National Federation of TempleYouth
NFTY's Goals
• Instill Jewish Identity
• Increase Synagogue Participation among High School Youth
• Foster Long-term Commitment to the Ideals and Values of Reform Judaism
• Create Today the Reform Jewish Congregants of Tomorrow
NFTY's Values
• Chinuch: Jewish Education
• T'filla: Worship
• Tikkun Olam: Religious Action
• Manhigut: Leadership Development
• Kehilah Kedoshah: Reform Jewish Community
• Hitpatchut: Personal Growth and Ethics
• Am Yisrael: The Jewish People
• Eretz and Medinat Yisrael: The Land and State of Israel
Chinuch: Jewish Education
NFTY is committed to providing young Reform Jews with a solid foundation of Jewish information necessary to help them make informed Jewish decisions. What rituals will they observe? What is their connection to Israel? What values will they espouse and pass on to their children? NFTY strives to make Jewish learning both accessible and enjoyable through experiential informal Jewish education. Most NFTY programs are researched, prepared, and executed by NFTY leaders under the guidance of NFTY Regional Advisors, Clergy, and Educators.
T’filla: Worship
NFTY wants its young people to have meaningful experiences for living and praying Jewishly. NFTY helps young people find their connection to God and the role that faith can play in their lives. NFTY worship services are unique for Reform Jewish teenagers in setting, style, and choice of music.
Tikkun Olam: Religious Action
NFTY recognizes that young people are extremely concerned about the fate of the world in which they live. Commitment to Tikkun Olam—repairing the world—has always been a major component of the NFTY experience. Through community service, speaking, lobbying, and rallying on current domestic or foreign political issues, NFTY remains committed to learning, caring and making a difference in the world.
Manhigut: Leadership Development
In order to create the Reform Jewish leadership of tomorrow, NFTY fosters the Reform Jewish Youth Leadership of today. Through a variety of elected and appointed positions from the youth group level up to the North American level, NFTYites acquire leadership skills through peer-led programming, taking stands at general board meetings, and networking. Adult advisors serve as role-models and guides in these endeavors.
Kehilah Kedoshah: Reform Jewish Community
NFTY strives to create a holy Jewish community in which all NFTYites feel a sense of belonging, friendship, safety, and purpose. Through local, regional, and North American events, NFTYites experience a meaningful Jewish community where each person is considered made B’tzelem Elohim—in the image of God.
Hitpatchut: Personal Growth and Ethics
Through Jewish community, adult Reform Jewish mentorship, leadership development, Jewish study, social action, and spiritual exploration, NFTY aims to give Reform Jewish youth the ethical tools to make decisions in their day-to-day lives.
Am Yisrael: The Jewish People
NFTY is part of a larger Reform Jewish and Jewish picture. Being a member of NFTY means being an active Jew, whether through study, dialogue, or action.
Eretz and Medinat Yisrael: The Land and State of Israel
NFTY is the official Youth Movement of ARZA, Association of Reform Zionists of America. NFTYites actively engage in its support of the State of Israel through study, action, summer trips, and our EIE High School Semester in Israel program
