Jewish Journal  Why I Became a NFTY Freak  by Lauren Peikoff
March 2, 2006 | 7:00 pm  Debbie Friedman, celebrated Jewish
songwriter and singer, wrote the words, "The youth shall see
visions." For decades, this song has had a profound impact on
Jewish youth of America, instilling value and hope among a
generation in search of themselves.  In October of my junior
year, I "saw my vision" and embarked on a journey that will
shape me for the rest of my life.  It was a cool California
Friday, and I had packed up my duffel bag to head off to NFTY
Southern California's Leadership Training Institute. NFTY, the
Reform movement's North American Federation of Temple Youth, has
become a huge influence on my life as a teenager, and as a Jew.
NFTY has been around for more than half a century and consists
of 19 regions around North America, hosting monthly weekend
retreats for Jewish high school students. Each weekend
encompasses social action, prayer and socializing. NFTY's
primary job is to confirm Jewish identity in tee