By Rachel Goldberg

December 2012

Most people would spend their weekend

before Halloween out shopping and finding

the perfect costume. However, these

teenagers packed their bags and met up in El

Paso Texas for a Jewish Fiesta! Whether it

was by train, airplane, or bus ride, we all

made it safe and sound to our favorite place

in the world, NFTY-SW events. The weekend

included everything from services and

Havdallah, to athletics and special traditions,

to meaningful programs and talent shows and

even a special guest all the way from NFTY-

NAR in New York. To say the least, all 145

participants had the time of their life with

their closest friends. The incredible bonds and

memories laughter, smiles, and happy tears

never end.

NFTY-SW MOVES!

The region participated in a

special weekend theme based

off of Michelle Obama’s health

initiative. Everyone joined in

on the fun with colored

headbands based on their class

and chose from a variety of

activities that got them moving

including Zumba, yoga,

childhood games, dodgeball,

and soccer.

After attending the URJ Kutz Camp this summer and making many close friends from

SW I was anxiously awaiting for my trip to El Paso to surprise them. I had no clue

what was waiting for me there but I am glad I went! The programming was fabulous;

the regional board and group leaders led each program with confidence and the

programs were so much fun and educational. Services were extremely heart-felt and

made me feel at home. Although there were a lot of similarities during my time spent

in Texas, each experience was still unique because of the new family I was with. I am

so beyond thankful for everyone who made my stay so meaningful and memorable!

Religious and Cultural Vice

President Cody Rosen led an

intriguing faith program Saturday

morning. There were three

speakers each of a different faith-

Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

They discussed the similarities and

differences between their religions

as well as general information and

special traditions. This allowed the

participants to learn about the

different customs from experts in

the field.

Membership Vice President

Jordan Weissman and Ruach

Spirit Chair Leader Ellie Singer

led a special mixer for the region.

All of the participants got into

small groups with people who

became their family. They worked

together to complete a scavenger

hunt and then ate some m&ms

while sharing interesting facts

about themselves. Each family is

encouraged to stick together and

create an even stronger bond.

Programming Vice President Matt

Wall’s program studied

responsibility and focused on this

year’s study theme, Am I my

Brother’s Keeper? Participants

watched a skit and listened to a

story about the Lamedvanikim.

Everyone split into groups and

discussed their responsibility to

people in multiple situations and

traveled around the room writing

down terms describing their

relationships to different things.

CLASS OF 2013

Social Action Vice President

Maddy Ginis and Programming

Vice President Matt Wall wrote an

inspirational program for NFTY-

SW about self esteem & suicide

prevention. After learning some

shocking facts, participants split

up a discussion and bracelet

making activity. After, everyone

joined together for a video and a

post-it note project reminding

everyone that they have something

to live for.

With Fall Kallah comes a very unique

tradition for seniors in NFTY-SW.

After four years of collecting

memories, making friends, laughing,

and learning, the seniors spend their

short hour of class time fitting all they

can into a tiny block of wood, their

very own wooden ship. Then, once

Shabbat is over for the night, the swim

wear and beach attire comes out. The

seniors gather in a large circle around a

kiddie pool barely filled with water.

Lynne lights the candle of the first

brave person who stands up to share

their story with the entire region to

finally blow out their candle and sail

their ship.

JUNIORS

SOPHOMORES

Headsongleader Taylor Wachman

helped out the freshmen by going

over the special friendship circle

traditions. They spent their class

time getting to know each other and

the songs of the region.

TALENT SHOW

FRESHMEN

The sophomore class of 2015 played

scattegories during their class time.

The competition heightened and

everyone had a blast coming up with

songs and trying to beat their friends

to win the game!

The juniors of southwest spent their

class time doing a special warm &

fuzzy bonding activity. Each person

got a piece of paper which went

around the circle and everyone wrote

something they like about that

person.

FIESTA! ¡

NFTY-SW had their annual talent show during the social

at Fall Kallah. Everyone brought their most creative acts,

best songs, and funniest jokes to share with their peers.

Many acts included singing, comedy, dancing, and even

DJing. The usual mock board skit was a hit and there was

even a special performance for MSTY sophomore Hannah

Blumenfeld’s sweet sixteen. The night was filled with

smiles, laughter, and applause, and of course, lots of

talent.

Once NFTY-SWites shared their special talents with the

region it was time for a FIESTA! Everyone had a blast in

their colorful ponchos, sombreros, and mustaches. The

night included singing, dancing, and hitting the surprise

piñata. There was also a bounce house obstacle course

outside for those brave enough to venture out into the

chilly night air. For BSTY junior Jackson Dooling, the

highlight of the party was seeing everyone going crazy

dressing up in their best fiesta style outfits.