By Jeremy Levine,  Crane Lake Camp Counselor and former NFTY Regional Board Member

From the time I exit through the red gates at the end of a summer to the time that I re-enter the bubble, I have serious withdrawal, every day wishing that I was up high in the Berkshires looking out over the hills. One might think that it would be difficult to find such a loving Jewish community outside of Crane Lake. But that would be wrong. In February, I had a little bit of that magic back in Dallas, Texas, at NFTY Convention.

Representatives from all NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth) regions and camps were in attendance. The 700 Jewish teenagers created a camp-like environment. Everybody shared a passion for learning and experiencing Judaism, as well as a care for the world around them.

Exciting programming, raucous song sessions, and time with my favorite Crane Lakers made this an experience to never forget. Imagine the Beit Am on a Friday night where EVERYONE is singing and dancing, with 400 more people. This kind of ruach is what was seen over Convention’s five-day experience. It wasn’t all jumping and dancing, though. We attended programming that had us apply Jewish values to important modern issues. There was also plenty of time to meet NFTYites from other regions and camps.

NFTY is where camp lives after the summer. If you like camp (which is likely) then you’ll love NFTY. NFTY is the place for Reform Jewish teens to explore who they are, explore their Jewish identities, and get more involved with their religion. NFTYites are incredible people. CLCers are incredible people. It’s clear that I had a great time at Convention, as did everyone else from camp. It keeps me going in between my trips to the bubble. NFTY helps keep it summertime forever.