt very content was when I could look around the room full of GER-ites and see the other TWENTY ONE SALTY-ites enjoying themselves and mingling with other kids. Seeing the other kids from Beth Miriam genuinely enjoying the event that I helped organize and run made me feel so successful and happy. This year is going to be one to remember and I’m so excited that SALTY is also excited to join in the fun! To all of the new members who gave GER a try, thank you and I really hope to see you at Homecoming and Winter Kallah! To the returning members, thank you for building and shaping SALTY, and encouraging the positive environment. And to Dee Ross and Beth Miriam, of course thank you for giving support to all of these opportunities. Get ready for an awesome rest of the year, and I hope you will see SALTY’s enthusiasm bubbling as we continue to grow and get involved!

 

- Haley Peckman

 

New Member was at Camp Kutz this year, and I was so happy to be back there. Kutz is like my second home, and I loved showing all my NFTY friends around. After a whole summer apart, my friends and I picked up right where we left off. I participated in the Bigs and Littles program. I roomed with my three littles, as well as my friend Hannah and her little. Hannah and I took our jobs very seriously, sitting in a circle on the floor with our littles every night and asking how they were enjoying NFTY. I really hope we made an impact on their experience, and I hope they come back for the next event. I know I had an incredible time last weekend. The new regional adivsor, Pam, is so enthusiastic, and her positive attitude was really encouraging. Song sessions were filled with energy, the programs were fun and informative, and free time spent playing guitar with friends was relaxing. I can only hope that all new members enjoyed themselves as much as I did.

- Maris Krauss

 

 

 

 

Shalom!

SALTY and the SALTeens are youth groups within Temple Beth Miriam.  Throughout the year we offer monthly events that bring the Jewish youth of Beth Miriam together.  SALTeens is the Junior Youth Group that is offered to all 6-8th grades.

SALTY is the Senior Youth Group that is offered to all current High School Students.  Also by joining SALTY, you are automatically a member of NFTY (National Federation of Temple Youth).   A portion of our SALTY dues includes NFTY dues.  NFTY offers 5 kallot (retreats) throughout the year for our Jewish youth to serve as leaders.

To see our TYG pages, click this link.