Attending the recent NFTY reunion in New York City were, from left, Steven Fischer, 24, of Marlboro; Courtney Negal, 23, of Manalapan; and Dee Ross, 24, of Lincroft. Photo courtesy Dee Ross
May 06, 2008
Two Monmouth County sisters are heading a grassroots effort to establish an annual reunion of members of the North American Federation of Temple Youth-Garden Empire Region.
Their goal is not only to relive old times, but foster Jewish involvement among the elusive 20-something set.
Dee Ross, 24, of Lincroft, and her sister, Melanie Ross Levin, 27, who recently moved to Washington, DC, were active in the Reform youth group, which includes members from Monmouth County, during their high school years, while both attended Monmouth Reform Temple in Tinton Falls.
In recent years, the sisters, who grew up in Shrewsbury, discovered that they missed the activities and friendships that were a part of their NFTY experience. Members tended to drift apart after high school.
“My sister and I had such great experiences in NFTY and we made so many close friends,” said Ross. “But it can be hard to maintain these friendships when people go to different colleges and then pursue careers all over the country. And NFTY does not have an alumni department. A big void had opened up, and that’s what made us realize that we had to try and bring the group back together.”
Last year, Ross and Ross Levin began to use the Internet and e-mail exchanges to reconnect with members and propose a NFTY reunion. More than 80 former NFTY members attended a reunion dinner on March 29 at Union for Reform Judaism in New York City. More than 200 attended an after-party at a nearby restaurant.
Attendees participated in educational programs that focused on how to maintain their connection with the Reform movement. A committee was formed to plan a future event, perhaps as early as this summer. Others, including Ross and Ross Levin, will explore funding sources to help finance future events.
“It was very clear that a lot of those who attended wanted to continue the opportunity to explore and live the goals and values of Reform Judaism,” said Ross. “And it was a welcoming environment in which to socialize and reconnect. We all decided that it wasn’t necessary to create another new organization when a NFTY alumni group was a real possibility.”
“The alumni idea is a great way to carry on the traditions we value so highly,” she said. “It speaks volumes that so many paid to come to the March 29 event, and it indicated the importance that Reform Judaism plays in their lives.”
NFTY hosts national conventions, leadership institutes, URJ summer camps, and educational exchange programs with Israeli teens. Some 10,000 high school-age kids take part at more than 450 Reform congregations in North America. Most of the groups maintain a Mitzvah Corps social action program.
“Being part of the Mitzvah Corps was one of the most rewarding aspects of being a NFTY member,” said Ross, who is currently youth director at Temple Beth Miriam in Elberon. “I learned that young people could really make a difference in the world. I’ve taken that lesson with me throughout my career.”
At a recent URJ convention in California, participants discussed ways to get Reform Jews in their 20s to stay involved and keep the Jewish flame alive, said Ross.
“I think the March 29 event was one way to make this happen,” said Ross. “We want to maintain our Jewish identities, and we’d like to be as successful in our current efforts as we were during our high school years.”
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