NFTY-NE,
NFTY has been the most important part of my life for the past three years, and it’s
time I gave back to such an amazing region. I believe I can do the most good for the
community as a regional board member, therefore I would like to officially self-nominate
for NFTY Northeast’s Religious and Cultural Vice President 5778.
Any board member is tasked with a set of general responsibilities to the region.
After years of attendance at regional events and several experiences in NFTY leadership,
I understand these as well as anyone else can. I am prepared to commit myself to
maintaining the strength of the region and I hope to leave a positive impression on all its
members in the next year. On top of these general responsibilities are the ones specific to
the RCVP:
The RCVP is most known for their involvement with services and the PCs. While
on EIE, I developed a love for Hebrew and for teen led services. Services were always a
peaceful end to a stressful week, and because of this I came home with a newfound
connection to my Judaism. I was then lucky enough to be a PC at summer institute where
I was able to lead my own creative version of a Kabbalat Shabbat service. The beauty of
NFTY is its ability to cultivate creativity while maintaining a sense of spiritualism. Being
a PC was an incredible opportunity and made my NFTY experience feel more complete.
As RCVP I hope to give others the opportunity to create a similar experience for
themselves, especially through unique services such as my own.
Also on EIE my passion for Israel took its roots. It was my home for four months,
and as a Jew it is of equal, if not greater, importance to me as my home in the Northeast.
A RCVP is also responsible for leading Israel engagement within the region. Earlier in
November I attended AIPAC’s High Schools Summit as part of NFTY’s delegation.
Along with board members from other regions and members of the Israel Engagement
Committee, we brainstormed ways we could take the Israel advocacy we learned back to
our own NFTY regions. Although we as the Northeast region have only one mandatory
Israel program a year, I believe as Jews it is our obligation to learn more about Israel so
we can love as our own. I would intend to do this not only through institute programs, but
through smaller learning opportunities during Hofesh, Mandatory optionals, or other such
open times.
Whatever the type of responsibility, being the RCVP comes down to giving back
to the community. I believe that it is the most fit position for me, and that I am deserving
of holding such a position. Being the RCVP would ensure that NFTY-NE benefits most
from our unique leadership system. Please consider me strongly for this position.
Thank you for the opportunity,
Alex Breinan, GRSLY