How The Collab Inspired Me

Hello, my name is Josh Cooper, and I'm a 17-year-old junior at Broughton High School. I currently serve as NFTY-Mid-Atlantic Region's vice president of development/fundraising. This role has given me the opportunity to make a real impact within my community while developing leadership skills and deepening my connection to my Jewish identity.

I've been involved with NFTY for a few years now, and the experiences and relationships I've gained have shaped who I am today. This year, I had the privilege of attending the NFTY Collab, a gathering that brings teens together from across North America to engage with each other, learn, and explore the future of Jewish life. I attended because I wanted to expand my understanding of Reform Judaism and connect with other teens who are equally passionate about making a difference. The Collab was the perfect environment for that.

It was inspiring to see how so many people from different backgrounds and regions shared the same goals of creating meaningful Jewish experiences and advocating for social justice. I came away with a renewed sense of purpose, new ideas for community engagement, and a deeper understanding of how I want to practice and live out my faith.

One of the most rewarding aspects of attending The Collab was the opportunity to connect with others who share my passions and interests. In NFTY, there is already a strong sense of community, but The Collab allowed me to meet even more people who are just as committed to building a better Jewish future as me. Through group discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities, I was able to meet other teens who are passionate about social justice, leadership, and NFTY's values.

I learned so much from my peers, not just about Judaism, but about how we can work together to make real change. It was a reminder that we are all connected in our desire to build a more inclusive, just world.

The Collab also gave me the chance to reflect on my own Jewish identity and how Reform Judaism aligns with my values. Before attending, I had already been exploring my connection to Judaism through NFTY, but The Collab helped me see it from a broader perspective. I learned more about the rich history of Reform Judaism and how it continues to evolve to meet the needs of modern Jews. The focus on inclusion, social justice, and individual agency within the Movement resonated with me deeply. It was empowering to realize that my relationship with Judaism doesn't have to fit into a specific mold or follow a traditional path. Reform Judaism allows for flexibility and openness, and that aligns with the way I want to live my life: embracing both tradition and innovation while striving to create a more just world.

The Collab inspired me to think more critically about how I can get involved and take action in my own community. After hearing about the various initiatives that NFTY and other Jewish organizations are involved in, I felt motivated to do more. I've already been involved with NFTY-MAR, but now I want to expand my efforts beyond fundraising. The Collab encouraged me to look for ways to make a real impact, whether it's through organizing community events, advocating for social change, or simply supporting others in their Jewish journeys. I left The Collab with a sense of responsibility to my community and the tools to make a difference, whether on a local or national level.

As the NFTY-MAR Development/Fundraising vice president, I'm already working on initiatives to raise funds to support the programs and experiences that allow teens like me to connect with each other and grow as leaders. The Collab reinforced how important it is to create opportunities for Jewish teens to gather, learn, and be inspired. That's what NFTY provides, and it's something I want to ensure continues. The experience helped me realize that fundraising is not just about raising money - it's about supporting a vision and a movement that is making a real difference in people's lives.

Overall, The Collab was an eye-opening and inspiring experience. It reaffirmed my commitment to Jewish life and social justice while helping me deepen my understanding of my own identity. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend and the connections I made during the event. As I continue my work with NFTY, I'm excited to take what I've learned and continue to make a positive impact. The Collab showed me that, as young people, we have the power to shape the future of Judaism...and I'm ready to do my part.