Archived of BBYO`s 2005 eNewsletters

Transcription

BBYO Newsletter
Message from BBYO, Inc.
January 2005
Issue 3
BBYO e-News
The BBYO e-News is a new initiative designed to share news and events with BBYO members,
parents, alumni, staff and devoted supporters. If you have information to share or comments
about the BBYO e-News, please contact Abby Strunk at astrunk@bbyo.org. Thank you and enjoy!
BBYO, Inc. News
BBYO DEVELOPS BROCHURE TO GET TEENS INVOLVED IN THE 2005 BBYO SUMMER
EXPERIENCE
BBYOALUMNI.ORG TOPS 4000
REGISTRANTS
BBYO, Inc., has just developed a brochure promoting its 2005
Summer Experience. With more program options than ever
before, BBYO has a program to fit the needs of teens interested
in travel, community service, outdoor adventure, leadership, the
arts or Judaism. If you would like a supply of brochures to
distribute at an event, please send your request to
astrunk@bbyo.org. For more information on the 2005 BBYO
Summer Experience or to register, visit www.bbyoprograms.org.
BBYOalumni.org has recently received its 4000th
registrant, making it one of the fastest growing
online Jewish communities on the Internet. Visit
bbyoalumni.org to reconnect with old friends
and find out about upcoming alumni events in
your area.
J-SERVE: JEWISH TEEN DAY OF SERVICE
PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and
Values, the Jewish Coalition for Service and the
North American Alliance for Jewish Youth are
inviting proposals from institutions for $2500
grants to support their efforts to participate in
the first ever national day of service for Jewish
teens on April 17, 2005. For more information,
contact Rachel Meytin at rachelm@panim.org or
301. 770.5070 x 201.
BBYO ENHANCES ISRAEL INITIATIVES WITH NEW SHALIACH; ESTER DAVID PROVIDES
TEENS WITH POWERFUL CONNECTION TO ISRAEL
BBYO has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to connecting teens to Israel by
hiring Ester David as its new full-time Israeli educator, or Shaliach. As an emissary of
Israel, David will immerse American and Canadian teens in Israeli history, traditions
and culture through an engaging educational program; spearhead BBYO's partnership with Israel
at Heart; and promote travel to Israel through BBYO's new Passport to Israel (P2I) program.
READ MORE
BBYO LAUNCHES PASSPORT TO ISRAEL
PROGRAM
BBYO has just launched its new summer Israel
travel program, Passport to Israel (P2I). Choose
from three distinct trip options: Israel Journey
(an experience perfect for first- timers); Trek
Israel (geared to teens seeking outdoor
adventure); and Kallah Israel (a kibbutz- based
enrichment program that combines intensive
Jewish studies with touring). For more
information or to register, visit
www.passport2israel.org.
Alumni News
BIG APPLE REGION HOSTS ALUMNI PICNIC
In Fall 2004, the Big Apple Region hosted an alumni picnic at Eisenhower Park in Hempstead,
New York. Alumni from decades past, joined by their families, got together to reconnect with old
friends and build connections with new ones. Over thirty alumni and over twenty of their children
participated in the event. For up-to-date information on alumni events, please visit
www.bbyoalumni.org.
http://bbyo.org/news/newsletters/2005/issue03/[8/5/2014 2:58:08 PM]
BBYO Newsletter
Chapter Happenings
Congratulations to the spirited ladies of Aliah BBG #368 on the awards won at KIO's Regional
Convention held in December:
TO SUBSCRIBE OR TO SUBMIT NEWS,
EVENTS AND COMMENTS FOR THE NEW
BBYO E-NEWSLETTER, EMAIL
ASTRUNK@BBYO.ORG .
Forward the BBYO e-News to friends or
colleagues who may be interested.
Most Creative Fundraiser (made and sold fleece scarves)
Best Social Action/Community Service Program (Mark Levison Run/Walk for MLS)
Most Enthusiastic Counterpart/Gizborit (Elise Rita Igdaloff)
Morah of the Year (Valerie Rochelle Stern)
Program of the Year (Silent Sophie's Return - kidnap & scary adventure in the woods)
Most Enthusiastic Counterpart/N'siah of the Year (Jennifer Audrey Zacks)
Best Spirit Video (yeah Aliah!!)
Won the Spirit Stick
BBYO In the News
B'NAI B'RITH TODAY COVERS OHIO NORTHERN REGION'S BROTHERHOOD/SISTERHOOD
CONVENTION
B'nai B'rith Today (Allegheny/Ohio Valley Region) included an article on Ohio Northern Region's
first brotherhood/sisterhood weekend convention, themed "Better Planned than Athens" (Nov/Dec
2004).
THE JEWISH TRIBUNE OF CANADA FOCUSES ON BBYO TEENS IN MONTREAL AND
OTTAWA
BBYO teens from Montreal and Ottawa were the subject of Canada's Jewish Tribune article
entitled, "Teens find life-long friendships and a home in BBYO" (Nov 18, 2004).
DENVER'S INTERMOUNTAIN JEWISH NEWS FEATURES BBYO'S ISRAEL INITIATIVE
The Intermountain Jewish News, Denver, CO recently covered a story on BBYO's efforts to
connect teens to Israel, including partnerships with Israel at Heart and Tlalim Tours, as well as
an organization-wide promotion of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Nov 26, 2004).
MICHIGAN REGIONAL CONVENTION RECEIVES COVERAGE IN THE DETROIT FREE PRESS
The Detroit Free Press featured the Michigan Regional Convention in an article entitled, "B'nai
B'rith Youth Convention: A week of bonding, fun, helpfulness" (Dec 28, 2004). The article can be
accessed online at www.freep.com/news/locoak/holi28e_20041228.htm.
THE HERITAGE FLORIDA JEWISH NEWS RECOGNIZES BBYO'S COMMUNITY EFFORTS
Over the past few months, the Heritage Florida Jewish News has covered several stories on the
BBYO North Florida Council, including the region's efforts to provide Christmas dinner to women
overcoming drug addiction, a 'Puttin's on the Ritz's benefit brunch and fashion seminar and a car
wash fundraiser. The newspaper also featured articles on the region's 'Fall-a-Palooza's
convention, a 'Sunday in the park's event and BBYO's 2005 Summer Experience (Nov 2004
through Jan 2005).
CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS FEATURES ECR'S SPIRIT CONVENTION
Over the past few months, the Heritage Florida Jewish News has covered several stories on the
BBYO North Florida Council, including the region's efforts to provide Christmas dinner to women
overcoming drug addiction, a 'Puttin's on the Ritz's benefit brunch and fashion seminar and a car
wash fundraiser. The newspaper also featured articles on the region's 'Fall-a-Palooza's
convention, a 'Sunday in the park's event and BBYO's 2005 Summer Experience (Nov 2004
through Jan 2005).
Has BBYO appeared in your local press? Please let us know by emailing
astrunk@bbyo.org.
Spanning over 40 regions and 15,000 members internationally, BBYO, Inc. is a worldwide, transdenominational, youth- led organization that provides opportunities for Jewish youth to develop their
leadership potential and a positive Jewish identity.
BBYO, Inc. * 2020 K Street NW, 7th Floor * Washington, DC 20006 * http://www.bbyo.org/
BBYO Newsletter
BBYO ENHANCES ISRAEL INITIATIVES WITH NEW SHALIACH; ESTER DAVID PROVIDES TEENS WITH POWERFUL CONNECTION TO
ISRAEL
Continued from page 1:
"BBYO is uniquely capable of providing thousands of teens with a better understanding of Israel and a thirst to connect to their Jewish
homeland," said Matthew Grossman, BBYO's executive director. "Offering positive Israel education experiences is a critical step toward
motivating Jewish youth to lead Jewish lives."
First, David will work to spread her contagious enthusiasm for Israel to BBYO youth by sharing her personal experiences living in Israel. As an
Ethiopian Israeli, David brings a unique perspective to educational topics such as the Ethiopian community, and other minority populations,
living in Israel. Other issues David will explore include the Middle East conflict and military service, and on the lighter side, subjects like Israeli
food, music and nightlife.
Additionally, David will work hand-in-hand with Joey Low, BBYO board member and founder of Israel at Heart, to promote a better
understanding of Israel and its people. Together, Low, who provided the funding for the Shaliach position, and David will open up avenues of
understanding among Jewish teens by bringing Israeli peers to North American communities in order to share their life experiences.
Finally, because there is no better way to open up avenues of understanding between the youth of North America and Israel than to provide
them with opportunities to see Israel through their own eyes, David's ultimate goal is to encourage teens to travel to Israel through BBYO's
re-energized summer Israel program, P2I. The program provides three distinct trip options for any Jewish teen wishing to spend three weeks in
the Jewish homeland, whether it be a first-time visitor, an adventurer or someone seeking a spiritually-enriching, kibbutz-based experience.
"I want to look back on this experience and see that North American teens have a better, more open understanding of Israel," said David, who
will hold the Shaliach position for one year. "I want to see a significant increase in the number of teens that want to experience the rich
beauty, history, spirituality and culture of my home, Israel."
Back to Top
BBYO Newsletter
Febuary 2005
Issue 4
BBYO e-News
BBYO, Inc. News
BBYO PROFESSIONALS GET A TASTE OF ISRAEL
In January, five members of BBYO's
professional staff visited Israel to get a taste
of what teens will experience this summer on
BBYO's Passport to Israel (P2I) program. After
attending the North American Alliance for
Jewish Youth Conference in Tel Aviv, the group
set off on a four-day tour of Israel, where
they visited some of the country's most famous
sites including Masada, Ein Gedi, the Dead Sea,
Jerusalem's Old City, the Kotel, the mystical
city of Tzfat and so much more. The trip, which
was funded by The Frances & Lillian Schermer
Charitable Trusts, proved to be an incredible
experience for the entire group.
HELP BBYO REACH 12,000 ALUMNI ON THE
WEB
BBYOalumni.org already has over 4,200 alumni
registrants. Help us reach 12,000 alumni by
June. Register today at www.bbyoalumni.org
and help spread the word to alumni.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER?
CLICK HERE TO READ WHAT THE
GROUP HAD TO SAY ABOUT ISRAEL
BBYO LAUNCHES ALEPH SOCIETY TO SECURE CRITICAL FINANCIAL BASE;
SEVEN PHILANTHROPISTS ALREADY COMMIT $25,000
BBYO, Inc. has recently created the Aleph Society to comprise a group of philanthropic leaders
willing to commit $25,000 annually toward the strengthening of the organization. Seven
philanthropists have already accepted the charge to help secure the financial future of BBYO.
BBYO's 2005 Summer Experience offers teens
more program options than ever before. If you
are interested in travel, community service,
outdoor adventure, leadership, the arts or
Judaism, we have a program for you. To learn
more or to register, visit
www.bbyoprograms.org.
READ MORE
Alumni News
SAVE THE DATE FOR ALUMNI REUNION IN NYC
SUMMER PROGRAM FEATURE: NITZOTZ
An alumni happy hour for all 20-30 somethings in NYC will be held on April 18. Contact Amy
Jablin at ajablin@bbyo.org if you are interested.
BIKE ISRAEL
If you are looking to visit Israel on the cheap,
Hazon, a non-profit that runs outdoor and
environmental programs is planning an amazing trip
- a bike ride from Jerusalem to Eilat, over 5 days
with riders from Israel and North America. The ride
is a fun, fabulous way to experience Israel; it looks
quite different perched on a bicycle seat. The full
BBYO Newsletter
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of
others? Participate in BBYO's community service
program, Nitzotz, and have a summer you will
never forget. Spend two weeks in Washington,
DC/Baltimore or Chicago lending a helping hand
to communities in need while making
friendships that last a lifetime. Visit
www.bbyoprograms.org to learn more.
title of the ride is 2005 Arava Institute Hazon Israel
Ride: Cycling for Peace, Partnership & Environmental
Protection, and as you can see by the name, you'll
explore the countryside, meet new people, and learn
about environmental issues in Israel and the Middle East. The ride is May 10-17, and even if you
can't make it, please spread the word to folks who might be interested in participating in this
unique experience. If you want to find out more information you can contact Hazon at
212.284.6812 or visit www.hazon.org.
JDC JEWISH SERVICE CORPS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
EXPERIENCE ISRAEL
BBYO recently launched its new summer Israel
travel program, Passport to Israel (P2I), and
over 100 teens are already signed up. If you are
interested in traveling, making new friends and
having the time of your life this summer,
BBYO's P2I program is right for you. For more
information or to register, visit
www.passport2israel.org.
JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL YOUNG
LEADERS'S RETREAT
Would you like to use your skills and commitment to Jewish life to help an overseas Jewish
community? The JDC Jewish Service Corps sends self-starting, creative, college graduates and
young professionals to work and live in international Jewish communities for one-year
placements. The work varies by country but includes Jewish education, community outreach and
development, as well as welfare/relief projects. The JDC provides housing, a monthly stipend,
health insurance, and covers all work related expenses. Jewish Service Corps is an amazing
cross-cultural experience and a chance to enhance professional and life skills. For fall 2005, JDC
is looking to place volunteers in India, Ethiopia, the Former Soviet Union, Poland, Romania,
Turkey and Vienna. Visit our website at http://www.jdc.org/how_volunteer.html. Or, contact
Hannah Engle at 212.885.0874 or volunteer@jdc.org for more information and specific job
descriptions.
REGIONAL NEWS
KANSAS CITY BBYO HOLDS JOINT SHABBATON WITH NCSY
In January, the Kansas City BBYO and the National Conference of Synagogue Youth (NCSY) held
a joint Shabbaton in an effort to break down barriers between local youth groups. "I think there's
a great energy and a lot of excitement for this cooperation," said Ali Stalorow, director of BBYO
in Kansas City, prior to the event. "I've been watching the teens come together on this project,
and they've really worked together well."
READ MORE
WISCONSIN REGION CO-SPONSORS JEWISH TEEN DAY OF DISCOVERY
In January, Milwaukee-area Jewish teens had the opportunity to attend Getting to Know You, the
community's first Jewish Teen Day of Discovery, co-sponsored by BBYO. The event featured
sessions on a wide range of topics, including Israeli cooking, Jewish music, Kabbalah (Jewish
mysticism), Israeli self-defense, Jews and tattoos, and halachic perspectives on homosexuality.
"There are many Jewish teens that don't know enough about their Jewish identities, and
consequently suppress their Jewish identities to the point of non-existence," said Gerad Bandos,
BBYO member who helped plan the event and designed a website where teens could vote for
their favorite topic choices. "If teens really are the leaders of tomorrow, it is important to be
well rounded and knowledgeable."
To read more about the event, visit: http://www.milwaukeejewish.org/content_display.html?
ArticleID=143052
BBYOERS FROM EVERGREEN REGION HIT THE
SLOPES IN ALASKA
On March 18- 20 in Baltimore, MD, Jewish
Women International will host a Young Leaders's
Retreat entitled When Push Comes to
Shove...It's No Longer Love! A Jewish
Perspective on Gender, Power and Relationships,
uniting 120 young Jewish men and women to
Regional officers from Portland, Oregon and Seattle,
Washington traveled over 2,000 miles to join 19 of
their BBYO brothers and sisters in Anchorage, Alaska
for a Teen Only Shabbaton on the Slopes.
READ MORE
BBYO Newsletter
explore definitions of healthy and unhealthy
relationships in a Jewish context. For more
information, visit www.jwicalltoaction.org or
contact 1.800.343.2823 or rkeller@jwi.org.
ASTRUNK@BBYO.ORG .
Please forward the BBYO e-News to friends
or colleagues who may be interested.
BBYO In the News
The winner of a new Israeli reality television show, "The Ambassador," will receive a job in New
York with Israel at Heart, an advocacy group established two years ago by BBYO board member,
Joey Low, which focuses on promoting a better understanding of Israel and its people. The show,
featuring 14 young Israelis competing in the US, Europe and at home to win a job spreading a
pro-Israel message around the globe, was covered by JTA (Jan 30, 2005).
http://www.jta.org/page_view_story.asp?intarticleid=14981&intcategoryid=1
The Miami Herald's Neighbors Magazine included an article on BBYO's alumni website,
www.bbyoalumni.org (Jan 27, 2005).
The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle covered a joint BBYO and NCSY Shabbaton (Jan 21, 2005).
The Heritage Florida Jewish News included an article on BBG, Lindsay Maizel, who will be
attending Harvard in the fall (Jan 21, 2005).
The Canadian Jewish News featured Lake Ontario regional director, Sharon Marcus. In the
article, Marcus discusses returning to BBYO as a professional after being involved with the
organization as a teenager (Jan 20, 2005).
New York's Newsday featured several community service events hosted by the Nassau-Suffolk
Region, including their annual "Trick or Treat" drive for canned foods and dry goods, which
harvested more than 1,500 pounds of food for the Long Island Cares and the Harry Chapin Food
Bank (Jan 9, 2005).
The Arts & Life section of the Detroit Jewish News dedicated a page to highlight Michigan
BBYO's efforts to assist the elderly by creating lap quilts during its 2005 annual regional
convention, which drew nearly 400 participants (Jan 7, 2005).
astrunk@bbyo.org.
BBYO, Inc. * 2020 K Street NW, 7th Floor * Washington, DC 20006
BBYO PROFESSIONALS GET A TASTE OF ISRAEL
I never thought I would be so moved by one place. From Masada to Tel Aviv to the Kotel, I really saw the power, which makes this our
homeland. - Danny Glassman, Great Midwest Region membership coordinator (dglassman@jcys.org)
Being able to experience and actually touch history was one of the most satisfying aspects of the trip. - Lee Shaffer, Gold Coast Region
regional director (leeshaffer@goldcoastbbyo.org)
This trip made me feel more connected to both the Jewish community and to my Jewish homeland. I am so excited for the teens traveling to
Israel this summer to experience what we did. - Abby Strunk, senior manager of marketing and communications (astrunk@bbyo.org)
BBYO Newsletter
I know that our teens's eyes will be opened to so many new experiences that will also trigger new thoughts and discussions amongst
themselves, bringing them back to our regions with an increased Jewish awareness and connection. - Erica Hymen, Central Region West
assistant regional director (erica@crwbbyo.org)
My sincerest "thank you" to the donors who helped make this trip a reality for me. I hope you take pleasure in the fact that you directly
helped make possible the greatest experience in an individual's life - my own. More important, you have indirectly helped create the greatest
experience in the lives of the teens I will now persuade to make the same journey. - Marc Geller, Ohio Northern Region assistant regional
director (clevebbyo@brightdsl.net).
Feel free to e-mail the BBYO staff members with questions about their trip to Israel.
Back to Top
BBYO LAUNCHES ALEPH SOCIETY TO SECURE CRITICAL FINANCIAL BASE;
SEVEN PHILANTHROPISTS ALREADY COMMIT $25,000
"BBYO is in a unique position to touch the lives of tens of thousands of Jewish teenagers around the world," said Lynn Schusterman, chair of
the BBYO board of directors. "Making an investment in BBYO translates to making an investment in the future of the Jewish community."
Named after a BBYO tradition in which a group of young leaders who charter a new chapter are called Alephs, the Aleph Society will establish
a financial foundation during a critical juncture in BBYO's history. As an 80-year old organization that is newly independent, BBYO is
capitalizing upon the opportunity to pursue a much more expansive approach to engaging Jewish youth, a move that requires significantly
increased financial support.
"As an alumni of BBYO, I know first-hand the incredible impact that this organization has on Jewish lives," said Aleph Society member, Dave
Rensin. "I am dedicated to ensuring the financial stability of an organization that can do for so many others what it did for me and my wife
Lia."
In addition to its lead donors, BBYO is hoping to recruit a total of twenty Alephs by the end of its fiscal year in June, generating $500,000 of
income.
"I wasn't involved in BBYO when I was growing up, but I see tremendous potential in this organization to engage significantly more teens in
meaningful Jewish experiences," said Aleph Society member, Howard Rosenbloom. "I want to do what I can to provide the necessary leadership
and support to enable BBYO to reach the next generation of Jewish leaders."
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KANSAS CITY BBYO HOLDS JOINT SHABBATON WITH NCSY
Collaboration between the two entities began last year when Matt Rissien, president of Kansas City Council BBYO, attended NCSY's convention
to adopt ideas for BBYO. In return, Todd Cohn, director of NCSY, spoke at the Mid-America Region BBYO Spring Regional Convention. Cohn
saw the Shabbaton as an opportunity for two leading Jewish youth groups to come together for a common goal and share strengths.
The event began with a convention for BBYO leaders and older NCSY participants, followed by an all-BBYO and all-NCSY limousine scavenger
hunt and then a combined get-together. BBYO participants were housed overnight by members of the local Orthodox community. "This
weekend may really spark some of the BBYO leaders to want to bring more Judaism into our programming," said Matt Rissien, president of
Kansas City Council BBYO.
"For a long time, the youth groups have been very divided," said Jill Shesol, the council's co-president. "It's really good to see people taking
the initiative, because there really are a lot of people who are members of both youth groups. My hope is that BBYO will get a better
understanding of NCSY and vice versa, and that this will lead to more inter-youth group programming."
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BBYOERS FROM EVERGREEN REGION HIT THE SLOPES IN ALASKA
Held at the five-star Alyeska Prince Hotel & Ski Resort in Girdwood, Alaska, the event was sponsored by Congregation Beth Shalom in
Anchorage and coordinated by synagogue director Robin Dern. The event was created to achieve two major goals: develop a strong connection
between Anchorage Jewish youth and BBYO members in the Pacific Northwest and to help BBYO members in Anchorage learn about the
structure and principles of BBYO.
Highlights from the weekend included beautiful Friday night and Saturday morning Shabbat services led by Anchorage teens, leadership training
sessions by the Evergreen Regional Board, a talent show and karaoke party, and plenty of time for skiing, snow boarding and inner-tubing. At
the end of the weekend the Anchorage president Yael Bortnick was presented with a gavel from regional president Aaron Norr on behalf of the
entire regional board symbolizing the inclusion of Alaskan Jewish youth into Evergreen region and into the international BBYO network.
Back to Top
BBYO Newsletter
March 2005
Issue 5
BBYO e-News
BBYO, Inc. News
BBYO REACHES OUT TO PARENTS
BBYO has just created a new brochure to share important information
about the organization and its programs with the parents of
prospective members. As BBYO strives to involve more Jewish teens in
meaningful Jewish experiences, it recognizes that parents are a key
part of the equation. Each regional director will be receiving a
shipment of brochures by the end of the month. If you would like a
supply of brochures to distribute at an event where parents will be in
attendance or if you are a parent who would like a brochure, you can
contact the regional director in your area or you can e-mail
astrunk@bbyo.org
HELP BBYO REACH 12,000 ALUMNI ON THE
WEB
BBYOalumni.org already has over 4,400 alumni
registrants. Help us reach 12,000 alumni by
June. Register today at www.bbyoalumni.org
and help spread the word to alumni.
GRAND ALEPH GODOL AND INTERNATIONAL N'SIAH PAY VISIT TO OVERSEAS DISTRICTS
BBYO's 80th Grand Aleph Godol, Stephen Glatter, and 60th
International N'siah, Rachel Schwager, spent two and a half
weeks visiting BBYO's United Kingdom and Europe Districts in
December.
READ MORE
SUMMER PROGRAM FEATURE: DERECH
ERETZ
BBYO OFFERS ONE-OF-A-KIND KIBBUTZ-BASED ISRAEL EXPERIENCE
BBYO is offering an unparalleled opportunity for
Jewish teens to spend three weeks on a kibbutz this
summer. The Kallah Israel program combines the
simple joys of living on a kibbutz with expanded
learning opportunities and plenty of active touring.
Program highlights include volunteering on the
kibbutz; harvesting in the field; bonding with local
Israeli peers; cutting-edge learning sessions where
teens discuss the meaning of being Jewish around
the world; and active touring in Jerusalem's Old
City, the mystical city of ancient Tzfat and so much
more. Kallah Israel offers an incredibly unique way
to connect to the Israeli people and help build the
Jewish State. To learn more about this one-of-akind opportunity, visit www.passport2israel.org.
BBYO SEEKS DIRECTOR OF JEWISH ENRICHMENT
BBYO Newsletter
Do you have a thirst for adventure? Rock climb,
rappel, kayak and raft this summer with BBYO's
Derech Eretz program. Enjoy two weeks on the
West Coast "Sierra Adventure" or on the East
Coast "New England Adventure. To learn more,
visit www.bbyoprograms.org.
BBYO is seeking a Director of Jewish Enrichment charged with deepening the commitment of our
members to Jewish life and ensuring that Jewish learning is part of the culture of our
organization. The director will be responsible for creating and/or enhancing the Jewish learning
component in existing local, regional and international BBYO programs; working with field
professionals to create new informal learning opportunities and programs; designing Jewish
learning print materials and online resources; and training staff and youth leaders to integrate
Jewish content into BBYO programs.
READ MORE
OVER 170 TEENS AND COUNTING
Alumni News
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT'S REUNION
More than 170 teens are already signed up for
BBYO's re- energized Israel travel program,
Passport to Israel (P2I). If you are interested in
traveling, making new friends and having the
time of your life this summer, BBYO's P2I
program is right for you. For more information
or to register, visit www.passport2israel.org.
WANTED: INCREDIBLE TEENS DOING
"PAWSOME" DEEDS.
BBYO is sponsoring an International President's reunion at International Convention this summer
in honor of AZA's 80th and BBG's 60th birthdays. We have heard from almost 40 past presidents,
whose terms of service range from the 1930s through today. Past presidents will work with
current BBYOers to make this last IC at camp memorable.
If you are a past president or are in touch with any, please contact Amy Jablin at
ajablin@bbyo.org. Also, as BBYO's alumni association continues to grow, we hope to coordinate
more reunions; if you'd like to plan a BBYO summer program or reunion, please be in touch.
WHERE YOUNG LIVES TAKE SHAPE: ALIZA KLINE
Do you know a teenager who is making a
difference in your BBYO community? Build- ABear WorkshopTM is taking nominations for its
Where Young Lives Take Shape is a new feature of the BBYO e-News focusing on the
accomplishments of BBYO alumni. This month, meet Aliza Kline, executive director of Mayyim
Hayyim Living Waters Community Mikveh and Education Center, Inc.
2nd annual Huggable Heroes sm program which
recognizes everyday kids in communities all
across North America who go to extraordinary
lengths to make life better for others. From
collecting food for the hungry to raising money
to bring the arts to the elderly, kids are making
significant contributions. Go to
http://huggableheroes.buildabear.com to
nominate a BBYOer in your community by March
14. Those selected will be featured in the BuildA- Bear Workshop 2006 Huggable Heroes
Calendar and honored within their communities
throughout 2005.
GIVE TO BBYO
When Aliza Kline started 8th grade, she did not have
one Jewish friend in her hometown. She was growing
up in Colorado Springs, a one-synagogue town, which
held Reform services on Friday nights and Conservative
services on Saturdays. Her only exposure to Jewish
teens came through attending summer camp in the
Midwest.
All of that changed once Aliza attended her first BBYO
chapter meeting. Suddenly, she found herself
surrounded by Jewish peers, who she found interesting
and knowledgeable, and who made her feel comfortable
in her Jewish skin. Aliza quickly immersed herself in the
life of BBG and AZA.
READ MORE
BBYO Newsletter
BBG ALUMNAE CO-AUTHOR BOOK TO HELP MOMS RAISE HAPPIER CHILDREN
BBYO needs your annual support to reach
thousands of Jewish teens. You can contribute to
BBYO either through an unrestricted gift or by
designating your gift to a specific fund, program
or project.
Two alumnae of the B'nai B'rith Girls, Devra (Gordon) Renner and Aviva
(Kopelman) Pflock, have co-authored a book entitled, "Mommy Guilt:
Learn to Worry Less, Focus on What Matters Most and Raise Happier
Kids."
READ MORE
ASTRUNK@BBYO.ORG .
REGIONAL NEWS
COLLEGE-BOUND YOUTH PREPARE TO FIGHT BIAS ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES
Fifty BBYOers from the Connecticut Valley Region who will soon be off to institutions of higher
learning were recently advised about the negative reality of anti-Semitism, which could face
them when they arrive. Susan M. Silverman, assistant director of the Center of Human Rights
and Public Policy of B'nai B'rith hosted a discussion in an effort to help ease the concerns among
parents and the Jewish community that youth are not prepared for the shock of a professor that
expresses anti-Israel sentiments, for example.
READ MORE
WISCONSIN REGION'S JEWISH TEEN DAY OF DISCOVERY WAS MAJOR SUCCESS
Over 160 Jewish teens, including 110 BBYOers attended Getting to Know You,
the Milwaukee area's first Jewish Teen Day of Discovery held in January. The
event featured sessions on a wide range of topics, including Israeli cooking,
Jewish music, Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), Israeli self-defense, Jews and
tattoos, and halachic perspectives on homosexuality. BBYO was one of the
sponsors of the event, and AZA member, Gerad Bandos, was a key planner.
Gerad Bandos
BBYO In the News
BBYO's Eastern Canada Region appeared in The Jewish Standard for its Regional Spirit
Convention, which was attended by 70 Jewish teens from Montreal and Ottawa (Feb 2005).
The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle included an 8-page feature on BBYO's 2005 Summer
Experience; it was entitled "Local teens discover themselves and the world at BBYO summer
programs." (Feb 2005).
A new chapter in BBYO's Connecticut Valley Region was the subject of an article in the
Ridgefield Press (Feb 10, 2005).
The Kings Courier Bay News covered the addition of a new BBYO chapter in Manhattan Beach
(Feb 7, 2005).
The Columbia Jewish News dedicated a full-page spread to BBYO, including articles on BBYO's
alumni website, as well as BBYO's fall Executives and International Membership Conference (Jan
2005).
BBYO member, Amy Jennifer Rothstein, submitted an article to the Toledo Jewish News about
her experience painting a Tree of Life mural with her fellow BBGers (Jan 2005).
astrunk@bbyo.org.
BBYO Newsletter
GRAND ALEPH GODOL AND INTERNATIONAL N'SIAH PAY VISIT TO OVERSEAS DISTRICTS
"Members of BBYO, regardless of nationality, all seem to have the same presence about them," said the International Presidents. "They are
outgoing Jewish teens who are excited to meet new people and thrilled to be part of this organization."
The duo visited the United Kingdom during the district's National Spirit Convention where more than 150 members attended to cheer on their
chapters. According to Rachel and Steve, BBYO in the United Kingdom bears a striking resemblance to BBYO in the United States. And, despite
a language barrier, the BBYO experience in Europe, which is centralized in France, felt very similar to the North American BBYO experience as
well.
The visit was part of an effort to create a closer connection between North American members and their overseas counterparts. As a first step,
the international districts will be encouraging their members to participate in BBYO's International Convention this summer.
"What we have done is only the beginning of a real connection across the Atlantic," said the International Presidents.
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BBYO SEEKS DIRECTOR OF JEWISH ENRICHMENT
The qualified candidate is an ordained rabbi of any denomination and/or an experienced Jewish educator/teacher with a minimum of a master's
degree in Jewish Studies/Education. The position requires a dynamic professional who has the temperament, skills and capabilities to work with
youth, professional staff and lay leaders as a teacher, mentor, role model and motivator.
This position will be staffed out of BBYO's downtown DC headquarters and will involve approximately 30% travel. Competitive salary
commensurate with experience. If you are interested or know someone who might be interested in being considered for this position, please
send a cover letter and resume to Sidney Abrams, Director of Human Resources via e-mail at sabrams@bbyo.org.
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WHERE YOUNG LIVES TAKE SHAPE: ALIZA KLINE
What Aliza found most appealing about BBYO was its total integration of Jews across denominations. "When we had services, it didn't matter if
you were Reform, or Orthodox or Conservative. You felt comfortable at BBYO."
After attending her first regional event, a Rocky Mountain Region convention, Aliza aspired to earn a leadership position in BBYO. "I remember
seeing the International N'siah, Suri Duitch, who happened to be a member of my chapter, Rocky Mountain Chai 5179, and thinking that she
was someone I wanted to be like." So, Aliza became the President of her chapter.
She then went on to become Regional Rakkazit, which she considered to be her "dream job." As Rakkazit, Aliza managed the planning of
regional conventions. (Even Aliza's dramatic installation where her hair caught on fire was not enough to keep her away from BBYO!)
"BBYO really meant the world to me when I was growing up," said Aliza. "The social aspect of BBYO provided the perfect complement to my
stressful academic life and gave me a place to flourish, while the more serious leadership side made me feel rewarded and prepared me for
what was to come in my life."
Aliza knew from BBYO that she was most comfortable around other Jews, so she decided to attend college at Washington University in St.
Louis, which was about 35% Jewish. Here, Aliza continued her Jewish leadership involvement with Hillel.
Soon, Aliza would take her BBYO experience to the next level, as she was selected to be the Public Policy Fellow at Hillel's International Center.
Putting her convention-planning skills to use, Aliza was responsible for coordinating major conferences. More important, Aliza was gaining
exposure to everything happening in the Jewish world, including working with professionals and lay leaders.
Aliza's next steps took her to the University Student Department at the Jewish National Fund - JNF On Campus; to the New York University to
pursue a Master's Degree in Public Administration; and to the American Friends of the Hebrew University, followed by a year in Israel working
at the Jerusalem Open House, a LGBTQ Community Center focused on advancing the cause of social tolerance.
When Aliza returned to the States, she met with author Anita Diamante, the founder of Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters Community Mikveh and
Education Center, Inc. in Boston. Inspired by Diamante and committed to taking an ancient and powerful ritual - immersion in the mikveh and making it accessible to everyone for contemporary spiritual use, Aliza accepted the executive directorship. She was charged with
BBYO Newsletter
reinventing the rituals of immersion to serve the needs of a diverse 21st century Jewish community and building an institution that welcomed
all who wished to enter.
Under Aliza's leadership, Mayyim
three years, Mayyim Hayyim has
Newton, Massachusetts, where it
and healing. It all contains three
Hayyim has become an intimate and unique center for Jewish spirituality and learning. Over the course of
gained thousands of supporters and raised $1.9 million to build its new facility, a beautiful Victorian home in
provides two sparkling, kosher pools (mikvaot) for all to explore the water as a source for spiritual renewal
spacious multi-purpose rooms for meetings, classes and celebrations.
The Center is an innovative interdenominational learning resource specializing in the Jewish lifecycle and spirituality. Its pristine living water
pools draw diverse types of Jews for diverse reasons: converts marking the beginning of their lives as Jews; men and women preparing
spiritually for marriage; Jews honoring personal milestones with rituals, song and celebration; men and women recovering from addiction mark
their milestones; adoptive families bringing children to enter the covenant of Israel; women learning the mitzvah of monthly ritual immersion;
and Jews beginning anew after divorce, chemotherapy or infertility treatment.
Aliza looks at her work with Mayyim Hayyim as an "incredible opportunity to help something bloom." And, she credits BBYO with putting her
on such a meaningful path to living Jewishly. "Now that I do this work professionally, I am amazed by what we were able to accomplish as
kids in BBYO. For me, BBYO really was a life-changing experience. It shaped who I am."
Aliza is married to Rabbi Bradley Solmsen and has a one-year old daughter, Ela.
For more information on Mayyim Hayyim, visit www.mayyimhayyim.org. To contact Aliza Kline, e-mail alizak@mayyimhayyim.org.
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BBG ALUMNAE CO-AUTHOR BOOK TO HELP MOMS RAISE HAPPIER CHILDREN
Renner, a social worker, and Pflock, an early childhood educator, wrote the book to help parents who are experiencing negative emotions
resulting from the judgments of others on their parenting abilities, as well as negative emotions brought on because of how they judge
themselves as parents.
Initially, the authors, along with a third author, Julie Bort, surveyed over 1,300 parents nationwide to determine how such negative emotions,
primarily guilt, impacted their parenting experiences. Ninety-six percent of the survey respondents indicated they had guilt associated with
parenting. The authors then took the areas where they identified the most guilt and addressed potential strategies for turning their negative
feelings into something that would help them enjoy their parenting experience more.
Renner was involved in the Connecticut Valley Region BBYO from 1982 to 1985; she is a former BBYO advisor and most recently was the
Assistant Director for the St. Louis Council BBYO. Pflock is a Rocky Mountain Region alumna from 1981-84.
The book will be available in bookstores nationwide in mid-March and is currently available for presale at www.amazon.com. For more
information on the authors, the book and parenting, visit www.Parentopia.net.
Renner is available for speaking engagements. She can be contacted via e-mail at Babblingal@aol.com.
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COLLEGE-BOUND YOUTH PREPARE TO FIGHT BIAS ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES
Silverman, who coordinates diplomatic efforts between B'nai B'rith International and foreign ministers, their embassies in Washington, DC and
various international organizations, began her talk by describing the role of BBI on the international scene. She also looked at global antiSemitism and what is being done by BBI and the international Jewish community to respond. She also discussed the difference between the old
and new anti-Semitism, and finally she took a specific look at the college campus, detailing her own college experience at American University
in Washington, DC.
The BBYO members in attendance revealed confidence in their Jewish identity and pointed to their involvement in the organization and the
support they find in their AZA/BBG chapters as significant contributors. They talked about programs and conventions which emphasize heritage
and religion, and they described the feeling of solidarity they found meeting teens from all over North America.
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BBYO Newsletter
April 2005
Issue 6
RECONNECT WITH OLD FRIENDS
BBYO, Inc. News
BBYO QUADRUPLES NUMBER OF TEENS VISITING ISRAEL; P2I PROGRAM HAS CLOSE TO
300 REGISTRANTS AND COUNTING
The downward trend in Israel travel that has been
plaguing many Jewish youth organizations in recent
years has experienced a major reversal within the
world's leading trans-denominational youth movement,
BBYO, Inc. With almost 300 teens already signed up
and trips closing out fast, BBYO's re-energized Israel
travel program, Passport to Israel (P2I), will provide
more than four times as many teens as last year with
an opportunity to visit their Jewish homeland.
Over 4,600 alumni are currently registered on
www.bbyoalumni.org . Help spread the word to
alumni you know.
READ MORE
A BIG "THANK YOU" TO BBYO ADVISORS
The week of April 17-23 is designated as National Volunteer Week in
North America. We, at BBYO, would like to say Kol Hakvod (well done,
thank you) to our 800+ volunteers that work throughout the year with
our more than 16,000 participants across North America. Your
dedication enables our members to learn, grow and succeed as young
adults. Please accept our deepest gratitude for the work you are doing
with the youth of BBYO. You should be proud of your involvement with
the world's leading Jewish youth movement, and you should be
confident that your time and effort is making a significant impact on
shaping the Jewish leaders of tomorrow and, ultimately, ensuring Jewish
continuity.
Alumni News
BBYO ALUMNUS WINS PULITZER
Charles Ornstein, a journalist for the Los Angeles Times, was one of a
group of reporters recognized with the most coveted of America's
journalism prizes, the Pulitzer Prize in Public Service for a series of
stories that detailed how Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center in
Los Angeles provided care so poor that it sickened and imperiled some
patients.
SUMMER PROGRAM FEATURE: KESHER
L'YISRAEL
Photo by the
Los Angeles Times
Spend one week learning about the land, the
Ornstein is an alumnus of Kishon AZA #63 of Farmington Hills, Michigan
(1988-92). He served as Aleph Gizbor and Aleph Moreh of his chapter
and served as Regional AZA Aleph Sopher (1991-92). Charles participated
in BBYO's Directions career development program in 1990 and
participated in a BBYO Alumni trip to Israel in 1993.
Of his BBYO experience, Ornstein says, "My years in AZA taught me the
importance of leadership, teamwork, integrity and Judaism. Although I was very active in high
school activities, I couldn't wait for weekend Kishon AZA events, retreats and even meetings. I
made lifelong friendships through AZA--and my wife was an active BBG member in Texas. And,
BBYO Newsletter
people and the history of Israel, and spend
another putting your knowledge to use in the
nation's capital. For more information on BBYO's
Connection to Israel program, visit
www.bbyoprograms.org today.
of course, serving as regional Sopher helped build my love of journalism."
MORE THAN FRIENDS: FOR MANY ATLANTA COUPLES, BBYO ROMANCES MEANT LIVING
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
This article originally ran in the Atlanta Jewish Times
(www.atljewishtimes.com) Simchas supplement.
It was written by Amy Caplan.
JOIN HUNDREDS OF TEENS IN ISRAEL THIS
SUMMER
It's well known that involvement in B'nai B'rith Youth
Organization helps teens develop leadership skills and friendships
with other Jews. Although they might not have been looking for
love, for some Atlantans, BBYO helped them meet their life
partners, as well.
"It's a great place to meet your mate," says Sarah Blattner, who
met her husband Marc, through the organization. "We have
shared experiences, shared values. Marc and I have such a
shared history."
Are you interested in traveling, making new
friends and having the time of your life this
summer? If so, BBYO's Passport to Israel
program is right for you. For more information
or to register, visit www.passport2israel.org
today. Trips are filling up fast.
READ MORE
HELP END HUNGER
BBYO MEMBERS ENLIGHTEN 95-YEAR-OLDS TO BBYO PAST
Who would think that it would take several teenage boys
volunteering at a Senior facility to show two 95-year-old
men what they had in common?
At this season of Passover, people of faith are
called upon to not only remember the hungry
but also to take action to alleviate the worldwide
problem of hunger. You can take action for free.
Visit www.WorldManna.org now.
Ben Coppersmith and Jerome Vogel, both residents of
Gidwitz Place and Friends Center have known each other
for some time. However, it was not until the summer of
2004, when BBYO members Jason Horowitz, Jason
Rosen, Jon Herron and Noah Toppe came to volunteer as
part of BBYO's two-week Nitzotz community service
program that the two men discovered their common
past; they were both AZA members.
GIVE TO BBYO
READ MORE
or project.
REGIONAL NEWS
GREATER JERSEY HUDSON RIVER REGION PRODUCES EXTREME MAKEOVER: JEWISH
EDITION
ASTRUNK@BBYO.ORG .
More than 300 BBYOers from all over New Jersey and as
far away as Albany, NY, attended the Greater Jersey
Hudson River Region's Annual Judaism Institute. Using
the popular TV show, Extreme Makeover, as the
premise, the event served to reinvigorate the Jewish
spirit of participants by making Jewish history, practices
and experiences relevant to today's teens.
The convention, co-chaired by Shara Hirsch of Hillsdale
and Jordan Kaplan of Livingston, gave the delegates
from more than 30 chapters - high school freshmen to
seniors - a chance to get reacquainted and make new
friends while engaging in Jewish programming. From the icebreakers to Friday night services to
the programs, everything had a Jewish theme.
READ MORE
BBYO Newsletter
ECR'S LEAH SCHWEITZER RECEIVES TEEN LEADERSHIP AWARD
BBG member in Eastern Canada Region, Leah Schweitzer, was awarded the 2005 Grossman-Klein
Family Teen Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding dedication and service to the
Jewish community. Leah, a 10th grader, serves as Chapter Mazkirah in Eastern Canada Region's
BBYO and she also holds leadership roles with NCSY and at Yitzhak Rabin High School. Leah
received her award at the Annual General Meeting of the JCC of Ottowa.
MIAMI REGION PRESIDENTS RECEIVE AWARD FROM JCC
The Dave and Mary Alper JCC in Miami honored
Whitney Appelrouth and Jason Golzbein, the Miami
region N'siah and Godol, for devoting countless hours
to bettering the Jewish community. Whitney and
Jason were two of six honorees representing "Four
Generations of Lay Leadership."
For more information, visit
http://www.alperjcc.org/default.asp?n1=9&n2=41.
OHIO NORTHERN REGION RECOGNIZED AS "COMMUNITY CHAMPION"
Ohio Northern Region BBYO was nominated by the
Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland as a
"Community Champion" for its commitment to
community service in the Greater Cleveland area. Three
ONR BBYOers represented the organization at The
Cleveland City Year "Idealism in Action" Luncheon held
in March. Over 400 people were in attendance including
Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell.
READ MORE
ONR AZA SENIORS TAKE ON STAFF
Some seniors from Ohio Northern Region's AZA couldn't
graduate without showing up their regional staff on the
basketball court. In a recent Staff vs. Seniors Basketball
game, the AZAers came out on top with a final score of
47-40.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK REGION LENDS HAND AT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
Each month for the past 10+ years, a different chapter of BBYO's Nassau-Suffolk Region has
prepared a meal for families at the local Ronald McDonald House. The idea behind the Ronald
McDonald House is to provide a "home-away-from-home" for families of seriously ill children who
are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals, in this case, Schneider's Children's Hospital. In order
to feed the families, BBYOers get food donated or fundraise for the food by selling Passover
chocolates, hosting garage sales, selling breast cancer bracelets, etc.
READ MORE
BBYO Newsletter
MIAMI AND GOLD COAST REGION TEENS DASH TOWARD THE FINISH
More than 110 Jewish teens from Dade and Broward counties participated in the annual BBYO
Miami and Gold Coast Region Maccabiah games. Overall trophies for the games were awarded to
Har'lev BBG and Zion AZA.
BBYO In the News
The Atlanta Jewish Times life cycle events supplement, "Simchas," featured four Atlantan BBYO
couples in an article entitled, "More than Friends." See Alumni section above to read the article
in its entirety (March 2005).
Israel at Heart, an advocacy group founded by BBYO board member, Joey Low, was the
subject of an article in Hadassah Magazine. Israel at Heart, a BBYO partner is an independent
organization working to spread a positive Israeli message by sending delegations of young Israeli
volunteers to share their "real life" experiences with Jewish and non-Jewish audiences in the U.S.
(March 2005).
Big Apple regional director, Hali Herman was quoted in a Jerusalem Post article entitled, "Where
have all the young Jews gone?" In the article, Herman explains how today's Jewish youth
programs struggle for time on teens's calendars because of other commitments like SAT courses
and enrichment classes, for example (March 2, 2005).
The Charleston Jewish Voice, Charleston, SC, ran an article about BBYO programs in the Dixie
Council of Southern Region (Feb/March, 2005).
Lisa Haubenstock and Elissa Bergman, senior BBYO members, told the Richmond, VA Jewish
News why their time in BBYO has them excited about being involved with Hillel, the world's
largest Jewish college organization. They explained how their involvement in BBYO helped them
to form a strong Jewish identity and made finding a college campus with a strong Jewish
community a priority. (Feb 21, 2005).
The Redding Pilot, Ridgefield, CT, reports that the Connecticut Valley Region of BBYO has
started new chapters in Ridgefield, North and South Salem, Katonah, Lewisboro, Georgetown,
Wilton, Redding and Danbury with support from Temple Shearith Israel following tremendous
success with a middle school introductory BBYO program (Feb 17, 2005).
In an article entitled, "Dating's not dead, but teens find more fun in groups," the Seattle Times,
Seattle, WA got the update on the teen dating scene from Alanna Mednick, regional board
member of Evergreen Region BBYO. Alanna talked about the "group fun" atmosphere of BBYO
social programs (Feb 2005).
The Dayton Jewish Observer published a story on Dayton's annual Leadership Training Institute
highlighting the character development opportunities, Jewish identity building, and social outlets
of BBYO (Jan 2005).
The Canadian Jewish News featured a BBYO inter-regional convention, which was attended by
members from Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Arizona. For more,
visit www.cjnews.com/viewarticle.asp?id=5721
astrunk@bbyo.org.
BBYO QUADRUPLES NUMBER OF TEENS VISITING ISRAEL; P2I PROGRAM HAS CLOSE TO 300 REGISTRANTS AND COUNTING
BBYO Newsletter
BBYO has been providing Israel travel programs for decades but recognizes that today's teens have varied interests and expectations. So, the
organization introduced trips to connect teens of the 21st century to Israel through the things that interest them most, including culture, ecoadventure, community service, mysticism and spirituality, and peer-to-peer contact with Israelis.
BBYO is partnering with premier Israeli tour operator, Tlalim Tours, to bring teens the P2I program. With three decades of professional
experience leading youth-oriented touring programs, Tlalim is the ideal partner to provide a safe, meaningful Israel summer experience for
every Jewish teen wishing to spend three weeks in their homeland.
"BBYO is committed to connecting an unprecedented number of Jewish teens to meaningful Jewish experiences," said Matthew Grossman,
BBYO's executive director. "There is no point of connection more powerful than Israel. This summer is one step forward in ensuring a strong
Jewish future."
For more information on BBYO's Passport to Israel program or to register, visit www.passpport2israel.org today. Trips are filling up
fast.
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MORE THAN FRIENDS: FOR MANY ATLANTA COUPLES, BBYO ROMANCES MEANT LIVING HAPPILY EVER AFTER
There are no hard statistics on how many teens who meet each other through the organization subsequently marry, according to Abby Strunk,
senior manager of marketing and communications at national BBYO headquarters based in Washington, D.C. But if the Atlanta area is any
indication, unions that result from convention romances and chapter parties are fairly common.
Married BBYOers -- and all other alumni -- will have a chance to reminisce about their BBYO days of the past and catch up on the present
when they converge in Atlanta June 10, 11 and 12 for one of the largest BBYO reunions ever. The reunion marks the 80th anniversary of AZA
and the 60th anniversary of BBG.
Sarah and Marc Blattner
The Blattners just may be the highest-ranking BBYO couple, says Marc, a former grand aleph godol (president), of his marriage to Sarah
Edelman, a former international s'ganit (vice president) of BBG.
The Blattners, their daughter, Aliyah, 3 1/2 and son, Shai, 2, moved to Atlanta last July when Marc, 35, took the position of the Jewish
Federation of Greater Atlanta's chief operating officer.
For Marc, it was a return to his birthplace. Born in Atlanta, he was raised in Orlando, Fla., where he was a member of Orlando Rebels AZA
#442. He served as president of the region before being elected grand aleph mazkir (secretary) for AZA and eventually, grand aleph godol
(international president) for AZA. "BBYO was a place for me to grow personally, where I learned how to be a good listener and how to work
with others. I loved my AZA days," he said.
Sarah, now 34, and her family lived in Pittsburgh during her freshman year of high school.
Pittsburgh's strong Jewish community made it "easy to be Jewish," said Sarah. But the following year, her family moved to Dayton, Ohio,
where her mother insisted she join Chai BBG in the Kentucky-Indiana-Ohio region. Although she wanted to be rebellious, she "did it anyway. I
had to make an effort," Sarah said. "Without BBYO I wouldn't have had much Jewish identity. I got really active really quickly."
Within a year, she was president of the region. The next year, she served as BBG's international vice president for BBG.
BBYO "was my entire social interaction," she said, adding that it helped her transition when she moved to a new city as a 10th-grader. "It
helped form my Jewish identity."
Marc remembers the first time he met Sarah in 1987 at an executive board meeting in D.C.
"She walks in and I say 'Welcome to D.C. Would you like to go to lunch?'s Smooth guy that I was, I took her to Roy Rodgers."
They remained friendly, seeing each other at an international summer program in Starlight, Pa. After high school, Marc went on to Emory and
Sarah enrolled at Ohio State University in Columbus. But the summer after their freshman year, both worked as counselors at BBYO's camp in
Pennsylvania. They remember meeting at the New York Port Authority to take the bus to camp.
"We talked all the way to camp," Marc said, and they started dating soon after camp started. Marc even remembers the date of their first kiss
- June 21, 1989 - beside the lake at camp.
The couple worked at camp every summer through graduate school. They maintained a long-distance relationship, dating exclusively through
college and communicating by letters.
"I wrote her a letter every day for four and a half years," Marc says. "She still has them all."
Their first time living in the same city came when Marc moved to Baltimore to attend graduate school and Sarah relocated there to become
Baltimore Council BBYO director after graduating from graduate school.
They became engaged in November 1993 and married a year later on Nov. 27, 1994 in Orlando.
BBYO offers "a real education about people, about life, about experiences," Marc said, adding that some of their closest friends are those they
met as teens in the organization. That's one reason why the Blattners are working on the committee to plan the upcoming reunion.
Mindy and David Ellin
BBYO Newsletter
Mindy Maran, an Atlanta native, went to Briarcliff High School. David Ellin moved to Atlanta from Queens, N.Y., in 1973 and attended
Riverwood High School.
"We went to different high schools," Mindy said. "BBYO was what brought us together. It was both of our lives."
Mindy was in Tikvah BBG from 1971 to 1976. (At the time, eighth-graders could join BBYO.) She served as president of her chapter, held
positions on her chapter board and the Atlanta Council board and helped plan the 1976 Atlanta Council convention.
When David moved South, his Northern friends had advised him "Don't tell anyone you're Jewish." Once David arrived in Atlanta, AZA
members tried to get him to join BBYO. But, heeding his friends's words, he didn't admit he was Jewish. In time, though, "I finally realized
there was no reason not to."
He joined Thomas Makover AZA. "I ultimately got very involved," he said, serving as president of the chapter, chairing several committees and
holding positions on the Atlanta Council board. BBYO, David says, was different in those days.
"The JCC in midtown was the place to be," he said. He and his AZA friends spent the entire day there on Sundays, playing basketball and
holding chapter meetings.
Mindy and David met at an ice skating social for their chapters and became close friends immediately. They were dating by the end of their
junior year in 1975.
"One day we looked at each other and said this is probably more than friendship," David said.
Their families are good friends, as well. In fact, their parents live across the street from each other.
"We have pictures of us celebrating our 16th birthdays together at Benihana with both sets of parents," Mindy said. "When you meet your
spouse in high school you really feel like you've grown up together."
After high school, Mindy headed to Athens to study advertising at the University of Georgia, where she joined Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. David
started at Tulane University in New Orleans and transferred to UGA in 1977. There he majored in business and joined Tau Epsilon Phi.
David proposed to Mindy one Saturday night of their senior year on the steps of her sorority house.
The two were married at Beth Jacob Nov. 9, 1980 - and will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year. They are, David says,
"tremendously happy."
The Ellins live in Alpharetta with their three children, Caryn, 20, Jonathan, 18, and Marissa, 12, and are members of Congregation B'nai Torah.
"Our children are friends with children of our friends from BBYO," Mindy said. "The cycle continues.
"BBYO was probably one of the single most important factors in my life. It gave me my best friends, gave me a true love of my religion, all of
my leadership skills. It prepared me for business. I'm sure I wouldn't do what I do if it weren't for BBYO," said Mindy, who is the director of
JATCO -- Jewish Atlanta Teen Community Outreach - a division of the Center for Jewish Education and Experiences.
"We are both huge supporters of BBYO, what it stands for and what it teaches kids," says David, who has worked for Innotrac, a marketing
services company, for 20 years.
The Ellins wanted their children to be exposed to the camaraderie, friendship and memories they associate with BBYO.
"We really wanted her to have that experience," David said of their older daughter, now a junior at UGA. "If I had to define my teen years, it
was all BBYO."
Once out of college, David says, "I decided it was such a good experience, I wanted to give something back to it." He worked as an adviser to
a chapter, which he calls "a phenomenal experience."
The couple is still close with friends from BBYO, including a group that meets regularly for dinner and conversation.
Artie and Sherie Gumer
Artie and Sherie Gumer found themselves in the right place at the right time enough times to know it was right.
They are a BBYO couple -- but Artie wasn't even involved with BBYO when he was in high school. The New York native was active in NFTY
(North American Federation of Temple Youth), attending summer programs and acting as a song leader. But in college at McGill University in
Montreal, Canada, Artie became a BBYO adviser and a song leader for the organization's leadership program in Starlight. He led music at the
BBYO International Leadership Training Conference for a few years.
Sherie Baer grew up in Nashville, Tenn. She attended BBYO conventions, served as president of her chapter, Music City BBG, and held
positions on the Cotton States regional board and district seven board.
"BBG was what I did in high school other than go to school. It represented an opportunity to develop friendships, hone leadership skills, learn
Jewishly," she said. "It's where my desire to be a part of the community began."
The two first crossed paths at a 1975 district leadership training conference in Shreveport, La. Sherie was graduating high school and Artie was
finishing his junior year of college.
"We had a convention romance," Sherie said, adding that they kept in touch for a few months and then saw each other again at a convention
in Memphis, Tenn. After that conference, though, they lost touch for about five years.
Sherie graduated from Tulane University and moved to D.C. to attend Georgetown University graduate school. Unbeknownst to Sherie, Artie
also moved to D.C., to go to medical school at George Washington University.
BBYO Newsletter
In fact, at a BBYO convention in Sherie's hometown of Nashville, Artie asked a friend about Sherie. The friend - innocently but incorrectly -said Sherie was at Washington University in St. Louis.
Disappointed, Artie returned to D.C. In March of 1981, he was about to record a song tape for BBYO and went to the Georgetown law school
where he was to buy the tapes. As Artie was entering the building, Sherie was walking between classes - and then their chance meeting took
place.
"We happened to be in that exact same spot at the exact same time," Sherie said.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, thinking she was in St. Louis.
She asked him the same thing.
"From that day on, we knew something would happen," he said.
For her part, Sherie says she is glad she met her spouse at a young age. "There is always something about somebody who 'knew you when's
and who has observed the person you've become."
They became engaged on New Year's Eve later that year, and married August 15, 1982.
After two more years in D.C., the Gumers moved to Philadelphia, where Artie completed his residency. Afterward, he had the opportunity to
move and the couple chose Atlanta, partly because Sherie's sister and brother were here.
For the Gumers, BBYO is not just a thing of the past. An obstetrician and mohel, Artie served as an adult board chair for BBYO and the
Gumers are chairing the upcoming reunion.
"For Sherie and me, it's fun to be doing this," Artie said. "It's a way for me to give back to the organization because it meant so much to me
when I was in high school. I want to get other kids active and to love the organization. I'm more than happy to do it."
Sherie agrees: "We believe in this organization," she said. "It is near and dear to our hearts."
And they have passed on a love of BBYO to their children.
When their son, Jason, now 18, was a student at North Springs High School, he served as a council officer and chapter officer and went to
Israel with BBYO.
The Gumers's daughter, Arielle, 16 and a junior at the Weber School, participated in recent ILTC and CLTC programs, where she found they
were still using song books her father helped create.
"I've seen my own kids benefit and grow," Artie said. "It's clear it's helped them develop a Jewish identity that is hard to establish with any
other method. A service organization that fosters learning and fraternity and social action. -- what could be better?"
Sheri and David Whiteman
Sheri Silber Whiteman hails from Detroit. David Whiteman is from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, about 30-minutes away by car. He says BBYO
was one of the few ways Jews in Windsor -- a town with a small Jewish population -- could socialize with other Jews.
Sheri was 16 and David was 17 when they met at orientation camp in Starlight, Pa., and then on Israel Summer Institute, a trip to Israel.
After they returned, Sheri's chapter, Machar BBG, had a party which David and three of his friends from his AZA chapter Herzl crashed.
"We've been together ever since," said Sheri.
"BBYO was my life in high school," Sheri said. "I lived for conventions and dances."
The couple dated "long distance" for seven years while Sheri attended the University of Michigan and David, the University of Western Ontario.
They never broke up or dated other people, Sheri said, adding that, long before the advent of e-mail, instant messaging and cell phones, they
corresponded with letters and long-distance phone calls.
Sheri said she knew early on "he would be a significant person in my life."
David says he felt "contentment, satisfaction and lack of a need to look elsewhere."
"Occasionally you will meet the person to spend the rest of your life with early on," he said. "We've shared each other's lives. I've known her
brother and sister since they were kids. I knew her grandparents and they knew me."
Soon after they met, their parents met and hit it off, as well. They are close friends to this day. In fact, the connection goes back even
further. Sheri's father and David's mother knew each other in elementary school and both sets of parents found they had friends in common.
"Everybody knew everybody at the wedding," Sheri said of the ceremony that took place June 14, 1987 in Detroit.
They are the third generation of Windsor-Detroit marriages in his family
After a honeymoon in Hawaii, Sheri and David moved to Vancouver for six years while David, now 43, completed his residency in plastic
surgery. Then it was off to Washington, D.C., for a fellowship at Georgetown University. The Whitemans have lived in Atlanta for 12 years.
They live in Peachtree Corners and are members of Congregation Beth Shalom. Sheri, 42, is a stay-at-home mom to Ari, 13, and Rachel, 10,
who both attend the Davis Academy. "They know the whole story and think it's neat," she said of her children. "It's very unusual and very
special."
Says David: "We are each other's best friend."
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BBYO Newsletter
BBYO MEMBERS ENLIGHTEN 95-YEAR-OLDS TO BBYO PAST
Their past involvement in the organization not only tied them to each other, but it also tied them in a very special way to the teens that
visited with them. The four boys were anxious to speak with Vogel and Coppersmith, especially once they learned that the men knew Max
Baer, a former international director of BBYO. Coppersmith proudly showed the youth a certificate he saved that was signed by Sam Beber, the
founder of AZA.
Both men spoke about the influence that AZA had on their commitment to community service, which continued well beyond their years in the
organization. Jerome credits all his connection to Jewish knowledge and practice to AZA. According to Jerome, "AZA served as a unifier of kids.
It brought us together." The group agreed that AZA was instrumental in helping to shape them as human beings. It appears that AZA is still
uniting Jews, old and young alike.
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GREATER JERSEY HUDSON RIVER REGION PRODUCES EXTREME MAKEOVER: JEWISH EDITION
For instance, when delegates introduced themselves during icebreakers, they talked about their favorite Jewish athletes, entertainers,
musicians, and politicians. For Friday night services, delegates had the choice of participating in a musical service, a service at the Wall in
Jerusalem, a journey through Jewish history, or a health and healing service.
On Saturday morning, delegates participated in an Extreme Synagogue Makeover, talking about the things they would like to see in their
hometown synagogues, including more teen programming, gymnasium time, closer interaction with clergy, etc.
In the most ambitious program of the weekend, delegates were blindfolded and taken on a virtual ride through Israel's history since the
partition plan in 1947 to the present. They listened to the facts and figures but also heard audio of key events, including Israel's independence
in 1948, sounds of war from 1967 and 1973, and the meeting of Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat in Washington.
"The interesting twist, though, was that the delegates were split into two groups for this program - Israeli and Palestinian - and the history
they learned was from that particular perspective," explained Judi Youngman, senior regional director of GJHRR BBYO. "So the teens had an
opportunity to appreciate that historical events often depend on your perspective."
In the end, though, both groups exited the program through one door - representing the doorway to peace. They then moved into a debriefing
discussion group led by Ester David, BBYO International Sh'licha, who talked about prospects for peace from the perspective of an Israeli
citizen.
Other event highlights included a "Choices" program which demonstrated the limited choices that European Jews had during the Holocaust;
community service work for the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital and the Central New Jersey Jewish Home for the Aged; a Jewish arts
program which included baking mandel brot, making Hebrew necklaces and mezuzahs; and a semi-formal dance.
"This was really a fantastic convention," said Youngman. "Each program contributed to giving the teens a better understanding of their Jewish
background and their opportunities for Jewish expression."
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OHIO NORTHERN REGION RECOGNIZED AS "COMMUNITY CHAMPION"
City Year is a community-wide partnership of government, foundations non-profit organizations and Cleveland's most dynamic private
corporations, which seeks to promote the concept of national service. This year, City Year has united seventy 17-24-year-olds to produce a
corps of powerful young idealists who recognize the virtues of sacrifice and commitment.
BBYO's Greater Cleveland area teens were recognized for their work with the TASC project (Teens Actively Serving the Community). As part of
TASC, they work to create a formal partnership with a local non-profit agency to do volunteer work on a regular basis with organizations like
Stone Gardens, Menorah Park and the Ronald McDonald House. ONR has also coordinated fundraisers to help raise money for causes and
scholarships, including a regional "Consuming for Cancer" and a Dance Marathon as part of the 2004 Federation Campaign for Jewish Needs
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NASSAU-SUFFOLK REGION LENDS HAND AT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
The efforts go beyond cooking a full-course meal of interesting ingredients; the BBYOers spend copious amounts of time getting to know the
individual families. Not only are the members graciously thanked, but every helper also gains a little more self-awareness as they travel the
path to being a good Jewish citizen. Careful to have the utmost respect and privacy for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House
during a time of great need, the members of NSR leave their mark on many hearts and secure a place in their own for putting the needs of
others less fortunate as their highest priority.
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BBYO Newsletter
May 2005
Issue 7
If you have information to share or comments about the BBYO e-News, please contact Abby
Strunk at astrunk@bbyo.org. Thank you and enjoy!
BBYO, Inc. News
BBYO IS A FAMILY AFFAIR
By Ian Kandel
BBYO is widely known as the world's oldest and largest
Jewish teen-led organization that offers countless
leadership, Jewish, community service and travel
opportunities for Jewish teens everywhere. Regardless of
which of the many ways Jewish teens can get involved
in BBYO, the result is the same; they establish a strong
commitment to the Jewish community at a young age.
This is not only why BBYO has been a tremendous part
of hundreds of thousands of Jewish lives, but it is also
why BBYO is so highly regarded by parents everywhere
as the type of involvement they want for their children.
alumni you know.
SUMMER PROGRAMS ARE CLOSING OUT
FAST
Ryan, Ina and Jordan Enoch
READ MORE
REGIONAL NEWS
JENNA WEINBERG RECEIVES EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD
Judaism, we have a program for you. Register
today, before it's too late. Visit
Longtime Tulsa resident and local philanthropist,
Jeanette Altman Frieden, has chosen her 2nd recipient
of the Jeanette Altman Frieden Excellence in Education
Scholarship. This year's winner is Jenna Weinberg of the
North Texas/Oklahoma-Tulsa (NTO) Region. Jenna will
be graduating from Jenks High School and going to the
University of Indiana. She has a 4.0 and is currently
N'siah of Nona Bloch Salomon BBG #243.
READ MORE
Jenna Weinberg volunteering
SUMMER PROGRAM FEATURE: CLTC
BIG APPLE REGIONAL DIRECTOR HONORED BY THE NORTHEAST QUEENS JEWISH
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Hali Herman, the director of BBYO's Big Apple Region,
has been selected by the Northeast Queens Jewish
Community Council as one of three honorees, including
State Senator Frank Padavan, for the instrumental role
that she has played in putting BBYO on the map in the
Northeast Queens area
READ MORE
BBYO Newsletter
Prepare for chapter leadership in a hands - on,
interactive way at BBYO's two- week Chapter
Leadership Training Conference. Choose from
summer camps in Wisconsin or Pennsylvania or
the University of Judaism in Los Angeles.
Hali Herman, third from left
ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION KICKS OFF J-SERVE IN BIG WAY
CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM SEEKS
PARTICIPANTS AGED 15-20
As one of the lead agencies to receive a grant from Panim, BBYO's
Rocky Mountain Region (RMR) held an extremely successful Jewish
Teen Day of Service (J-Serve). The region's "Mitzvahpalooza" event
gave 160+ teens the opportunity to serve their community in a
variety of ways. Teens performed community service at several
locations around the Denver-area ranging from restoring an old,
under-funded Jewish cemetery to helping at the Ronald McDonald
House.
Children of Abraham promotes interaction
between Jewish and Muslim youth in 40
countries on 6 continents through a cyberinternship program, local chapters, partnerships
on college campuses between Hillel and the
Muslim Students Association and high school
exchange programs. To learn more, visit
www.children- of- abraham.org.
READ MORE
GIVE TO BBYO
Alumni News
FORMER GRAND ALEPH GODOL FINDS GRAND SUCCESS IN FASHION INDUSTRY
In a span of just over ten years, Scott Sternberg went
from leading the world's preeminent Jewish teen
movement as BBYO's Grand Aleph Godol (1992-93) to
working at a LA-based talent agency with some of the top
names in the entertainment industry to making his mark
on the fashion world. In April 2004, the former Ohio
Northern Region BBYOer launched a clothing line, Band of
Outsiders, which is now available in 18 stores in the U.S,
Canada and Japan and soon to be in 35 stores around the
world.
or project.
To subscribe or to submit news, events or
comments for the new BBYO e-Newsletter,
e-mail astrunk@bbyo.org .
colleagues who might be interested.
Scott Sternberg
Barneys New York window.
READ MORE
STILL MAKING MEMORIES REUNION IN ATLANTA
Wondering what happened to your old friends from BBYO? Curious to meet BBYO alumni? Want
to reconnect to BBYO's current program and learn how you can be involved as an alum? Join us
for BBYO, Inc.'s Still Making Memories Alumni Reunion taking place June 10-12 in Atlanta, GA.
This event is for everyone - for those from Atlanta-area chapters and from chapters from across
North America. Programs will include BBYO-style Shabbat services at Temple Emanu-El, a
Saturday evening anniversary celebration at Zaban Park and alumni basketball games on Sunday.
For registration information call 770.395.2557, visit www.atlantajcc.org or e-mail
deena.profis@atlantajcc.org.
BBYO Newsletter
BBYO In the News
President Sam Rubin of Gottleib AZA in Fairfield, Connecticut was quoted in the Connecticut
Post as a representative of BBYO attending a Holocaust Memorial service (May 2005).
The San Diego Union Tribune reported that generally teen trips to Israel are on the rise and
spoke with Lane Schlessel, BBYO's Director of Program Enrichment, regarding the success of
the 2005 Passport to Israel program (May 2005).
The Jewish Journal in South Florida recently interviewed the newly elected regional Godol and
N'siah about their experiences in BBYO (April 2005).
The Washington Jewish Week wrote about teen volunteers from AZA in Northern Region East
working with members of the Shalom Chapter for teens with developmental disabilities to sort
donated foods at the Manna Food Bank in Rockville, MD (March 2005).
The Cleveland Jewish News reported that Jessica Solomon, Jordan Blimbaum and Tracy
Levine, BBYO members in Ohio Northern Region, were recognized as "City Champions" at the
"Idealism in Action" luncheon on March 14 (March 2005).
The Jewish Community Voice featured members of the South Jersey region who worked with
members of the Saltzman House Knitting Club to make over 50 blankets and other items, which
will be taken and donated in Bulgaria during the annual winter trip (March, 2005).
The JT News in Mercer Island covered the launch of the new Jewish teen basketball league in the
greater Seattle area (March 2005).
The Toledo Jewish News in Ohio reported on the BBYO Beau Sweetheart 2005 in Akron (March
2005).
The Canadian Jewish News reported on BBYO Eastern Canada Region's annual convention,
which brought together teens from Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa (March 3, 2005).
The Columbus Telegram (OH), Cadillac News (MI), Kingsport Times (TN), Leader (NY), Greenville
News (SC) ran an article entitled, "Dating's not dead, but teens find fun in groups," in which
BBYO member, Alanna Mednick, talks about the group fun that can be found in BBYO (March 1,
2005).
Members of the Orlando Rebels AZA chapter were recognized in the Florida Heritage Jewish
News for volunteering to escort the women with umbrellas attending the Jewish Federation's
Women Division campaign dinner during a rainy evening (February 2005).
The Dayton Jewish Observer (OH) interviewed BBYO alumnus Larry R. Skolnick, who recently
assumed the position of executive vice president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton (Feb
2005).
The Kentucky-Indiana-Ohio Regional convention was the focus of a recent article in the
Dayton Jewish Observer (Feb 2005).
The San Diego Jewish Times included an article on BBYO's Aleph Society, a group of
philanthropic leaders willing to commit $25,000 annually toward strengthening the organization
(Feb 25, 2005).
The Jewish Western Bulletin in Vancouver reported on a collaborative effort between the youth
of BBYO, NCSY, USY and Temple Shalom Youth. The teens worked together to organize a
shopping spree at a local supermarket to collect food for the Jewish food bank (Feb 25, 2005).
The Texas Jewish Post featured BBYO's Israel travel program, Passport to Israel (Feb 24,
2005).
The Jewish Herald-Voice (TX) featured the Lonestar Region's leadership weekend (Feb 17,
2005) as well as its summer program promotion night (Feb 24, 2005).
astrunk@bbyo.org.
Spanning over 38 regions and 16,000 members internationally, BBYO, Inc. is a worldwide, transdenominational, teen- led organization that provides opportunities for Jewish teens to develop their
BBYO Newsletter
BBYO IS A FAMILY AFFAIR
By Ian Kandel
Ina Enoch, of Atlanta, Georgia, is a proud alumna and an even prouder parent. Ina was an active member of Ahavah BBG in Charleston, South
Carolina. She attended BBYO's Jewish learning institute, Kallah, and the International Leadership Training Conference at BBYO's Perlman camp
in Starlight, Pennsylvania before she served as Dixie Council S'ganit (VP) during the 1972-1973 programming year.
It was because of the rewarding experience Ina had as a BBYO member, that she encouraged her sons, Ryan and Jordan, to join when it was
their turn. Initially both boys were hesitant of the "whole youth group scene," but Ina was sure that it was the Jewish experience they needed.
And as most mothers are, she was right. "Both boys soared in BBYO," Ina recalls. "They made long-lasting friendships and they quickly became
chapter and Council leaders, both serving as Shaliach (Judaism and community service VP) at each level."
Ina has gotten involved as
welcomed area lay leaders
Ina's involvement, she has
are also able to effectively
an active parent volunteer by participating in Atlanta's Adult Advisory Board for the past five years. Ina recently
to her home for a fundraising event with Lynn Schusterman, chair of the BBYO, Inc. board of directors. Through
come to greatly respect the professional staff as individuals who are not only able to relate to the teens, but who
encourage the youth to foster their own leadership abilities.
"BBYO gave Ryan and Jordan an environment to build self-confidence, practice public speaking, and develop their own creativity. Without a
doubt the boys participation in BBYO has been a positive experience that will encourage future involvement in the Jewish community." Ina
strongly believes that, "BBYO is a great way to keep Jewish teens Jewish."
Jordan, an alumnus of Hazakah AZA, is a rising senior at New York University, and Ryan, a recent alumnus of Frank Fierman AZA, will be
starting his freshman year at the University of Southern California. Ina is excited about another upcoming year of being involved in the Atlanta
BBYO community. "We cherish the years we have spent in BBYO and we have set up a scholarship fund in honor of the boys to provide
opportunities for other teens to participate in conventions and summer programs."
ATTENTION PARENTS: All BBYO regions have volunteer opportunities for you to help strengthen BBYO locally. Contact your local
office today to find how you can get involved!
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JENNA WEINBERG RECEIVES EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD
Each year a Tulsa BBYO graduating senior is awarded a $10,000 scholarship to be used at the college of his/her choice for tuition, dorm fees,
books, etc. This scholarship award is based on four criteria: a point system that rewards participation and leadership positions in BBYO as well
as a cumulative GPA, an essay, an evaluation by Tulsa BBYO staff and financial need.
Mazel tov to Jenna and many thanks to Jeanette Altman Frieden. She has created something that will inspire active BBYO participation,
academic achievement and excellence in the community as a whole.
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BIG APPLE REGIONAL DIRECTOR HONORED BY THE NORTHEAST QUEENS JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL
For the last four years, Big Apple Region has been an active member of the Council by sitting on various committees and involving BBYO teens
in a number of events hosted by the Council, as well as providing support and guidance for programming initiatives.
Gail Eisenberg, the Council's executive director, said that Herman was being honored because, under her leadership, BBYO has become a solid
force in the region. Eisenberg feels that Herman's networking has increased BBYO's visibility in the local community and has enabled BBYO
leaders to shine. She calls Herman "a great community team player."
Herman will be honored at an installation breakfast on October 30, at which many of New York's political figures will be among the
approximately 250 attendees.
Partnerships such as the one between BBYO and the Council in the New York region will only serve to involve more youth in Jewish
programming, leading to Jewish continuity in the community.
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION KICKS OFF J-SERVE IN BIG WAY
"I have to admit that I was very surprised with the turnout," said Alexis Hailpern, RMR's engagement/outreach coordinator and Mitzvahpalooza
2005 event planner. "I received countless e-mails after the event from teens thanking me for introducing them to the value of community
service. The kids really do care and want to make a difference in their community when you give them the opportunity."
The day began with learning about Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) with Rabbi Joshua Katzan of the Hebrew Educational Alliance. The teens
then boarded buses to their specific service sites. Upon arrival, they learned about Halachic (Jewish law) approaches to their specific service or
to the goal of the specific service organization. The learning materials were developed by David Adelstein, RMR's regional director and Jewish
educator and Hailpern.
BBYO Newsletter
Teens who delivered Passover baskets to the Jewish needy, for example, learned about "Ahavat Yisrael" or loving all fellow Jews, while teens
who restored a Jewish overnight camp, the JCC Ranch Camp, learned about the Halachic opinion on the place and treatment of insects. Teens
then performed their community service.
"It was a great engagement event; social action and community service is a great way to engage unaffiliated teens. So many of the
organizations that we helped out noted how great our BBYO teens were and they have asked us back for future opportunities," notes Hailpern,
who is ready to plan Mitzvahpalooza 2006.
Nationally, J-serve was the first ever North American day of service for Jewish teens. Corresponding with Youth Service America's National
Youth Service Day, J-serve offered Jewish teens in both the U.S. and Canada a way to get involved in many of their local communities. JServe was supported in large part by a gift from the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation.
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FORMER GRAND ALEPH GODOL FINDS GRAND SUCCESS IN FASHION INDUSTRY
Immediately renowned for its ties designed for guys who don't where them, Sternberg's collection has expanded beyond the collar to include
vintage-inspired shirts and pants that make a man stand apart without sticking out. Recently featured in GQ's Five Labels That Will Shape Your
Style in '05 along with brands like Perry Ellis and Yves Saint Laurent, Band of Outsiders clothing has been spotted on famed musicians like
Michael Stipe and Beck.
"The idea of the line centers on the outsider. The quiet, cool and cunning individuals among a society of daft followers," said Sternberg who
named the line after the 1964 Jean-Luc Godard movie about a trio who botch a robbery but look good doing it.
Of his BBYO experience Sterberg says, "I think I probably came out of the womb as a Type-A, hyper-motivated leader. What my experience in
BBYO taught me was how to take that energy and translate it to others, to get them behind whatever the cause was at the time, to connect
with them as friends and colleagues, and to relax and have fun in the process."
For more information on the clothing line, visit http://www.bandofoutsiders.com.
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BBYO Newsletter
June 2005
Issue 8
B-THERE. B-READY. B-LINKED. COMING
FALL 2005.
BBYO, Inc. News
BBYO MEMBERS: CHECK YOUR MAILBOX FOR THE NEW SHOFAR
This June, every AZA and BBG member can look
forward to receiving an issue of the BBYO newspaper,
the Shofar, in the mail. This marks the first time in five
years that the newspaper has been printed and mailed
to every BBYO member. Consistent with the
organization's teen-led structure, the Shofar is written
by members, for members. Among the article topics
covered in the new issue of the Shofar are BBYO's new
Passport to Israel program, being Jewish in the South
and a feature on BBYO's Sh'licha, Ester David. Also
included in the newspaper are messages from BBYO's
80th Grand Aleph Godol, Stephen Glatter, and 60th
International N'siah, Rachel Schwager.
If you would like to request copies of the Shofar for
your chapter or region, please contact
astrunk@bbyo.org.
alumni you know.
SUMMER PROGRAMS ARE CLOSING OUT
FAST
Alumni News
WHERE YOUNG LIVES TAKE SHAPE: RACHEL DOYLE
Where Young
BBYO e-News
BBYO alumni.
president and
Lives Take Shape is a feature of the
focusing on the accomplishments of
This month, meet Rachel Doyle,
founder of GlamourGals Foundation.
At the age of 17, Rachel Doyle, a BBG alumna from
Commack, NY, was running her own non-profit
organization. GlamourGals is a community service
program that brings teen volunteers into nursing
homes to give women makeovers and facials. After
such glamorous treatment, the women gain confidence
and pride in who they are and how they look.
Rachel's startup has grown to operate with 15
chapters in six states: New York, New Jersey, Ohio,
Connecticut, Illinois and Florida. Last fall, GlamourGals
had its first GlamourGals Leadership Training Institute
BBYO Newsletter
Judaism, we have a program for you. Register
today, before it's too late. Visit
SUMMER PROGRAM FEATURE: ILTC
in Manhattan, sponsored by Maybelline New York, and
celebrated the completion of 1,500 makeovers since
its inception.
Rachel has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show
and CBS's The Early Show. Rachel's work has also
Rachel Doyle
been profiled in numerous publications, including the
New York Times, Glamour, and CosmoGirl. She was
named one of the first "CosmoGirls of the Year." She was also the recipient of the Prudential
Spirit of Community Service Award in 2001. Rachel recently graduated with a degree in Policy
Analysis and Management from Cornell University's College of Human Ecology.
In a recent interview conducted by Marin Stein, a communications intern at BBYO's International
Office, Rachel explained how her experience in BBYO influenced her efforts to create a
community service-based non-profit organization.
I think first and foremost BBYO gave me the leadership and organization skills. I held chapter
and regional positions and I was able to flex my public speaking muscles. BBYO summer camps
(CLTC, ILTC, Kallah and IC) gave me the knowledge to write a mission statement and program
outline for the organization. People would ask, "How did you know to write those things?" and I
would say, "BBYO taught me!"
READ MORE
Are you a BBYO officer? If you are not signed up
to be a part of International Leadership Training
Conference, the "think- tank" of BBYO, where
BBYO officers create program content and a
vision for the future operations of AZA and BBG,
visit www.bbyoprograms.org today.
GIVE TO BBYO
or project.
BBYO ALUMNI COUPLE CREATES OYBABY
Inspired by their 6-month old son, Rob and Lisi Wolf
founded OyBaby LLC with the mission to spark a
lifetime of Jewish wonderment through sight and song.
Rob, a former regional Godol from Ohio Northern
Region, and Lisi, also a BBYO alumna, started OyBaby
from their home office in Mercer Island, Washington
in November 2003. Today OyBaby has shipped its
acclaimed DVD, VHS and CD products for Jewish
babies to 44 states and 5 countries. Jewish babies
everywhere are clapping and singing to the first video
designed especially for them. OyBaby combines
colorful imagery of Jewish objects, children, puppets,
and nature with fun and familiar Hebrew music that
Rob and Lisi Wolf
with their children David and Sadie
both babies and grownups can enjoy. OyBaby products
are sold at Judaica and gift stores nationwide, and
online through Judaica websites, Amazon.com, and OyBaby's own website, www.oybaby.com.
BBYO BIG APPLE REGION TO HOLD REUNION
CORRECTION
The May issue of the BBYO eNews
inaccurately stated that fashion designer,
Scott Sternberg, was an alumnus of the
Ohio Northern Region. Sternberg was a
member of the Kentucky Indiana Ohio
region.
Big Apple Region alumni from all generations are invited to attend the Second Annual Big Apple
Region BBYO Alumni Reunion being held on Saturday, August 13 at 9pm at the Wyndham Garden
Hotel at LaGuardia Airport. Enjoy an evening of dancing, dining and reminiscing. The cost is $80
per person. For more information, visit bigapplealumni@aol.com.
BBYO ALUMNI ELECTED TO MSU HILLEL BOARD
Michigan State University recently announced its five new board members that have been elected
to serve on the MSU Hillel Jewish Student Union executive board. Two of these new members,
BBYO Newsletter
Ariana Segal and Danny Rosenberg, both of West Bloomfield, MI, are former members of BBYO.
Ariana was elected vice president of programming and Danny was elected vice president of
communications.
BBYO ALUMNI AWARDED CREAGER MEMORIAL AWARD
Jason Plotkin, former International AZA web chair and a life member of Lonestar Region's Jack
Lubel AZA #2092 (Houston, TX), has been awarded the 2005 Creager Memorial Award at Sam
Houston State University. This honor is bestowed each year to a graduating male senior who has
made the most outstanding contributions to overall student life at SHSU. The Houston Chronicle
has interviewed Plotkin for a feature story to run this summer in their weekly "Faces in the
Crowd" series.
REGIONAL NEWS
NORTH STAR BBYO LEADS COLLECTION DRIVE AND OPTS TO DONATE PRIZE
Members of North Star BBYO are active participants in a
community service and social action program created by
the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota
and the Dakotas. "Justice Squared" holds collection
drives in which all youth groups work together to bring
in donations, including books, food, toiletries, winter
gear for refugees, clothing and school supplies. As of
March, youth groups have collected 1,165 items to
donate to those in need.
The youth group who collects the most each month
wins a prize of $50 towards an ice cream party, camera
North Star BBYO
or other prize. North Star BBYO collected the most
clothing in both February and March, and won $100! In
the sprit of tikkun olam, BBYO chose a different road and elected to donate the combined $100
prize to local charities. North Star participants are hoping to win the April prize as well but
results are still pending! For more information: http://www.northstarbbyo.com/PastPrograms.htm
NORTH STAR MEMBERS ATTEND THE TWIN CITIES COMMUNITY YOM HASHOAH
COMMEMORATION CEREMONY
On May 5, BBYO's North Star Region participated, as it
has for the past 10 years, in "Unto Every Person There
is a Name," a citywide ceremony during which
participants read aloud the names of Holocaust victims.
Before the ceremony, two BBYOers were on stage
reading names while the others lined the halls of the
synagogue in which the program was being held. Two
participants of last year's March of the Living, Dori
Moscowitz and Andrew Spencer, read a letter written by
a concentration camp liberator.
North Star Members Attend
the Twin Cities Community
BBYO IS FRONT AND CENTER AT COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY IN TORONTO
BBYO members were part of over 150 teens from
across Toronto that gathered to participate in a day of
community service. T2:Tikkun Toronto linked teens from
various youth movements in a day of Jewish service
learning and hands-on experience at social service
agencies throughout the city. Teens met and discussed
tikkun olam (repairing the world) and gemilut hasadim
(social action) before setting off to various sites in the
city to participate in various community service
activities including: rejuvenating the landmark Minsk
Synagogue, working with the Ve'ahavta (a nonprofit
BBYO Newsletter
organization that responds to global crisis), collecting
garbage while cycling through the city's Greenland,
Community Service Day
volunteering for the MS Walkathon, and assisting with
in Toronto
the community seder at the Baycrest Geriatric Alzheimer
Unit. BBYO members learned the importance of
contributing to their community and impacting the lives of others.
T2:Tikkun Toronto is the local version of J-Serve 2005, the American national day of service for
Jewish youth. BBYO organized T2:Tikkun Toronto with the participation of the Bathurst Jewish
Community Centre, National Conference of Synagogue Youth (NCSY), United Synagogue Youth
(USY) and Canadian Young Judea (YJ).
NASSAU-SUFFOLK REGION HOSTED ITS ANNUAL SPRING PROJECT HOPE FOOD DRIVE
On April 17, the Nassau-Suffolk Region of BBYO worked together to make Passover a little
brighter and tastier for elderly members of their communities. Participants gathered early in the
morning in a Syosset warehouse and bagged tons of groceries that would eventually be delivered
to older residents who could not afford to pay for holiday groceries or shop for themselves. Like
an old-fashioned assembly line, members of BBYO picked up items, everything from matzo to
bitter herbs, and put them into bags. After the groceries were bagged, the volunteers packed up
cars and headed out to make deliveries.
Fran Haskell, the regional director of BBYO, said that Project Hope exemplifies the giving nature
of the organization. "This is truly a mitzvah," she said. "There are so many people who need
food but can't afford it or can't go out and get it. Today, though, we can really help people
celebrate the holiday."
READ MORE
CENTRAL REGION WEST AND CARAVAN FOR DEMOCRACY THROW YOM HA'ATZMAUT
BASH
BBYO's Central Region West and Caravan for Democracy High School Edition joined forces on
May 11 at Temple Beth David in Saratoga to learn about Israel and celebrate its 57th birthday.
The event included an Israeli falafel dinner, a keynote speaker as well as an Israeli hip-hop
dance party. The speaker, Donna Rosenthal, who is a renowned journalist and author of The
Israeli's: Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land, discussed different aspects of Israeli society,
as well as several of the challenges and issues facing Israel today. The event was a great
success, bringing together over 90 teens, including American and Israelis and BBYO members
and non-members alike. For more information on Caravan for Democracy, visit
www.caravanfordemocracy.org.
BBYO In the News
The Independent, a Kansas City newspaper, announced that the BBYO Chapter Nordaunian
hosted its 70th Annual Matzo Ball Dance on April 9 at the Overland Park Convention Center in
Kansas City, MO. Carey Hollerbach was crowned as the 2005 Matzo Ball Queen. More than 500
guests attended the ball, and the proceeds will be donated to the B.E.S.T. Foundation, which
supports education and self-teaching programs for breast cancer awareness nationwide (May 7,
2005).
Paul Lynch, Esq., JCC President, publicly thanked BBYO along with other Charleston Jewish
community organizations that have helped make participation in the Charleston JCC grow by over
90%! Lynch stated in the Charleston Jewish Voice that "Today, the JCC is bursting with activity
by people of all ages" (April-May 2005).
Nassau-Suffolk Region BBYO completed its 29th Project Hope, a program that provides and
BBYO Newsletter
delivers food items to elderly and needy Jewish families during Passover. Thirty BBYO teens
helped assemble large shopping bags with a variety of Passover products at the JCC of New
Haven, according to the Connecticut Jewish Ledger (April 22, 2005).
Over 60 teens gathered at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, FL on March 26 for the annual BBYO
Jewish Prom. Teens came decked out in their most impressive dresses, suits and tuxes to enjoy
an evening that included a Havdalah service, a kosher-style dinner, and hours of dancing and
socializing with friends, as reported by the Florida Heritage Jewish News (April 22, 2005).
Lester Sherman Okeon AZA hosted the first ever Memphis Jewish Community Youth Talent
Show on April 10, at the Memphis JCC and featured 17 talented participants. According to the
Hebrew Watchman, the BBYO talent show was a huge success. The first-prize winner received
a $1000 scholarship for any BBYO Summer Program, any Judaic Camp or Israel Trip of their
choice (April 21, 2005).
In an interview with Adam Neiberg and Randi Diamond, recently elected AZA Aleph Godol
(president) and BBG N'siah (president) in South Florida, the Jewish Journal learned that BBYO,
with its 10 new chapters in the area, is experiencing a renaissance among Jewish teenagers.
Both Adam and Randi had older siblings in BBYO and have followed in their footsteps and
deepened their commitment to BBYO. Adam said, "BBYO has done a lot for my Jewish identity
and I like the fact that I can have a leadership role in the community." Randi said, "Without
BBYO, I wouldn't be who I am today" (April 21, 2005).
The Rose Belz Kriger BBG held a successful series of programs in Memphis, TN, according to
an article in the Hebrew Watchman. These programs have included a carwash at the Memphis
JCC, a scavenger hunt, a "roast" in which new members were inducted, as well as an
undefeated season in basketball (April 14, 2005).
North Texas-Oklahoma Region BBYO leads the nation in the numbers of participants
registered for BBYO's international summer programs, according to the Texas Jewish Report.
Currently, 70 teens from this region will have the opportunity to experience travel, community
service, outdoor adventures, leadership training, the arts, Judaism and Israel (April 7, 2005).
BBYO members in Youngstown, OH participated in the annual Shoah Memorial Ceremony and
the twelfth annual Community Holocaust Commemoration, held on May 5 and May 10, according
to the Jewish Journal. This year's theme was From Liberation to the Pursuit of Justice in
conjunction with the national theme set at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum (April 2005).
The Stark Jewish News, Canton, OH, featured two BBYO members in an article describing BBYO's
annual Beau-Sweetheart Weekend in Akron, Ohio. Marty Shankle and Lauren Porter were
named Beau and Sweetheart, respectively. Canton set a record of 20 BBYO members in total to
participate in the event (April 2005).
The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle reported on Milwaukee BBYO's "Community Walk for Israel."
Those walking will bring an Israeli with him or her - symbolically. Each participant of the walk
receives a tag with the name of an Israeli living in Sovev Kinneret, Milwaukee's Partnership
2000 region in Israel, which includes Tiberias and the area around Lake Kinneret. The walk is
just one of the events planned for the two-day Milwaukee Celebrates Israel 2005 Event, May 1112 (April 2005).
astrunk@bbyo.org.
BBYO International Office
800 Eighth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
READ MORE OF BBYO'S INTERVIEW WITH RACHEL:
What inspired you to create GlamourGals?
GlamourGals was created in honor of my grandmother. She used to work for Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon where she did the hair of famous
socialites! Also, my nature is always to be creative and while being creative have fun and do something good for someone else. I thought
recreating a salon experience that women of all ages could share in would be really neat.
How did you launch a program for these extraordinary makeovers?
BBYO Newsletter
Well, I started developing the program when I was 16 in August of 1999 and my first makeover was completed in January of 2000. There was
a lot of work that went into it. When I first went to a nursing home they told me I needed corporate sponsorship. I was like... what? So my
idea of getting "corporate" sponsorship was to open the yellow pages and start calling places that had anything to do with makeup and
photography. I finally had a break with a Mary Kay representative in my neighborhood who donated some makeup and helped with the first
few makeovers.
What were some difficulties you experienced when creating GlamourGals and how did you overcome them?
I think with any new project or program it is about educating people. GlamourGals is new and no one else was or is executing a program like
this so you need to convince people that it is a worthwhile organization to take part in.
Also, there is so much work that goes into a creating a program. Some people think you just have an idea, and everything just happens and
then everyone pats you on the back. You need to be committed and passionate about what you do because there are those moments (many of
them) when its only you working late into the night or early in the morning and there is no one there patting you on the back. It is just you,
and your passion to make a difference.
How does GlamourGals affect people?
I have been quoted before as saying that GlamourGals is magical. It really is. I started this program with the idea of connecting two
generations in a way that made both groups feel beautiful and special. If anyone has ever volunteered before and you are meeting a group of
people for the first time the room is usually dead silent. Even before a GlamourGals makeover the room can be silent. But once that makeover
starts the room is immediately electrified with colors, laughter, and story sharing... I have never left a quiet makeover.
The program is now in six states NY, NJ, OH, CT, IL and FL. With this growth the mission statement has evolved. What first started as a
simple intergenerational program is now a great way for young women to gain non-profit leadership experience. GlamourGals is organized into
Chapters, which are headed by a Chapter President. The Chapter Presidents are young women who recruit/retain volunteers, schedule
makeovers, publicize events, hold fundraisers and attend leadership seminars. The young women run chapters like a "mini-nonprofit" franchise.
Each Chapter President becomes part of a larger network of elite, young women presidents. To start a Chapter is easy... you just hit
www.GlamourGals.org and go to "Get Involved." The information is there.
What advice do you have for teens wanting to start their own organization?
I think a lot of people think they want to start their own organization but they haven't done the research. Having a unique idea is always
helpful. Make sure you have checked out if someone else is already doing what you want to do and if they are, jump on their project and
make it better. It is much easier to improve upon something than trying to create your own thing from nothing.
How can current BBYO members become involved in GlamourGals?
There are multiple ways! BBGer's can start chapters! They already have at least 10 volunteers and the Position of Chapter President could be
filled by the community service chair. They should hit www.GlamourGals.org and register!
We also have cool events. I love to mix "media" type events with learning experiences for young women. On June 23, 2005 we are having an
event called "Glamour in the City" and Sheila Johnson, CEO of Salamander hospitality (co-founder of Black Entertainment Television) is our
keynote speaker. We're also having a GG art exhibit and live jazz. Estee Lauder is also sponsoring it! It is a great way to support GG, learn
more about the program, network with other amazing young women and also possibly meet some celebrities. You can RSVP on
www.GlamourGals.org.
This October we are also going to have our second annual leadership training institute. Think red carpet meets leadership. Last year we had an
awesome panel of speakers (everyone from a CBS news correspondent to an editor in chief of a teen magazine), luncheon, workshops and cool
goodie bags from Maybelline New York.
How do you see GlamourGals developing in the future?
Since I am graduating this year from Cornell University my goal is to run this full time. I am working on obtaining the funds and sponsors to
make this a nationwide program. Currently, there are hundreds of people in over 25 states that have emailed me to start a chapter from
California to Virginia. We have even had international interest! Now, I am working on raising the funds to bring the program to them!
Your leadership and creativity have made GlamourGals the successful organization that it is today. What advice can you give to
today's BBYO members so that they can become creative leaders?
Creating something is not something you can do successfully on your own. Maybe in the beginning you can, but in order for it to grow and
fully develop you need a team. My advice is to surround yourself with talented and sincere people. At first that was my family, but now it is
the mentors I have found. Do not be ashamed to say, "I am not the best at this." Be ashamed if you admit it and don't do anything about it.
Rachel speaks regularly all over the country to schools, parents, teachers, senior citizens and business groups about her experiences and the
GlamourGals Foundation. If you'd like to arrange for Rachel to speak to your group, please contact Amy Saltzman at Amy@GlamourGals.org.
Visit the GlamourGals website at http://www.glamourgals.org/home/home.cfm
Back to Top
NASSAU-SUFFOLK REGION HOSTED ITS ANNUAL SPRING PROJECT HOPE FOOD DRIVE
Amanda Abrahams, the regional N'siah (president) of the Nassau Suffolk B'nai B'rith Girls, said she has been participating in Project Hope since
becoming a member of BBYO in eighth grade and feels it is truly a memorable, and worthwhile experience. "I think it's great, because the kids
get the opportunity to speak with people and put a smile on their faces," Abrahams said. "I think it's a great feeling for all of us to help
somebody out."
During the deliveries, Abrahams said she forms a special bond with the older residents she visits. "The people that we deliver to, most of the
time, don't get visited that often," she said. "They like to hug us and tell us how much they appreciate us."
Baldwin High School junior Brian Rosen is the Godol (president) of Aleph Zadik Aleph. He echoed Abrahams's sentiments. "This is our
opportunity to give people the chance to participate in the holiday." Rosen acknowledges that teenagers are busy, with SATs, finals and social
BBYO Newsletter
obligations. However, he said that sacrificing a Sunday morning is well worth the reward. "It really only takes one morning of two hours to
really give back and make a difference," he said. "It's important that you take the two hours out to change lives and help other people who
can't help themselves."
Back to Top
BBYO Newsletter
July 2005
Issue 9
FALL 2005.
BBYO, Inc. News
OVER 1,500 TEENS PARTICIPATE IN BBYO'S SUMMER EXPERIENCE
Summer is here, and over 1,500 Jewish teens from
across the country and around the world are
participating in BBYO's 2005 Summer Experience, which
stretches from California all the way to Israel and
includes everything from community service and outdoor
adventure opportunities to leadership development
experiences.
READ MORE
Partipants of Derech Eretz West Coast
"Sierra Adventure" hiking in the Sequoia
National Forest in California
BBYO OFFERS TRIP TO BULGARIA DECEMBER
BBYO's Youth Ambassadors in Bulgaria Program is a
life-changing cultural exchange, which brings teens from
across North America to Bulgaria for 10 days to explore
their individual and collective Jewish identities.
READ MORE
Almost 5,000 alumni are currently registered on
alumni you know.
GIVE TO BBYO
Alumni News
or project.
WHERE YOUNG LIVES TAKE SHAPE: DAN FIELDS
Where
Young Lives
Take Shape
is a feature
of the BBYO
e-News
focusing on
the
BBYO Newsletter
Dan Fields (second from right) directs the cast of the Los Angeles revival of Arthur Miller's
The Man Who Had All The Luck.
accomplishments of BBYO alumni. This month, meet Dan Fields, Broadway director and founder
of FineSilver Shows, a New York-based theatrical production company.
Never content to just step in line and follow the leader, former Grand Aleph Godol (1983-1984),
Dan Fields, turned the leadership skills he developed during his time in BBYO into a successful
career on Broadway as resident director of Disney's production of The Lion King and founder of
his own theatre company, Finesilver Shows.
READ MORE
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENTS'S REUNION
The upcoming BBYO International Convention marks
the end of the 80th anniversary of AZA and the 60th
anniversary of BBG. In celebration of this special time,
BBYO is hosting an International Presidents's Reunion
at Perlman Camp from August 19-21. Over 70 past
presidents, ranging in years of service from the
1950's until today, have been contacted, and many
are expected to join us at the last IC at Perlman
Camp (the elected body of BBYO voted to move the
time and location of IC due to teens's school
schedules). This reunion will allow past presidents to
meet one another, interact with the current BBYO
teens and enjoy the excitement of International
Convention. If you know any past International
Presidents who have not yet been contacted, please email Robin Graham at rgraham@bbyo.org.
ALUMNI MENTOR PROGRAM
Are you a BBYO alum on a college campus? Remember juggling SATs, GPAs and college
applications? Extra-curriculars and college tours with your parents? It wasn't forever ago, but
think about how far you've come. BBYO teens today could sure use your help. Be a part of
BBYO's new Alumni Mentor Program!
Whether you are interested in answering questions about your campus, advising on the trials and
tribulations of freshman year or sharing your thoughts on what thefacebook.com has done for
your social life, please let us know. BBYO is offering a variety of ways to get involved as an
Alumni Mentor this year. Contact Tali Golan at tgolan@bbyo.org for more information and to find
out what mentorship possibilities are best suited for you.
REGIONAL NEWS
MICHIGAN REGION EXPANDS TIKKUN OLAM WITH FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNITY
SERVICE
BBYO Newsletter
The teens of BBYO's Michigan region are no strangers
to philanthropy and community service. This year, they
helped pay for an ambulance in Israel and racked up
over 2,800 hours of community service.
READ MORE
Michigan region teenagers present over
$3,200 to Project Lifeline, a Detroit- area
community initiative aimed at paying for an
ambulance in Israel
NORTH STAR BBYO JOINS THE CHEERFUL GIVERS "BIRTHDAY BASH"
Cheerful Givers is a non-profit organization in which the
North Star Region and Twin Cities Teen Connection
have been participating since the beginning of the year.
The organization collects birthday bags, bags containing
several small children's gifts, for parents who can't
afford to buy birthday presents for their children.
READ MORE
North Star BBYOers Anna Boykis, Regional
Director Sarah Routman, Sheryl Moser,
Cara Porter, Steven Kane, Katie Marron,
Robin Molnar, Billy Hershkowitz, Mitch
Bayer, Ari Hillman, Michael Kane, Becca
Miner, Rachel Sachs participate in Cheerful
Givers.
NORTH STAR REGION CONTINUES KEEPING TABS FOR TZEDAKAH
Do you know that 1,267 pop tabs weigh one pound?
That over 483,000,000 tabs have been collected since
1987? That the members of North Star Region BBYO
have collected over 300,000 pop tabs since 1996?
BBYOers and other area agencies are collecting pop
tabs to raise money for the Twin Cities Ronald
McDonald House. The money raised by selling the tabs
to a recycler lowers costs for families who stay at the
house while their children who are ill undergo
treatments at nearby hospitals.
READ MORE
BBYO In the News
The Washington Post's Parade Magazine featured a quote from Atlanta regional Sh'licha
Michelle Profis. Her quote and picture appeared in the FreshVoices section. Michelle said, "I lie
awake at night thinking that this is the only time I have to be a kid. I know the issues I think
are a big deal now won't seem important in a few years, and I have to remind myself that this
is when I can let my parents worry for me." (June 19, 2005)
The City of Eden Prairie, Minnesota recognized North Star Regional S'gan Anna Affias with the
Dr. Jean Harris Scholarship for "high school students who reflect principles of human rights and
BBYO Newsletter
diversity." Life in the Prairie magazine quoted Senior Executive Regional BBYO Director
Sarah Routman as saying that "Anna is that special young woman who really stands out to so
many people. She always offers her friendship to anyone she is around and seeks out those who
may need it more than others." (June 2005)
Holocaust survivor Max Pohl and others spoke about their experiences to students age 12 and up
during Dor L'Dor, a program organized by the BBYO Chesapeake Bay Region. Washington
Jewish Week reported that the program took place in a community-wide event at which Maryland
Governor Robert Ehrlich spoke. (May 12, 2005)
The Jewish Advocate reported that New England Region BBYO is proud to welcome two new
chapters this year - L'Chaim BBYO, Hull, and Judy Ann Levin BBG, Providence, RI. (May 6, 2005)
The Youth Opportunities Advisory Board in Boulder, Colorado honored Boulder AZA president
Nate Fox during National Youth Service Day. The Intermountain Jewish News reported that Fox
also won the "best president" award at regional convention and his chapter was named the"most
improved chapter in the region" and won the "program of the year" award. Fox noted that
"[BBYO] was a fun way to get connected to Judaism again, not as something I was obligated to
do but as an experience I chose." (May 6, 2005)
The Jewish Press (Omaha, NE) announced that Emily Gillar won the BBYO MIT (Member in
Training) of the Year award, presented at the BBYO 2005 Spring Regional Convention in Ashland,
NE. (May 6, 2005)
Hundreds of Long Island teenagers participated in the Nassau-Suffolk BBYO Region's annual
Spring Project Hope food drive, as reported by the Oceanside-Island Park Herald. AZA Godol
Brian Rosen said that Project Hope is truly a great opportunity to give people the chance to
participate in the Passover holiday and that "over the years, it's really changed the lives of a lot
of people, and has given the joys of the Jewish holiday to many." (May 5, 2005) See Article >>
BBYO's AZA chapter Bereshis hosted a benefit concert in March for the Make-A-Wish
Foundation of Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle. Over 140 people attended
the concert, and over $1,000 was raised. (April 22, 2005)
astrunk@bbyo.org.
Spanning over 38 regions and 16,000 members
internationally, BBYO, Inc. is a worldwide, transdenominational, teen- led organization that provides
opportunities for Jewish teens to develop their
BBYO, Inc. * 2020 K Street NW, 7th Floor *
Washington, DC 20006 *
OVER 1,500 TEENS PARTICIPATE IN BBYO'S SUMMER EXPERIENCE
With five summer programs completed and fifteen taking place throughout the months of July
and August, BBYO participants have plenty of opportunities to learn, have fun and explore their
Judaism amongst a community of Jewish teens who will become lifelong friends.
CLTC, BBYO's two-week Chapter Leadership Training Conference, has already given 120 teens
a wealth of Judaic and leadership knowledge to take back home and implement in their
chapters. CLTC is BBYO's largest program, with 451 participants enrolled across seven different
sessions and three different geographic locations, including summer camps in Wisconsin,
Pennsylvania and the University of Judaism in California.
"I walked into CLTC with no confidence and I walked out with confidence tattooed on my
back," said Michael Chakoff of Hurricanes AZA in Miami Region, who recently finished CLTC 5
and feels as though he had a life-changing experience while he was there. "I feel like I
approach people better. I didn't think I could ever have a position in my region but now I
believe I can do it. CLTC gave me the skills to do it."
Participants of the Derech Eretz West Coast "Sierra Adventure" gained a different type of
knowledge and experience. This exciting Jewish environmental camping program provided teens
with a greater appreciation for nature. Each day, teens participated in Shachar, morning
communal time, before heading out on their daily outdoor adventure of hiking, rafting,
canoeing, rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking or camping. For teens desiring a similar
experience on the East Coast, there is the "New England Adventure."
BBYO Newsletter
Hop on a plane to Israel and you'd find about 350 teens engaged in similar activities as part of
BBYO's Passport to Israel program. The three-week trip provides teens with an experience like
no other - an opportunity for teens to discover Israel's beauty, history and culture through a
uniquely active, hands-on approach. Activities include archaeological digs, hikes through the
Galilee, an evening in a Bedouin tent, snorkeling in Eilat, exploring Jerusalem's Old City, rafting
down rivers, floating in the Dead Sea, and so much more.
Whitney Trompeter from Pittsburgh, PA is having an amazing time experiencing Israel with
other Jewish teens from all over the world.
"Learning the Jewish faith is totally different here. I feel a stronger connection to everything.
It's incredible to learn what happened 2000 years ago and to see where it happened. You
experience everything first hand."
Kesher L'Yisrael just ended, giving 22 teens a greater knowledge and admiration for Judaism
and Israel. Through speaking engagements, Israeli singing and dancing, visits to pro-Israel
organizations and meetings with local congressional representatives, Kesher participants walked
away with a variety of perspectives on Judaism, Israel's place in society today and its meaning
as a homeland for the Jewish people.
BBYO's Nitzotz Community Service program just came to a close in Baltimore/Washington, DC
and is currently underway in Chicago, IL. Working to inspire an appreciation for the meaning
and practice of tikkun olam, Nitzotz provides about 60 teens with two weeks of community
service through a variety of local service providers. For example, the Baltimore/DC program
featured an event that linked Nitzotz participants with youth from different faiths, including
Israelis and Palestinians, to work on creative art projects. Other projects involved mentoring atrisk youth, doing construction to aid the homeless and "greening" urban areas.
Anne Fischgrund, one of the youth coordinators on Nitzotz, said, "Seeing the reaction on the
people's faces in the communities where we worked and knowing that we made a difference to
them even if it didn't seem like a big deal to us was the most rewarding aspect of our trip."
Jeff Hoffman, director of program initiatives for BBYO, is thrilled that so many teens are
participating in BBYO's Summer Experience.
"Never before have we had so many teens involved in such a variety of programs. From rafting
in New England to lobbying on Capitol Hill to walking in the footsteps of history in Jerusalem,
BBYO is offering Jewish teens meaningful Jewish experiences that really do change lives."
BBYO is still looking for participants for IC, being held August 15-21, 2005 in Starlight, PA. For
more information on the 2005 BBYO Summer Experience or to register for IC, visit
Back to Top
BBYO OFFERS TRIP TO BULGARIA DECEMBER
Participants will study the unique history of Bulgaria's Jews during World War II as they hear
first-hand stories from the elderly Jewish residents of Bulgaria. They will also have an
opportunity to share North American BBYO programs and traditions with their Bulgarian
counterparts, celebrate Shabbat, experience home life in Bulgaria and tour the country.
Together, participants will experience the miracle of the resurgence of Jewish life in this Eastern
European nation. And, since BBYO is teen-led, many of the programs are planned and
implemented by the teens themselves.
If you are interested in applying to or learning more about the Bulgaria program, visit
www.northstarbbyo.com today. The application deadline is October 1.
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WHERE YOUNG LIVES TAKE SHAPE: DAN FIELDS
When Dan first joined AZA in Portland, Oregon, he realized that he really wanted to be
involved, but his chapter was just getting too big to provide opportunities for everyone who
wanted to take a leadership position. So, rather than sit back and wait for his time to take the
lead, Dan started a new chapter, Chaim Weizmann #360, and became its first Godol. "I really
loved planning events, and chapter leadership is what really hooked me into BBYO," Dan said.
He took his love for leadership to the next level when he became regional S'gan and then
Godol. As a sophomore, Dan attended Kallah, ILTC and International Convention. The very next
summer, he was elected International Mazkir and planned International Convention. Later, he
rose to the top spot of Grand Aleph Godol.
BBYO Newsletter
"BBYO really fed me the opportunities for finding what I loved to do," Dan said. "Everything
that I do now professionally is in collaborative group settings. [In BBYO] I learned that
allowing people to contribute their own ideas makes everything come out better, and I learned
how to work collaboratively."
Dan took this collaborative spirit with him to Broadway, where he became the assistant director
and then resident director of The Lion King. As resident director, Dan was in charge of keeping
the nightly performances of the show up to the high standard set by opening night.
"With The Lion King, we were trying something that had never really been done before. The
sound of the music, the feel of the costumes, the look of the scenery needed to be unified."
Just as he did while in BBYO, Dan relished the chance to function as a team with his
coworkers to try and create something that was consistent in all areas.
It took over a year and a half of work prior to the first performance of The Lion King to put
everything together. With such a uniquely complicated production, Dan wasn't sure exactly how
everything was going to turn out. On opening night, however, Dan just sat in the audience and
saw how well it all came together.
"That was one of my most uplifting moments," he said.
After The Lion King, Dan followed the pattern that he had established in BBYO and again
moved up to a leadership position.
"With The Lion King, I was a big part of the team, but I wasn't leading the team." So Dan took
his creative energies and chased a theatrical dream.
For almost ten years, Dan wanted to revive Arthur Miller's first Broadway play, The Man Who
Had All the Luck, which hadn't been in production in the U.S. since its original run over 56
years earlier. With the money he made during his time with The Lion King, Dan set out to
fulfill his dream. The only stumbling block left was that he was having difficulty obtaining the
rights to the play.
Through a friend, Dan secured a meeting with Miller at his home. "It was a little intimidating
going up there, I was really nervous," Dan said. "Once I got up there he was very open and
warm. He made some comments that ended up helping me execute the production." After his
meeting with Miller, Dan was able to get the rights to the play and it opened in L.A. The
production was a huge hit and well received by critics and audiences alike.
"With that play I just stuck to the mission. It was incredibly satisfying. When you set out to do
something, you have a dream for a long time, but a lot of things in life get side aside, get
forgotten. But I felt really tenacious about that one."
In addition to his work with The Lion King and The Man Who Had All the Luck, Dan also has
played a role in a variety of other productions. As resident director at the Annex Theatre in
Seattle he directed the World Premieres of A Little Heap of Beckett, The 20th Century, This End
Up and Betty in Bondage. He assistant directed the original productions of Conversations With
My Father (Seattle Repertory Theatre, directed by Dan Sullivan) Randy Newman's Faust (La
Jolla Playhouse and the Goodman Theater, directed by Michael Greif), and Anton Chekov's The
Seagull at Williamstown Theatre Festival featuring Christopher Walken, Gwyneth Paltrow and
Blythe Danner.
More recently, he produced the Broadway productions of plays by Richard Greenberg and
Donald Margulies for Manhattan Theatre Club, and directed the national tour of The Graduate
starring Morgan Fairchild as Mrs. Robinson.
Dan knows that a career in the arts isn't the right path for everyone, but notes, "even if you
don't end up in the arts, you want to be a supporter of the arts."
"Being able to have an outlet for creative expression as an adult or as a young adult is really
crucial," Dan said. "You should know where your creative outlets are and find out where your
creativity can take you."
Dan is always available to advise BBYOers or alumni who are considering or currently pursuing
a career in the arts. He can be reached through email at fineshows@mac.com.
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MICHIGAN REGION EXPANDS TIKKUN OLAM WITH FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNITY
SERVICE
The region chose to team up with the Michigan chapter of American Red Magen David for
Israel's (ARMDI) Project Lifeline, a program aimed at showing the children and teens of
Michigan that they have the power to send blessings of healing and strength to the children of
Israel. Project Lifeline aims to raise enough money from organizations around Detroit to send
an ambulance to Israel. This allows children in metro Detroit to connect directly with everyday
BBYO Newsletter
Israelis - mothers, fathers and children - who depend on Israeli emergency services (Magen
David Adom or MDA) to save lives.
Michigan region made Project Lifeline their main community service project this programming
year. In order to have BBYO's name engraved on the ambulance, the region needed to raise at
least $3,000. They accomplished this goal through numerous fundraisers, including selling
candy, making pillows, selling cookie dough, and through chapter donations.
In addition to all their work with Project Lifeline, Michigan BBYOers accumulated over 2,800
hours of community service by participating in a community-wide "special Olympics" where the
teens volunteered to go to soup kitchens and seniors's homes, worked with special needs
children and adults through the Friendship Circle, and volunteered at book drives and other
community events.
For more information about the American Friends of Magen David Adom and ARMDI, please
visit www.armdi.org.
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NORTH STAR BBYO JOINS THE CHEERFUL GIVERS "BIRTHDAY BASH"
On Sunday, June 12, Cheerful Givers had a "Birthday Bash" at the Mall of America. Due to the
region's participation with the organization, North Star BBYO was invited to be a celebrity guest
and sing Happy Birthday on stage in the most creative way possible. In true Jewish youth
group fashion, the BBYOers sang "Yom Huledet Sameach," followed by the original English
version of "Happy Birthday." Celebrity guests included local DJs, Belle (from Beauty and the
Beast), Donny Osmond, and more.
The event was covered and promoted by a local Twin Cities radio station, Cities 97, and hosted
by their morning DJ. In addition to the singing, the afternoon also featured the Minnesota
Twins mascot, Pickles the Clown.
North Star donated additional money to Cheerful Givers by buying Cheerful Givers bears for
every BBYOer and Teen Connection member in attendance. For more information on Cheerful
Givers, visit www.cheerfulgivers.org
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NORTH STAR REGION CONTINUES KEEPING TABS FOR TZEDAKAH
Since 1996, the project has become so popular in the Twin Cities area that BBYO decided to
involve the Minneapolis Jewish Day School in efforts to increase awareness, community
involvement and donations to the families of the Ronald McDonald House. A few times a year,
BBYOers go to MJDS to collect pop tabs the students have been collecting. Almost every
student in K-6 knows the BBYOers when they come down the hall prepared to collect pop tabs
and are excited to share the thousands of pop tabs they have collected for this wonderful
cause.
Over the past 9 years, BBYO has developed a strong relationship with the Ronald McDonald
House. Thanks to BBYO and other area agencies, the Ronald McDonald House has been able to
significantly lower their costs for the families who stay there.
Are you interested in keeping tabs with us? You can turn your pop tabs into your local
McDonalds Restaurant, Ronald McDonald House or, if you are in the North Star region, at the
North Star BBYO office. For information on how to start pop tab collections in other areas,
please visit Ronald McDonald House Charities at www.rmhc.org.
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BBYO Newsletter
August 2005
Issue 10
FALL 2005.
BBYO, Inc. News
BBYO DEVELOPS COLLEGE TOUR FOR TEENS; FIRST TOUR TO TAKE PLACE IN DC
This fall, BBYO will offer its first-ever teen College Tour,
a chance for high school sophomores and juniors to
explore a wide variety of college options before they
begin hunting for schools with their parents. From
November 9-13, the BBYO College Tour will give Jewish
teens the opportunity to explore colleges in and around
the Washington, DC-area and provide them with
strategies for getting into college and a first-hand
account of Jewish life on campus.
READ MORE
GET YOUR BBYO GEAR
PASSPORT TO ISRAEL IN THEIR OWN WORDS
This summer, over 350 Jewish teens explored their
Jewish homeland with BBYO's new Passport to Israel
program. Some of them opted for the Israel Journey
trip, an introductory experience, which combined a taste
of Israel's most famous sites with the country's bestkept secrets. Others opted for the ultimate outdoors
experience, Trek Israel, which challenged participants
physically, emotionally and spiritually. No matter which
trip participants chose, they had a uniquely active,
hands-on opportunity to discover Israel's beauty,
history, spirituality and culture.
BBYO has just launched an eStore featuring
everything from t- shirts and hats to ipod covers
and carabiners. Visit www.bbyostore.com today!
BBYO CALENDAR
about their experience in Israel.
CLICK HERE to read what some of the teens had to say
BBYO AND BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL OFFER ALUMNI A FREE TRIP TO ISRAEL
Do you have a passion for travel and new experiences?
Do you enjoy making new friends? Are you a BBYO
alum? If so, the Taglit-birthright Israel: Tlalim-BBYO
Alumni Experience is for you. It is a 10-day adventure
designed for anyone who wants to experience Israel's
most well known sites along with its best-kept secrets.
BBYO has just published its two- year
programming calendar. If you are interested in
ordering a calendar, contact smoore@bbyo.org
or 202.857.6549.
READ MORE
BBYO BULGARIA TRIP
BBYO SELECTS ROBIN LEVENSTON TO FILL TOP DEVELOPMENT POST
BBYO has just named Robin Levenston national director of
development, making her responsible for the organization's financial
resource development. Levenston rounds out a promising new team
of up-and-coming Jewish professionals working to breathe new life
BBYO Newsletter
into the 80-year-old organization and, ultimately, involve tens of
thousands more teens in Jewish life.
READ MORE
BBYO's Youth Ambassadors in Bulgaria Program
is a life- changing cultural exchange, which
brings teens from across North America to
Bulgaria for 10 days in December to explore
their individual and collective Jewish identities.
To learn more, please contact
sroutman@sabesjcc.org.
Alumni News
WHERE YOUNG LIVES TAKE SHAPE: TOD COHEN AND SHIRA LEVINE
Where Young Lives Take Shape is a feature of the
BBYO e-News focusing on the accomplishments of
BBYO alumni. This month, meet Tod Cohen, vice
president of government relations and deputy general
counsel for eBay, and Shira Levine, senior manager of
eBay's PowerSellers program.
Almost 5,000 alumni are currently registered on
alumni you know.
GIVE TO BBYO
In just ten years eBay has gone from being an
unknown URL to the most popular shopping
destination on the Internet. While bringing together
more than one hundred million registered members
around the world, "the world's online marketplace"
also brought together two business leaders with a
shared past.
Both alumni of BBYO (Tod was a member of Mountain
Region and Shira was a member of Southern-Atlanta
Region), the two colleagues find themselves reminiscing about their days in AZA and BBG.
READ MORE
YOUNG BBG ALUMNA LOSES BATTLE WITH CANCER BUT STIMULATES CHANGE
or project.
Charlie Guild was an active member of Hannah Sennesh BBG of
Northern California from 1993-1996 and extremely devoted to
social action. Throughout her young life, she continuously gave
to others in need. In 1993, BBYO recognized her selfless manner
by awarding her the ACT (Actively Concerned Teens) award for a
petition she created and brought to the UN to protest the
treatment of women in Bosnia. Sadly, in 2003, this altruistic
BBG alumna was diagnosed with stage four melanoma.
READ MORE
Are you a BBYO alum on a college campus? Remember juggling SATs, GPAs and college
applications? Extra-curriculars and college tours with your parents? It wasn't forever ago, but
think about how far you've come. BBYO teens today could sure use your help. Be a part of
BBYO's new Alumni Mentor Program!
BBYO Newsletter
Whether you are interested in answering questions about your campus, advising on the trials and
tribulations of freshman year or sharing your thoughts on what thefacebook.com has done for
your social life, please let us know. BBYO is offering a variety of ways to get involved as an
Alumni Mentor this year. Contact Tali Golan at tgolan@bbyo.org for more information and to find
out what mentorship possibilities are best suited for you.
BIG APPLE REGION ALUMNUS TAKES ON BINGHAMTON STUDENT ASSOCIATION
David Belsky, Big Apple Region BBYO alumnus, was elected to the position of executive vice
president of the Binghamton University Student Association as a freshman.
READ MORE
BBYO ALUMNUS ELECTED TO HILLEL BOARD
BBYO alumnus, Andrew Frankel, was recently elected to the Hillel Board at the University of
South Florida as VP of Religion. Frankel is a 2001 alumnus of Masada AZA #2245, now Miami
Region.
BBYO In the News
The Atlanta Jewish Times announced that the Atlanta Council hosted a reunion June 10-12 at
the Zaban Park JCC, with almost 300 alumni in attendance (June 17, 2005).
Dan Israel wrote an article in The Atlanta Jewish Times about what he learned from his
experiences in BBYO (June 10, 2005).
The Jewish Herald Voice, a Houston newspaper, described BBYO's Passport to Israel trips as
part of their article on Israel advocacy among Jewish youth (June 16, 2005).
Michigan Region BBYO raised $3,230 for American Red Magen David for Israel (ARMDI), which
will help buy an ambulance for Israel, according to The Detroit Jewish News (June 16, 2005).
The Bucks County Courier Times announced that members of BBYO participated in the 4th
Annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (May 23, 2005).
The Massachusetts Jewish Advocate reported that New England Region posted a nine percent
membership increase during the 2004-2005 programming year. The article also mentioned
regional godol Adam Kornetsky and regional n'siah Emma Reidy (August 4, 2005).
BBYO member Alexandria Bear was recognized in the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle for winning the
2005 JCC Jewish Teen Athlete/Scholar Award. Alexandria won a $500 scholarship (June 3, 2005).
astrunk@bbyo.org.
BBYO, Inc. · 2020 K Street NW, 7th Floor · Washington, DC 20006 ·
BBYO DEVELOPS COLLEGE TOUR FOR TEENS; FIRST TOUR TO TAKE PLACE IN DC
The teens will take campus tours, visit admissions offices, see (and eat at) Hillels and meet other Jewish teens going through the same
process. In addition, a college counselor will accompany the tour, offering tips on how finding the right school, preparing applications and
organizing their time and activities while still in high school.
Schools visited include the University of Maryland, American University, George Washington University, University of Virginia, George Mason,
University of Delaware, and Goucher College. The trip is designed to give teens a taste of different campuses and universities so that they can
find out which type suits them best.
BBYO Newsletter
Spaces on the trip are limited. Anyone interested in more information or in reserving a space should contact Tali Golan at tgolan@bbyo.org or
202.857.6562.
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PASSPORT TO ISRAEL IN THEIR OWN WORDS
"The trip lasted for only a month but the friendships will last a lot longer. I became more mature as a person because I
feel more motivated to learn not just about Israel or Judaism, but also in school. I can tell that my college choices
changed and what I wanted to do changed. I always went to camp before, where you are in a secluded environment. But
in Israel you are thrown into a political situation. We saw history happening and I think that affected me so much.
In America we take our religious freedom for granted, but you realize that other people have to leave their countries to
come to Israel because of persecution. I see how important it is to be Jewish and how important it is to keep Judaism
alive in my family, and why it is important to have a Jewish home state."
–Jackie Franklin, Houston, TX (Lonestar Region)
"Just going to Israel – I thought that would blow me away, but meeting and bonding with all the people [on the trip] was
a great experience within itself. I'm a pretty quiet guy; I knew that going into it I was going to hang out with total
strangers for a month and I'd have to open up. It just really helped me be more comfortable.
Israel is the place for Jews. It's the safest I have ever felt – socially or physically – just because everyone there is so
open and welcoming to strangers. And they want to make everyone feel like it's their home."
–Sam A. F. Hunt, Cucamonga, CA (Southwestern Region)
"The best part of the trip was the people, and the entire faculty was really good. The most memorable part was probably
Jerusalem, seeing the old city, because I've always learned about it and it was really cool to actually see it.
I learned a lot from the trip, it changed my views on a lot of different ideas. A lot of people in America think they know
what's going on, that it's really two sided, really basic, but if you actually learn about it there is a lot more detail. Now
that I've been there, I really want to go back. I want to go back as soon as possible. I recommend the trip very highly."
–Jason Magid, Woodbridge, CT
"I really liked the people and definitely my counselors. They were very important in making the trip. I felt comfortable
with them. I was around the world in a totally foreign country but I still felt like I had a family that I could come to at
the end of the day and talk to about my experiences.
Originally I did not want to go at all, but I learned that there are a lot of different aspects to Israel. Whatever stereotype
I had about Israel was crushed after the first week. There's so much more about the country that I think the regular
Jewish American doesn't know about."
–Danny Schwartz, Deerfield, IL
"I really enjoyed going to the Kotel. It was a very wonderful and overwhelming feeling for me, just to know that there is
so much history there.
I felt a lot stronger about my Jewish identity while I was in Israel. Coming home that feeling is still with me. When we
would do Shabbat services on the trip, it would be nice to see that everyone else in Israel would know these prayers and
these songs.
Being there and being with a bunch of Jewish people you realize that people actually left their homes to come to Israel
because everyone feels so connected to the land. Now I feel a lot more connected to Israel after the trip. There is nothing
to lose by going, and there is so much to gain. Everyone should really give it a try. Its so much fun!"
–Orly Sibony, Van Nuys, CA (Pacific Coast Region)
"We ended up at the Kotel (the western wall in Jerusalem) around one in the morning or later. We saw that there were
over 100 people there and it was the middle of the night. Who goes to the Kotel at one in the morning? It was just
amazing to see that people are really dedicated to Judaism there and it was just really cool.
I think I understand being a Jew better and I understand where everything came from, why you do everything, what's so
important about being Jewish and being friends with Jewish people. I wouldn't say that I'm a Zionist now but I really do
appreciate Israel more and being a Jew more. Before it was just ‘oh yeah,'s I hear about Israel, our land, but now I really
do feel connected to it. Now that I've been there and seen how people live, the history, I understand it better now."
–Sandi Cohen, Hillsdale, NJ (Greater Jersey Hudson River Region)
BBYO Newsletter
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BBYO AND BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL OFFER ALUMNI A FREE TRIP TO ISRAEL
Together, with friends old and new, you will have a hands-on opportunity to experience Israel's natural beauty, diverse culture and rich
history. The 10-day trip includes:
Visits to all the major touring sites including Jerusalem, the Western Wall, Masada, the Dead Sea, Tel Aviv, Jaffa, the Golan Heights
and the Sea of Galilee. You will also experience a traditional Bedouin feast and the best of Israeli culture and nightlife.
Truly memorable outdoor experiences which include rappelling, zip-lining, kayaking, camel trekking, hiking, snorkeling and swimming.
The opportunity to meet, interact and form relationships with Israeli peers with similar interests.
Top-notch staff including accredited Israeli outdoor guides/educators and dynamic North American peers.
The opportunity to see old friends and meet fellow BBYO alumni from around North America.
BBYO alumni ages 18-26 are eligible for this exciting experience. Dates for the first- ever trip will be announced in September. To be
considered for the trip please email Amy Jablin at ajablin@bbyo.org with your name and email address. Only those who are registered at
www.bbyoalumni.org will be considered. If you are looking for an exhilarating way to experience Israel, BBYO's alumni trip is your ticket.
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BBYO SELECTS ROBIN LEVENSTON TO FILL TOP DEVELOPMENT POST
"BBYO holds the key to the next generation of Jewish leaders, philanthropists and Jewish communal professionals," said Levenston. "The new
direction of this organization is extraordinarily exciting and entrepreneurial. With the appropriate funding streams, BBYO has the potential to
truly transform the Jewish community in North America and beyond."
As a newly independent organization needing to establish its own financial footing, BBYO's future, and that of its teens, depends on securing
additional sources of income among individual philanthropists, many of whom are AZA and BBG alumni; foundations; corporate sponsors; and
other organizations. Levenston will spearhead the effort to expand BBYO's donor base, BBYO's primary source of income.
A 13-year veteran to the field of Jewish communal service, Levenston is assuming her new role at BBYO after three years with the
ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, where she oversaw all activities of the Women's Department as vice president.
Previously, she served as the associate regional director for United Jewish Communities Southeast Region based in Atlanta. She also spent six
years with the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, FL handling legislative advocacy, community relations, Israel initiatives,
community planning and allocations.
"BBYO is on a path to revitalization and growth," said BBYO's executive director, Matthew Grossman. "Robin's experience in Jewish communal
work, coupled with her energy, will be an excellent addition to an already dynamic staff and will help move this organization forward."
Levenston received her Master of Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University and completed her non-profit management specialty at
Georgia State University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Judaic Studies from the University of Florida.
Robin attributes her dedication and passion to Jewish causes in large part to a formative experience studying abroad at the Hebrew University
of Jerusalem in her junior year of college.
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WHERE YOUNG LIVES TAKE SHAPE: TOD COHEN AND SHIRA LEVINE
"BBYO gives us a lasting bond and a common understanding of what we experienced as teenagers," Levine said.
While Levine did not hold any positions in her Southern-Atlanta chapter, BBYO remains a large part of her life, as she attributes her current
success in eBay to her BBYO days. "It had definite career preparation benefits because you interacted with a lot of different people from
different parts of the country and there was a good political hierarchy system," said Levine. "It was a good precursor to the corporate
experience."
This political hierarchy system is what initially stimulated Cohen to go into law. "My AZA days inspired my love for government relations,"
Cohen said. "I always enjoyed the process of elections and realized that the most important part of politics is the governing aspect."
Cohen, who was Regional Godol of Mountain Region (1980-81), took the leadership skills he developed and transformed them into corporate
skills. Originally eBay's first full-time public policy employee in March 2000 in Washington DC, he now leads the eBay government relations's
efforts out of corporate headquarters in San Jose. He manages 25 people around the world who represent eBay, PayPal, among others, to help
eBay advance its goals.
"BBYO gave me an enormous amount of self-confidence and self-esteem professionally and a great ability to get things done," said Cohen.
The Judaic knowledge and leadership skills Levine gained while in BBYO inspired her to become part of the board of trustees for AJWS,
American Jewish World Service (www.ajws.org). Since 2003, Levine has actively promoted the importance for global development from a
Jewish perspective. "Being involved as a teenager inspired a lifelong interest in staying active in the Jewish community and giving back," said
BBYO Newsletter
Levine.
For eBay, Levine runs PowerSellers, a reward and retention program for eBay's largest sellers. In addition, Levine assisted with the
development of eBay's initiative to help nonprofit organizations fundraise through eBay. eBay Giving Works enables users to list their items on
eBay and donate part or the entire final sale price to a nonprofit organization. BBYO is involved in this initiative as a registered charitable
organization.
If you would like to raise money for BBYO through eBay's Giving Works program, go to www.ebay.com/givingworks and register as an eBay
seller. Then, whenever you sell an item on eBay, simply select BBYO in the "Donate percentage of sale" area. By becoming a registered seller
and donating a percentage of your sales, you can help BBYO with its fundraising efforts.
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YOUNG BBG ALUMNA LOSES BATTLE WITH CANCER BUT STIMULATES CHANGE
After being diagnosed, Charlie's positive attitude continued as she fought her horrible illness with all of her might. "She felt this happened to
her for a reason, so she intended to do something about this disease," said her mother Valerie.
Charlie was never given that chance. Nine months later, at the young age of 26, Charlie lost her life.
Inspired by her daughter's philanthropic personality, Valerie Guild established the Charlie Guild Melanoma Foundation quickly after Charlie's
death to fight for legislation to implement sun safety education for children and to raise money for skin cancer research.
"You think that the worst thing you hear is that your child has cancer. After this experience, I found out that the worst thing you can find out
is that your child has cancer and there is no treatment. Prevention is so important. I don't want to hear from one more person that their child
has melanoma," Valerie said.
The Charlie Guild Melanoma Foundation (CGMF) is leading a nationwide effort to raise awareness of skin cancer and melanoma and make it a
disease that will soon cease to exist.
At present, this task is nearly impossible. Melanoma is currently the fastest growing cancer in the United States and there have been no
significant advances in the medical treatment or survival rate in the last 30 years, according to doctors in the field. "There are not enough
people who say, ‘Oh my G-d, my child could be the next to get it,'" says Valerie. With the highest susceptibility ages ranging from 0-18,
education is one of Valerie's top priorities.
"Val is going to do incredible things," says Shayna Dunn who was a friend of Charlie's in BBYO and is moved by Valerie's passion for living
Charlie's dream of beating cancer. "She has created this foundation based on what Charlie would have wanted."
To help Valerie and the Charlie Guild Melanoma Foundation make strides in their fight to eradicate skin cancer, signing up to be Charlie's friend
will help create a national advocacy database of people who could make skin cancer legislation a reality. When state or federal legislation is
ready to be voted on, Charlie's friends will receive notification and be able to make their voices heard.
"I would like to save as many lives as possible. To do that, you need a national effort. The people in power need to know that the American
public cares about this issue," Valerie says.
To learn more about the Charlie Guild Melanoma Foundation and to become a part of Charlie's friends, visit www.charlie.org.
Here are some facts you should know from the American Cancer Society:
Melanoma is now the fastest growing cancer in the U.S.
There have been no significant advances in the medical treatment or survival rate in the last 30 years.
Melanoma cases are increasing at an epidemic rate of 4% a year.
Melanoma is the most common cancer in men and women ages 20-29 and the second most common from 30-39.
If caught in the earliest stages, melanoma is entirely treatable with a survival rate of nearly 100%. If untreated and allowed to spread,
there is no known treatment or cure.
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BIG APPLE REGION ALUMNUS TAKES ON BINGHAMTON STUDENT ASSOCIATION
BUSA is a separate entity from the University and manages a multi-million dollar operation, including the only completely student run bus
service and volunteer ambulance corps in the country.
As EVP, David is responsible for managing and developing all student groups on campus, as well as chairing the Student Assembly (SA), which
is the legislative body of the Student Association. His biggest accomplishment so far is the creation of a Public Relations Department for the
SA.
"Engagement was a huge concept in BBYO throughout my senior year, and I brought that with me to college. Getting as many people involved
was the goal, and better marketing can help get that accomplished."
In addition to David's role with the SA, he serves as a member of the Hillel Board of Directors at Binghamton. And, he continues to be
involved with BBYO, working as both the national media coordinator for BBYO summer programs and an advisor in Central Region East.
"Both my experience participating in and working for BBYO have given me the skills to succeed in the next step of my life. My term has just
begun, and I plan on applying to the Student Association a lot of what BBYO taught me."
BBYO Newsletter
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BBYO eNews - September 2005
September 2005
Issue 11
BBYO, Inc. News
BBYO TO LAUNCH STATE-OF-THE-ART NETWORKING SITE TO CONNECT TENS OF
THOUSANDS OF JEWISH TEENS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
BBYO is on the brink of launching a new online
community, which will revolutionize the way Jewish
teens communicate with each other, while changing
the way the organization does business. On October
2, b-linked.org will be launched, providing a venue
for tens of thousands of Jewish teens to connect with
each other and acquire resources about areas of
interest, including college admissions, community
service and travel.
VISIT COLLEGES WITH YOUR FRIENDS
b-linked is a response to the Jewish community's
growing challenge to connect its youth to Jewish life.
Building on its 80-history delivering world-renown
leadership development programs to tens of
thousands of Jewish teens, BBYO is using new
approaches and emerging technologies to both
engage its current AZA and BBG membership base,
while also capturing the "hard-to-reach" Jewish teen
market in ways that were once unimaginable.
The proliferation of networking websites like Friendster, Facebook and My Space, coupled with
market research, led BBYO to recognize that many Jewish teens can find Jewish experiences
appealing if the point of entry is based on a community which they help build and, ultimately,
their core interests. As a result, BBYO set out to develop an online arena where teens can:
Are you a junior or senior starting to
explore your college options? Join BBYO's
first-ever teen College Tour, and visit all
different types of colleges in the DC-area
while having fun and making friends along
the way. For more info or to register,
contact tgolan@bbyo.org or 202.857.6562,
or visit
www.b-accepted.org.
GET YOUR BBYO GEAR
BBYO has just launched an eStore
featuring everything from t-shirts and hats
to ipod covers and carabiners. Visit
www.bbyostore.com today!
Are you a BBYO alum on a college
campus? Contact tgolan@bbyo.org to find
Create a personal profile to share with others
Stay informed about upcoming events, including social, travel, athletic, community
service and leadership opportunities
Communicate through message boards about their favorite topics
Connect with people based upon common areas of interest, from music and movies to
volunteer work and sports
Make new friends with Jewish teens from all over the world
Keep track of community service hours
Get help with the college admissions process
Share photos
Shop for cool apparel and merchandise, and so much more!
In addition, various sub-communities under the b-linked umbrella will enable Jewish teens to
access information on areas that interest them:
b-accepted will be the first community to launch, also on October 2. This site will
provide tools to help college-bound Jewish teens with the admissions process. baccepted will feature a college search powered by The Princeton Review and Hillel, a
personal organizer, as well as pertinent information regarding the application process,
SAT exam and financial aid. Additionally, users will eventually be able to sign up for
features like an alumni mentor service and a roommate matching message board.
Future b-linked sub-sites include b-kind, which will be dedicated to community
service. About 70% of high schools now require teens to fulfill community service
requirements, so the site will enable teens to track their involvement and learn about
service opportunities, while introducing teens to a fundamental component of Jewish
life, tikkun olam.
Other communities to be launched include b-inspired (Judaism and spirituality), b-
out about BBYO's new alumni mentor
program.
BBYO CALENDAR
everywhere (travel), b-yisrael (Israel) and b-alive (health and wellness).
b-linked is just one of many new approaches being used by BBYO to increase exponentially
the number of teens participating in meaningful Jewish experiences, and ultimately inspire
them to live Jewish lives. Stay tuned for additional BBYO initiatives! In the meantime, bready. b-excited. b-there on October 2 when b-linked.org goes live!
BBYO, INC. MOBILIZES EFFORT TO ASSIST HURRICANE KATRINA VICTIMS
When Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf States a
little over two weeks ago, BBYO, Inc., quickly
mobilized an effort to assist victims. Since that time,
BBYO has welcomed displaced Jewish teens to
programs, directed funds to the United Jewish
Communities and sold close to 1,000 teen-created
hurricane relief t-shirts with proceeds going to the
American Red Cross.
BBYO has just published its two-year
programming calendar. If you are
interested in ordering a calendar, contact
smoore@bbyo.org or 202.857.6549.
BBYO BULGARIA TRIP
"It is at difficult times like this that I am reminded of
the significance of our work," said Matthew
Grossman, the executive director of BBYO, Inc. "To
witness a community of thousands of young people
committed to carrying out the values and ideals that
have been a part of the Jewish people for generations is truly inspiring."
With over 40 regions across North America, BBYO is in a unique position to bring some
semblance of normalcy back into the lives of many Jewish teens impacted by the hurricane.
With that in mind, BBYO has instituted a policy waiving all membership and program fees and
offering additional scholarships to all displaced Jewish teens wishing to take part in BBYO
experiences.
BBYO has also established a website - www.bbyocares.org - where the organization is selling
teen-created "Hurricane Relief" t-shirts with all of the proceeds going to The American Red
Cross Disaster Relief Fund with the option for additional donations to UJC's fund. To date,
almost 1,000 t-shirts have been purchased by people within both the Jewish and secular
communities.
BBYO's Youth Ambassadors in Bulgaria
Program is a life-changing cultural
exchange, which brings teens from across
North America to Bulgaria for 10 days in
December to explore their individual and
collective Jewish identities. To learn more,
please contact sroutman@sabesjcc.org.
Give to BBYO
thousands of Jewish teens. You can
contribute to BBYO either through an
unrestricted gift or by designating your gift
to a specific fund, program or project.
In addition to the efforts being undertaken by BBYO's teen leadership and international office,
countless projects are currently underway locally. In fact, BBYO's Cotton States Region,
comprising the states of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, is
organizing a national effort to raise awareness about and funds for disaster relief. Cotton
States teens will be encouraging BBYO's 500 chapters across North America to collect funds
and supplies for victims.
For those wishing to make a direct contribution to disaster relief, BBYO's international teen
presidents, Shauna Ruda and Brandon Rattiner, requested that BBYO members, their parents,
staff and stakeholders make donations to the United Jewish Communities Humanitarian Relief
Fund (www.ujc.org), which works to provide vital humanitarian aid to those in need.
Finally, with approximately 1,800 BBYO families in the Gulf's surrounding areas, BBYO worked
with UJC to identify dozens of families in North Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee,
Kentucky, Georgia and Florida who were able to open their homes to those who have been
displaced. Those still interested should contact the Association of Jewish Family and Children
Agencies (www.ajfca.org) or their local UJC/Federation offices.
To contribute to the disaster relief efforts, please visit www.ujc.org or
www.bbyocares.org.
BBYO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND PRESIDENTS'S REUNION A HUGE SUCCESS
To subscribe or to submit news, events
or comments for the new BBYO eNewsletter, e-mail astrunk@bbyo.org.
This August, over 300 BBYO leaders from around the
world traveled to Starlight, PA to participate in the
50th International Convention at the B'nai B'rith
Perlman Camp. The weeklong convention had a jampacked schedule that included innovative teen-led
programs, world-renowned speakers, business
meetings, and the elections of the 61st and 81st
International Boards. The week culminated on
Shabbat when 30 past International Godolim and
N'siot joined the convention for an International
Presidents's Reunion, and to participate in programs
with the teen participants. The convention, themed
"Turn the Page," was the final IC held at Perlman. In order to accommodate the early school
calendars of many schools, IC will now be held over President's Weekend in February.
Throughout the week, participants had the opportunity to hear from leading experts on
important topics such as the Jewish value of tzedakah, community service and the
disengagement in Israel. Danny Siegel, founder of the Ziv Tzedakah Fund, addressed the
convention on the subject of mitzvot and encouraged BBYOers to return to their communities
as "Mitzvah Heroes." Lisa Buxbaum, founder of Soaring Words, a non-profit organization that
provides emotional support to families and children with terminal illnesses, offered the
participants a variety of ways to make a difference in the lives of these families. Comedians
Scott Blakeman and Dean Obeidallah put a comedic spin on the situation in Israel in their
presentation "Standup for Peace." Blakeman, an Israeli, and Obeidallah, an Arab, shed light on
the conflict through their use of humor. Carl Shrag, a former editor of the Jerusalem Post
provided the factual framework that helped to put "Standup for Peace" into perspective.
Round-table discussions allowed the participants to meet with most of these experts in small
groups to have their questions answered.
Later in the week, participants successfully elected the 81st and 61st International Boards of
the Aleph Zadik Aleph and B'nai B'rith Girls. Please read Meet the New I-Board to learn more.
The International Presidents's Reunion gave past Godolim and N'siot a chance to return to
Perlman for the last International Convention held there. It also gave participants the chance
to meet former leaders of their organization. The past presidents played an integral role in
the convention throughout the weekend, helping to lead prayers during services, and
presenting awards during the International Awards Ceremony. Participants had the opportunity
to meet with several presidents in a small group setting to ask them about their terms, and
how the organization has evolved.
The convention closed with the same enthusiasm and spirit that it began. The International
Spirit Gavel and Cup were awarded to the AZAs of Kentucky Indiana Ohio Region and the
BBGs of Central Region East respectively. These regions will guard the gavel and cup until IC
2006 to be held in Atlanta, Georgia over President's Weekend, February 16-20.
MEET THE NEW AZA AND BBG INTERNATIONAL BOARDS
Brandon Rattiner, a member of Philip Klutznick AZA
#734 in the Rocky Mountain Region was elected to
serve as the 81st Grand Aleph Godol. Brandon
previously served as the 13th Grand Aleph Moreh.
He plans to attend Tufts University after his term
ends in August. "During my term as Grand Aleph
Godol I don't plan on making any radical or
revolutionary changes. I just believe that if the
quality of everything we do increases, our
organization would reach unimaginable heights," said
Brandon.
AZA Board from L to R: Jonathan
Sadow, Jason Rosen, Brandon Rattiner,
Bennett Marcus, Jeremy Gelman
Shauna Ruda, a member of Neshama BBG #165 in
the Rocky Mountain Region, was elected to serve as
the 61st International N'siah. Shauna previously
served as the 16th International Sh'licha. She plans
BBG Board from L to R: Dina Finer,
on attending American University in Washington, DC
Nina Rosen, Shauna Ruda, Erica
after her term ends in August. "Being a B'nai B'rith
Robinson, Melissa Finger
Girls for the past five years has shaped the character
and person that I have become. I owe every interpersonal skill I have to this organization, every aspect of my Jewish identity, and every
chance I've had to make a difference in this world," said Shauna.
Bennett Marcus, a member of Long Beach AZA #488 in the Nassau Suffolk Region was
elected to serve as the 81st Grand Aleph S'gan. Bennett is also currently serving as the
Regional S'gan of NSR. "Our order will have to try out new ideas but with the correct
guidance. I guarantee we can bring AZA to new heights that we have never been able to
reach before," said Bennett.
Jason Rosen, a member of Wayne AZA in the Greater Jersey Hudson River Region, Northern
Council, was elected to serve as the 14th Grand Aleph Moreh. Jason is also currently
serving as the Council Godol of GJHRR-NC.
Jeremy Gelman, a member of Judge Saul Pinchick AZA #6 in the Rocky Mountain Region
was elected to serve as the 81st Grand Aleph Mazkir. Jeremy is also currently serving as
the Regional Godol of RMR. "International Board is an opportunity only a few select members
of our Organization receive. I am appreciative that the Alephs of our Order put their trust in
me to serve this upcoming year and believe the five Alephs they elected will lead them back
to glory," said Jeremy.
Jonathan Sadow, a member of Exodus AZA #2505 in the Southern Region, Atlanta Council,
was elected to serve as the 16th Grand Aleph Shaliach. Jon is also currently serving as the
Council Godol of Atlanta Council. "The opportunity to propel BBYO into the future during a
time of tremendous change and development is one of the greatest I could have," said Jon.
Erica Robinson, a member of Henry Barnston BBG #318 in the Lonestar Region, was elected
to serve as the 61st International S'ganit. Erica is also currently serving as the Regional
S'ganit of LSR. "This organization has shaped me into the person that I am today. It has
taught me the leadership skills that have brought me to this point in my life," said Erica.
Nina Rosen, a member of BZB BBG in the Nassau Suffolk Region was elected to serve as the
16th International Aym-Ha Chaverot. Nina is also currently serving as the Regional AymHa Chaverot of NSR. "This year is full of promise and with hard work I think we have the
ability to go above and beyond what is expected," said Nina.
Melissa Finger, a member of L'Chaim BBG #1802 in the Big Apple Region, was elected to
serve as the 61st International Mazkirah. Melissa is also currently serving as the Regional
N'siah of BAR.
Dina Finer, a member of in the North Texas Oklahoma Region, was elected to serve as the
17th International Sh'licha. Dina is also currently serving as the Regional N'siah of NTO.
"In my term I plan to help every BBG find their own personal connection to Judaism, and
that it's okay to believe differently. We will come together and unite as an order, proud of our
differences, but proud together," said Dina.
Alumni News
WHERE YOUNG LIVES TAKE SHAPE: BRAD COHEN
BBYO alumni. This month, meet Brad Cohen, an
educator in Atlanta, GA who overcame his
Tourette's syndrome to become Georgia's first year
teacher of the year and authored the book Front of
the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the
Teacher I Never Had.
On the surface, Brad Cohen's time in BBYO holding leadership positions and going on summer
programs - seems no different than that of many
other participants. Growing up with Tourette
Syndrome, however, made every experience in Brad's life far from typical. Now a teacher in
Atlanta, GA, Brad has chronicled his life's journey living with and overcoming Tourette's in his
new book out this month, Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I
Never Had.
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder which causes people to make noises and tics
that they can't control. About 100,000 people in the United States have this hereditary
disorder. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Tourette's.
Brad participated in BBYO from 1988-1992 in the St. Louis Council of the Mid America Region
as a member of Jeremiah AZA #2376. During his freshmen year of high school, a friend
asked him to join BBYO.
At first, Brad wasn't sure how people would receive him. Whenever he would make tics and
noises, he explained why he was doing it if anyone asked. After a short time, Brad decided
that the best way to educate his peers in BBYO would be to run a council-wide program on
Tourette Syndrome. The program went so well that the organizers of spring convention that
year asked for him to repeat the program for the entire region.
"Right away, I was able to educate not only St. Louis, but all of the Mid America Region
about Tourette's, so getting involved with BBYO was not hard at all." Brad said.
Participating in BBYO's summer Israel trip as well as Kallah, ILTC and March of the Living
exposed Brad to a much larger Jewish community.
"At the beginning of every summer program I went on, I would get up and tell everyone
about Tourette's. The more I did it, the better my self-esteem got, the more active I wanted
to be, and the more leadership positions I took on."
Not only did Brad take on a variety of leadership positions within his local chapter, he also
served as the President of St. Louis Council and eventually was elected to International Board
as Grand Aleph Sh'liach.
"When I was elected to the international board - that's a big deal. You are running against
people from different states across the US." Brad said. "I was able to represent BBYO on the
international level as a leader despite the fact that I had a disability. I was really excited that
people were able to look past my disability and see me as a person."
Not everyone in Brad's life, however, was as accepting as his friends in BBYO. When Brad
was in 5th grade, his teacher made him stand in front of the class and apologize for making
the noises that he could not control.
"She told me to tell everyone that I was sorry and it wouldn't happen again, but obviously
the noises continued." Brad said. "At that point I realized that I wanted to be that teacher
that was there to support kids or give them a pat on the back. I wanted to be the teacher I
never had."
Brad's new book, Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never
Had, explores Brad's personal struggles with Tourrette's and how he was able to overcome his
disability to fulfill his dreams.
"The reason I wrote the book is because my college newspaper did an article on me and so
many people started contacting me about Tourette's to learn how I got through it with a
positive attitude and became successful. I wanted to meet with each of them, but I didn't
have the time, so I decided I needed to put my story down in a book," Brad said.
Principal after principal refused to hire Brad because of his disability. Most people told him to
give up on teaching altogether. Once Brad was able to get his first teaching position in an
elementary school in Atlanta, he proved all of his critics wrong by winning the "Sallie Mae
First Year Teacher of the Year of Georgia" award.
"Just a year before, there were principals that told me that I couldn't be a teacher. I was
able to prove them wrong. I was really proud of the accomplishment and it boosted my selfesteem again," Brad said.
Brad attributes much of his personal success to his time in BBYO.
"BBYO wasn't my life. It gave me a life," Brad notes. "The strategies, social skills and
leaderships skills made me who I am today."
Brad found in BBYO, for the first time, peers who respected him for who he was, regardless
of his disability.
"In middle school, I had no friends. I was the kid at lunch that sat alone while other kids
paraded around me and made fun of the noises. BBYO was where people started to look past
the outside and got to know me for who I was on the inside."
Brad has recently been involved in speaking engagements across the country and is currently
on a book signing tour. Front of the Class has been gaining steam, as People Magazine
recently featured a four-page spread on Brad and the book in their September 12th issue.
Brad was also featured on an episode of the TV program Inside Edition on September 15.
In addition, Brad recently became engaged to his fiancé, Nancy.
"I want to let people know that just because they have a disability, they can still be
successful," Brad said.
To learn more about Brad Cohen, Tourette Syndrome, or to buy a copy of Front of the
Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had, visit
www.frontoftheclassbook.com.
YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN! REMINISCENCES OF THE 2005 INTERNATIONAL
PRESIDENTS'S REUNION
BY MARCIA GOREN WESER, INTERNATIONAL BBG PRESIDENT 1961-62
The narrow, mountainous roads winding to
Perlman Camp flooded my senses with memories
from many years ago - of my wonderful sister
BBGs and brother AZAs, of songs and prayers, of
debates and discussions, of caring staff members
and B'nai B'rith stalwarts such as Anita Perlman,
Label Katz and Jack Spitzer. I felt like I did go
home this past August - to the International
Conventions of BBG and AZA, now celebrating
their 60th and 80th anniversaries, respectively. I
had spent three summers at the camp in the '60s
- could I go "home" again?
All past presidents of BBG and AZA were invited to attend this momentous event, the last
such summer convention to be scheduled at Perlman Camp (future ones will be held
elsewhere). Twenty-seven of us attended, from Boston architect Elliot Rothman, GAG 195455, to last year's GAG Robbie Sadow and N'siah Emily Hyatt, both now college students.
Every decade of the last half of the 20th century was represented.
I felt transformed throughout the weekend. From the inspiring Friday evening Menorah
lighting by the lake to beautiful Shabbat services and rollicking songfest and dancing that
topped off the evening. From mealtime brachot to informal chats. From heated discussions of
the weekly parashah to a rousing, spirited awards ceremony. It was thrilling. And the "kids"
(as we called the conventioneers) made us feel beyond welcome - and we loved them for it!
The spirit of BBYO is alive and thriving. It is flourishing even more than ever! I saw the
creativity of BBYOers as I participated in the innovative Shabbat morning "Dr. Seuss"-themed
service, compiled by Liz Zelman, reminding us to "Be who you are and say what you feel
because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind!" As I listened to the
moving words of Rob Spitzer as he eulogized his father, Jack, honored in the 2005 Memorial
Grove, I knew that dedication and commitment to a noble cause still mattered.
Later I shared my experiences of BBG, responding to questions from conventioneers - and
noted with awe their own insights into BBYO traditions and chapter and regional activities.
The young people who came to chat during the weekend also confirmed for me that this
"home" that is BBYO is continuing to do for them what it has done for thousands of us over
the 60 to 80 years of its existence: train thoughtful, independent leaders. The world will be in
good hands when these "kids" take charge.
BBYO develops leaders who are knowledgeable about Judaism and the world, who are
sensitive and caring. BBYO welcomes youth from all streams of our Judaism and honors the
best within them. BBYO empowers young people through its programs to make a difference,
through service and tikkun olam. BBYO sends many young people abroad, and to Israel (as I
went), providing invaluable growth and opportunities which will serve them well in college and
the workplace.
It was also thrilling to meet my "presidential" peers. All of us were touched by the beautiful
outdoor sculpture that was dedicated in our honor on the campus. As I read through our bios,
I realized that all of us had used the lessons we'd learned in BBYO throughout our lives. We
continue to pass on that BBYO legacy to others through our vocational choices and volunteer
service in our communities across the nation. As we reminisced and enjoyed our homecoming,
I realized that in some ways we never really left: BBYO will always be home for us - and I
hope for all who were there at the 2005 convention and, indeed, for all BBYO alumni!
WILL YOU BE AT THE UJC GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN TORONTO?
The United Jewish Communities will be holding this
year's General Assembly in Toronto, November 1316. BBYO will have a table at the exhibit center
and encourages attendees to stop by to learn
about BBYO's exciting new initiatives and
opportunities for alumni. There will be a BBYO
reception held Sunday, November 13, 5:30-6:30
pm, and alumni and friends are invited to attend.
Please let us know if you'll be there by
e-mailing lkramer@bbyo.org.
BBYO In the News
Members of B'not Lev BBG #2430 collected funds to assist Hurricane Katrina refugees.
According to the Kansas City Jewish Chronicle, local BBYO members collected donations at
chapter meetings and free BBYO membership is being offered to any Jewish teen displaced by
Hurricane Katrina and now living in the Kansas City area (September 10, 2005).
The Phoenix Jewish Times announced that Tina Sheinbein, a former member of BBYO in the
Phoenix area, was recently named part-time outreach and development director for the Jewish
Free Loan Association of Greater Phoenix (August 19, 2005).
Lindsay Hodin, a member of Northern Region East BBYO, and participant of BBYO's
Passport to Israel program, was featured in an article in the Potomac Gazette about how
Maryland teens spent their summer (August 24, 2005).
The St. Louis Jewish Light announced that BBYO programs would return to the Wohl JCC
under the leadership of the new St. Louis Council Director Brett Bunsick (August 24,
2005).
BBYO members from Memphis, TN in a partnership with the B'nai B'rith Schloss Lodge
collected stuffed bears for the 2nd Annual B'nai B'rith Cares for Kids Project. The Hebrew
Watchman reported that these bears will be donated to the Memphis Child Advocacy Center
and other organizations that serve needy, abused or neglected children.
astrunk@bbyo.org.
Spanning over 38 regions and 16,000 members internationally, BBYO, Inc. is a worldwide, trans-denominational, teen-led organization that
provides opportunities for Jewish teens to develop their leadership potential and a positive Jewish identity.
BBYO eNews - October 2005
October 2005
Issue 12
BBYO WILL BE AT THE UJC'S GENERAL
ASSEMBLY. WILL YOU?
If you have information to share or comments about the BBYO e-News, please e-mail
astrunk@bbyo.org. Thank you and enjoy!
BBYO, Inc. News
THOUSANDS OF JEWISH TEENS REGISTER FOR BBYO'S NEW TEEN NETWORKING
SITE
Jewish teenagers around the world have a new
way to connect with one another thanks to
BBYO's new state-of-the-art networking site, blinked.org! registered Since its successful launch at
the beginning of October, b-linked.org has
attracted over 2,500 Jewish teens to sign up and
become b-linked users, and this number is
growing daily.
The UJC will be holding this year's GA in
Toronto, November 13-16. BBYO will have a
table at the exhibit center and a reception on
Sunday, November 13, 5:30-6:30 pm.
Please let us know if you'll be there by
e-mailing lkramer@bbyo.org.
b-linked is a response to the Jewish community's
growing challenge to connect its teens to Jewish
life. BBYO is using new approaches and emerging
technologies to both engage its current AZA and
BBG membership base, while also capturing the
"hard-to-reach" Jewish teen market in ways that
were once unimaginable.
JEWISH LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
Here are just a few of the things that teens can
do at b-linked.org:
Limmud NY invites current BBYO members and
alumni to attend its 2006 Conference January
13-16, at Kutsher's Resort in upstate NY.
Scholarship money is available for current
BBYO members and college-aged alumni
through the Schusterman Family Foundation.
For more information about Limmud NY,
contact ruthie@limmudny.org.
Give to BBYO
thousands of Jewish teens. You can contribute
to BBYO either through an unrestricted gift or
by designating your gift to a specific fund,
program or project.
GET YOUR BBYO GEAR
BBYO has just launched an eStore featuring
everything from t-shirts and hats to ipod
Make friends with Jewish teens from all over the world
Sign up for Jewish experiences, from leadership programs and community service
events to basketball leagues, college tours and Israel trips
Communicate through message boards about important topics
Connect with teens based on common areas of interest, from music and movies to
volunteer work and sports
Use b-accepted, a college preparation site with articles that offer advice about
anything and everything teens should know when applying to college
And, that is just the beginning! Visit b-linked.org today, and see for yourself.
COTTON STATES REGION SPEARHEADS INTERNATIONAL RELIEF EFFORTS
Memberrrs of BBYO's Cotton States Region,
which includes chapters in Louisiana, Mississippi,
Tennessee, Alabama and Arkansas, are
spearheading a National Jewish Teen initiativeYouth Aiding the Distressed (Y.A.D.) to raise
awareness and funds for disaster relief in the
wake of Hurricane Katrina. The teens developed
programming resources not only for BBYO's 500
chapters around the world, but also for members
of other Jewish youth organizations. Y.A.D. efforts
culminated in an International Jewish Teen
Relief Weekend, October 14-16. Jewish teens from New York City to San Francisco
planned disaster relief awareness and fundraising events in their communities throughout
the weekend.
Katrina directly affected three states of the Cotton States Region. Members of CSR youth
leadership immediately mobilized their membership to help with relief efforts. Members of
Birmingham's Mesch AZA raised over $2500 for the Birmingham Jewish Federations
Hurricane Relief Fund with their creative fundraiser Bounce for the Big Easy. Members of
the Birmingham community were invited to drop coins, bills and checks into Mesch's
covers and carabiners. Visit
www.bbyostore.com today!
basketball goal as they bounced basketballs for bucks at the local JCC. The chapter also
invited several speakers from both the secular and Jewish communities, including former
New Orleans residents now residing in Birmingham, to add a personal touch to the event.
comments for the new BBYO eNewsletter, e-mail astrunk@bbyo.org.
The five BBG Chapters in Memphis, TN banned together to provide free babysitting
services for displaced members of the New Orleans Jewish Community currently residing in
Memphis. This service will allow parents time to find new homes, secure jobs and rebuild a
life for themselves in Memphis. Weinstein BBG in Knoxville, TN raised over $400 through a
local carwash.
Many BBYO Regions are incorporating disaster relief efforts into events already on their
calendars. Big Apple Region incorporated a short film from Aish.com entitled Starting
Over: Rosh Hashanah & Katrina into their High Holiday Under the Stars overnight held
during the International Teen Relief Weekend Oct 14-16. BAR members also collected
donations for the Red Cross at their Welcome Back Kickoff Dance held in September.
The city of Houston has absorbed approximately
50% of the displaced Jewish Community of New
Orleans. Members of Lonestar Region BBYO have
been actively participating in community based relief
efforts including a truck drop-off for donations at
their local JCC. On October 16 all Lonestar chapters
participated in simultaneous fundraisers including
car washes and bake sales to raise funds that will
directly benefit members of the New Orleans Jewish
Community now living in Houston. Members of
Cyrus Adler AZA and Tikvah BBG got a chance to
meet Houston Astros pitcher, Roger Clemens, when he stopped by their Y.A.D. bake sale
on October 16!
Members of Dixie Council have been busy raising disaster relief funds with their Necklaces
for New Orleans fundraiser. They have already raised over $100 and plan to incorporate
disaster relief programming into their Mind Body Attitude/Fraternity convention October 2830. Several Dixie Council chapters are working to directly improve the quality of life for
displaced Katrina victims in their area by holding toiletry drives and other fundraisers.
The Philadelphia Region plans to bring the Greater Philadelphia community together in
early November for the Gift of Rock, an evening of music and fundraising that will benefit
victims of Hurricane Katrina. Local teen bands are invited for some friendly competition in a
battle of the bands organized by Philadelphia BBYO members. Many local businesses are
showing their support for BBYO and Y.A.D. efforts through donations for the event.
The members of Central Region West are keeping the spirit of New Orleans alive by
selling Mardi Gras beads in their community. CRW welcomed Big Easy BBYO member
Daniel Smolkin into their region with open arms after his family was evacuated from New
Orleans. Smolkin has proven himself to be an asset to his new CRW BBYO community,
using the skills that he learned this summer at CLTC to restart a chapter in Palo Alto, CA.
The national youth leadership of other Jewish youth organizations including NFTY and USY
have expressed solidarity with BBYO's Y.A.D. efforts. Both organizations disseminated
Y.A.D. resources, provided by BBYO, to their membership and planned a number of drives
and awareness programs for the International Jewish Teen Relief Weekend in numerous
communities in North America.
BBYO is making an effort to help Jewish teens who have been directly impacted by the
hurricane. BBYO's 40+ regions will waive all membership and program fees as well as offer
additional scholarships for displaced Jewish Katrina teens that choose to participate in BBYO
experiences. At least twenty teens have already taken advantage of this opportunity.
Through its new website, www.bbyocares.org, BBYO sold over 1,500 teen-created
"Hurricane Relief" t-shirts raising approximately $8,000 for the American Red Cross and
additional funds for the United Jewish Communities Katrina relief efforts.
Are their disaster relief efforts being planned in your chapter, council or region? If so, tell
us about them by e-mailing JKonigsberg@bbyo.org.
Alumni News
WHERE YOUNG LIVES TAKE SHAPE: MARK BERNSTEIN
Where Young Lives Take Shape is a feature of the BBYO eNews focusing on the accomplishments of BBYO alumni. This
month, meet Mark Bernstein, co-publisher of the Hundreds of
Heads advice book series.
With a background in law, former District 7 Aleph Godol
(1976-1977), Mark Bernstein, turned the leadership skills he
developed in BBYO into a successful career as an lnew media
executive and now publisher of the Hundreds of Heads advice
book series. Bernstein, who is a native of Knoxville,
Tennessee, was a member of Winick AZA, and now divides
his time between Atlanta and San Francisco.
After two successful stints running Internet companies
(including CNN.com) Bernstein and long time friend, Yadin
Kaufmann, founded Hundreds of Heads Books in 2003.
Bernstein points out that, Hundreds of Heads Books is a
creation of his BBYO roots.
Bernstein and Kaufman met through Kaufmann's wife, and
Mark's friend from BBYO's International Kallah and ILTC
(1974), Lori Banov Kaufman, who was BBG International N'siah (1976-1977). Lori is also a
member of the Hundreds of Heads team, acting as a special editor on two of the series'
titles How to Survive Your Baby's First Year and How to Survive a Marriage. Lori, a native
of Charleston, South Carolina, and husband Yadin live in Rannana, Israel.
When the Kaufmanns' son was about to begin his four-year college journey and had a
million questions about what college life was like, they got the innovative idea to create
the book series based on the wisdom of many people. They realized that if two heads are
better than one then "hundred heads" would be even better." They recruited Bernstein and
together they have published six books including the #1 best selling college guide, How to
Survive Your Freshman Year. Ten additional titles are slated for release in 2006 and
another six titles in production for early 2007.
"America is awash today with too many self-proclaimed experts and many of these experts
don't have any more valuable insight or knowledge than the guy next door who has been
through that same experience," Bernstein says. "We determined that if we could put
together the collective peer to peer advice of these 'real life' experts it would be of greater
benefit."
Hundreds of Heads survival guide books provide useful and applicable advice on life's major
challenges, such as how to survive a baby, a teenager, a divorce, a marriage, dating,
college, etc. Over twenty Hundreds of Heads interviewers, known as "headhunters,"
crisscross the country to interview people who have "been there, done that."
Aside from the publishing business, Bernstein has a passion for making a difference in the
world, and credits his passion for social service to his days in BBYO.
"I think BBYO was a great training ground for teaching teamwork, creativity, organizational
behavior and leadership," Bernstein says, "The skills I learned in BBYO have helped mold
me into a good board member and the experience taught me better how to prioritize what
is really important."
Bernstein has served on the boards of many community and civic organizations, including
the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, American Jewish World Service, Hands
on Atlanta, Hands on Bay Area, Senior Citizen's Services of Metropolitan Atlanta, and the
Atlanta Committee for Public Education. He has been recognized for his community service
by receiving the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center Community Services Award, the WXIA
Atlanta Community Service Award and the Metropolitan Atlanta United Way Golden Rule
Award. Bernstein was selected by the World Economic Forum as one of its 100 Global
Leaders for Tomorrow.
Bernstein advises people to have a variety of life interests, be open, curious and be willing
to take some risks. "One of my most important life lessons I learned in BBYO; you get out
of things in direct proportion to what you put into them," he says.
Excerpts from some of Bernstein's books can be found at b-accepted.org, BBYO's new
college preparation website.
For more information on Hundreds of Heads, visit www.hundredsofheads.com.
BRYAN SCHWARTZ, JEWS OF COLOR: IN COLOR!
Bryan Schwartz, an alumnus of Central Region
West BBYO, brings the favorite camp song
"Wherever You Go, There's Always Someone
Jewish" to life through his unique photography
exhibit Jews of Color: In Color!
Schwartz travels the world photographing small,
isolated Jewish Communities in Africa, Asia, and
Latin America. While these communities look
like neighboring communities in their respective
nations, they are special in that they have
retained folklore and rituals connecting them
with ancient Jewish traditions. Today these communities actively practice Judaism.
The exhibit is currently on view at Washington DC's Sixth & I Historic Synagogue through
November 28th. From DC, the exhibit will travel to the San Francisco Bay Area where it
can be viewed from December through February. A similar exhibit will be on display in New
York City from November through April.
For more information about Bryan Schwartz's photography please visit
www.scatteredamongthenations.org.
ALUMNUS ELECTED TO HILLEL BOARD AT VIRGINIA TECH
Jordan Effron, 2004 alumnus of FinE AZA, Richmond, Virginia (Eastern Region BBYO) was
recently elected to the Executive Board of Hillel at Virginia Tech. He also currently serves
on the Budget Committee and Holocaust Awareness Committee of the Virginia Tech's
Student Government Association.
BBYO In the News
The Washington Jewish Week highlighted BBYO's international efforts to help the victims of
Hurricane Katrina, which include waiving membership fees for displaced teens and
fundraising through BBYO's newly established website www.bbyocares.org (September
22, 2005).
Big Apple Region and their Regional Director Hali Herman were featured in the Queens
Chronicle. The article reported significant contributions BAR members have made to the
community including an outreach program for "special needs" students, fundraising efforts
for Hurricane Katrina victims and announced a new chapter scheduled to start in October at
the Rego Park Jewish Center. BBYO member Melissa Finger was quoted as to why she
joined BBYO, "I just wanted to have an outlet, someplace to be with other Jewish teens."
(September 29, 2005).
The Pinecrest Tribune announced that Jason Kromirs, an alumnus of Michigan Region,
has been named Regional Director of Miami Region BBYO. In other news, Miami BBYO
members are currently developing an original script for the Ruth Gordon Impact Theatre,
an innovative approach to Holocaust education, and will perform their play at the Robert
Russell Theatre on February 9 (October 3, 2005).
Former BBG International Presidents Michelle (Blumenthal) Caplan (1987-88) and
Rachel Berger (1998-99) were featured in the Jewish Review for their participation in this
summer's International Presidents Reunion at BBYO's International Convention (October 1,
2005).
Members of Northern Florida Region BBYO became Jewish Pavilion volunteers when they
visited Jewish residents of Merrill Gardens according to an article in the Florida Heritage
Jewish News. The BBYOers hosted games for the residents including "Jewish Wheel of
Fortune" and "Chai Q" (August 26, 2005).
Omaha BBYO alumnae, Becky Kahn, recounted her experiences from this summer's BBYO
Passport to Israel trip for an article in Omaha's Jewish Press. "Not only did I rediscover my
Judaism, I made friendships that will last a lifetime in a place that took centuries to build"
(September 2, 2005).
The Ohio Jewish Chronicle announced that Amy Dicker, former associate regional director
of Southwestern Region has joined the Columbus JCC as the Regional Director for
Kentucky Indiana Ohio Region BBYO (September 8, 2005).
Steven Kaltenbaugh, a Navy Seaman and BBYO alumnus from Northern Region East,
appeared on the TV game show "Jeopardy" on September 19 according to the Baltimore
Jewish Times. Kaltenbaugh is currently studying Korean at the highly competitive Defense
Language Institute in Monterey, CA (September 9, 2005).
According to the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, Jonathan Schutkin, a former Regional Aleph
Godol of Wisconsin Region, has joined BBYO staff as the Assistant Regional Director of
Wisconsin Region (September 2, 2005).
astrunk@bbyo.org.
Spanning over 40 regions and 16,000 members internationally, BBYO, Inc. is a leading trans-denominational, teen-led organization working to
provide meaningful Jewish experiences to Jewish teens around the world.
BBYO, Inc. * 2020 K Street NW, 7th Floor * Washington, DC 20006 * bbyo.org * b-linked.org
BBYO - eNews
BBYO'S 2006 SUMMER EXPERIENCE
With BBYO, Jewish teens have over 20 options
for Summer '06! From Israel travel and
leadership to community service and outdoor
adventure, teens can customize a summer that
is perfect for them. To download a brochure
and learn more, visit www.bbyo.org today.
PASSPORT TO ISRAEL
November/December 2005
Issue 13
Welcome to the combined November/December issue of the BBYO e-News. If you
have information to share or comments about the BBYO e-News, please e-mail
astrunk@bbyo.org.
BBYO, Inc. News
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION MOVES TO ATLANTA; OPENS WITH SPECIAL
CONCERT FEATURING LEAD SINGER OF GUSTER; CLOSES WITH RICK RECHT
After 50 years of calling Camp Perlman in
Starlight, Pennsylvania home, International
Convention (IC) is on the move, changing
locations from year to year. The 2006 IC, being
held February 16-20 (President's Day
Weekend), will be an exciting weekend that
no BBYOer should miss out on!
This summer BBYO is offering all Jewish
teenagers the opportunity to participate in four
distinct three-week programs in Israel, with
eight different departure dates and a variety of
extension options, allowing teens to mix and
match P2I options to find the perfect Israel
experience! To download a brochure, visit
www.bbyo.org Or, visit passport2israel.org to
learn more and register.
MARCH OF THE LIVING 2006
International Convention is the largest gathering
of BBYO's worldwide teen leadership each year.
It is where BBYO's international order elects its
leadership and engages in the governance that
will shape the organization's future. Bringing
together hundreds of BBYO participants from
both year-round and summer programs, IC
provides an opportunity to reflect on both
organizational and individual accomplishments.
Don't miss this reunion event where you are
sure to reconnect with old friends while also
making new ones. Any AZA or BBG member in
good standing may attend.
Register today!
To kick off IC in Atlanta, there will be a special concert performed by The LeeVees,
featuring Adam Gardner of Guster and Dave Schneider of the Zambonis, on
Thursday, February 16 at The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Zaban
Park Branch. This concert will be open to Atlanta's Jewish Community. For concert
time and ticket information, visit www.bbyo.org/ in early January. IC will close with
another concert featuring Jewish rock star, Rick Recht.
BBYO alumni are also invited to attend the show, as well as IC's Opening
Ceremonies being held that same evening. For more information on IC alumni
activities, contact Lindy Kramer.
BBYO invites you to join thousands of Jewish
teenagers from around the world for a two-week
life-changing experience that marks the tragedy
of the Holocaust and commemorates the
establishment of the State of Israel. For more
information,
click here.
BBYO RELEASES DIGITAL CAMPAIGN TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT B-LINKED
In October, BBYO launched the first online
community created exclusively for Jewish teens.
Within less than three months, b-linked.org
has become a vibrant community where more than
BBYO - eNews
SUMMER STAFFING OPPORTUNITIES
What are you doing this summer? If you area
junior in college or beyond and are interested in
making a world of difference in the lives of
Jewish teens, check out BBYO's summer staff
opportunities. Visit our Careers webpage or
contact Jeff Hoffman at 202.857.6632.
3,300 Jewish teens are connecting with one another,
talking about everything from sports and music to
Israel and community service, and utilizing tools that
can help them through the college search process.
Now, you can promote b-linked to Jewish teens that
you know simply by downloading an Are you
linked? digital campaign package, complete with desktop screensavers, AIM buddy
icons and web banners. Click here to download now!
BBYO HOSTS FIRST NATIONAL COLLEGE TOUR IN DC
KEEP THE SPARK ALIVE
As we celebrate Chanukah and reflect on the
Festival of Lights, we welcome you to keep
the spark that ignited your BBYO flame alive
by making a contribution to BBYO. With your
support we can continue to provide
meaningful Jewish experiences to teens
around the world all year round. If you
choose to make a donation at this time,
please remember to check with your
employer to see if they have a matching
gifts program and help BBYO leverage more
funds to strengthen our programs.
GET YOUR CHANUKAH T-SHIRT AT
BBYOSTORE.COM
Visit BBYO's
new eStore today to
get your $10
Chanukah tshirt! BBYO's eStore
also features polos,
hats, ipod covers,
fleeces and more.
Visit
www.bbyostore.com
today!
SUBSCRIBE TO ISRAEL HIGHWAY
This November, Jewish teens from
across the country traveled to
Washington, DC to participate in
BBYO's first National College Tour.
Over the course of four days,
participants visited six diverse DCarea Universities: The George
Washington University, Georgetown
University, American University,
Goucher College, The Johns Hopkins
University and University of
Maryland. BBYO's College Tour is
designed to aide Jewish teens in the
college admissions process, helping
them to narrow down potential
schools to apply to and visit with their families. READ MORE...
BBYO LEADERS LEARN ISRAEL ADVOCACY AT AIPAC TEEN SUMMIT
Earlier this month, the Charles and
Lynn Schusterman Family
Foundation sponsored the AIPAC
Schusterman Advocacy Institute
High School Summit, a conference
coordinated by the American Israel
Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). A
joint effort between AIPAC, BBYO,
PANIM, and the Curriculum
Initiative, the Summit brought more
than 200 Jewish high school leaders
from dozens of high schools, youth
movements and community
programs together to engage in political dialogue, learn advocacy techniques and
develop strategies for promoting a strong US-Israel relationship in high schools
across America.
Katie Glueck, a BBG member from Kansas City, MO, was one of more than 60 BBYO
members in attendance at the AIPAC summit. She found the program to be an
invaluable learning experience. "The AIPAC High School Summit has provided me
with essential tools and has allowed me to chart a course of action with regard to
my pro-Israel future."
For more information about BBYO's partnership with AIPAC and upcoming
opportunities click here.
BBYO ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH GIFT OF LIFE BONE MARROW
REGISTRY
Attention Teens: Are you aware that there is a
publication devoted solely to Israel and created
just for high school students? Visit
Turning 18 has its benefits, and now the
mitzvah of joining the Gift of Life Bone Marrow
Registry for FREE is one of them! Thanks to a
new partnership with Gift of Life, the only donor
registry in North America dedicated to
recruitment in Jewish communities, BBYO
members will receive an invitation to request a
free testing kit which will allow them to be
tested to join Gift of Life's registry as a
BBYO - eNews
www.israelhighway.org/ to get weekly updates
on news about Israel, the peace process, Israel
trips, sports and entertainment, opinion pieces
and more.
volunteer donor. The Registry, which is linked to
the international donor pool, provides life-saving
matches for individuals in need of blood stem cell and bone marrow transplants to
survive life-threatening illnesses. READ MORE...
BBYO RELEASES 2005 YEAR IN REVIEW
Alumni News
WHERE YOUNG LIVES TAKE SHAPE: NANCY KAUFMAN
In 2005, BBYO reached more Jewish teens with
more meaningful Jewish experiences than at any
time in the past decade, strengthened its
infrastructure and spent the year making plans
for future growth. To learn more about BBYO's
fiscal year 2005 accomplishments, visit
www.bbyo.org/ to download a copy of BBYO's
Year in Review.
B'NAI B'RITH INTERNATIONAL
INTERNSHIPS
The B'nai B'rith Center for Human Rights &
Public Policy, the public affairs, research and
advocacy arm of B'nai B'rith International, has
internship opportunities available. For more
information, contact Susan Silverman
To submit news, events or comments for
the new BBYO e-Newsletter, e-mail
astrunk@bbyo.org.
BBYO alumni. This month, meet Nancy Kaufman,
Executive of the Jewish Community Relations
Council of Greater Boston.
READ MORE...
BBYO ALUM PUBLISHES BOOK TO ANSWER
QUESTION: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
What distinguishes a geek from a nerd, a democracy from a republic, and partly
sunny from partly cloudy? For the first time, the answers to all such nagging
mysteries are in one place. Marc Tyler Nobelman, a CVR BBYO alumni '90, has
recently published his first adult book, What's the Difference?, available exclusively at
barnesandnoble.com and Barnes & Noble stores. As a writer and cartoonist, Marc has
authored more than fifty books and drawn forty times as many cartoons. His titles
include How to Do a Belly Flop, 365 Adventures and Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day.
He also writes regularly for Nickelodeon Magazine. His cartoons have appeared in
publications including The Wall Street Journal, Barron's and Forbes.
BROOKLYN BBYO ALUMNI REUNION PLANNED FOR JULY '06
Brooklyn alumni, Fran and Hank Fleischman, started with a list of 40 fellow Brooklyn
BBYO alumni, which quickly grew to over 300. More than 65 alumni have already
confirmed they will be attending. Are you a Brooklyn alum? Have you RSVP'd?
The July 4th Reunion for Brooklyn BBYO Alumni will be hosted by the Fleischmans
on Sunday, July 2nd, 2006 at 1-11 pm at their home in Merrick, New York. For more
information about the event, please visit www.reunion06.com/. To find your old BBYO
friends, please visit www.bbyoalumni.org/.
Regional News
BBYO RETURNS TO WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK
For the past two years, BBYO has been working to identify key communitites
throughout North America where exponentially more teens can be involved in
meaningful Jewish experiences. One of the communities where BBYO saw significant
room for growth was Westchester, New York. While Westchester boasted a strong
BBYO community in the early 90's, and recently has had active members as part of
the Greater Jersey Hudson River Region, it has not had a major presence in the
region for several years. With the generous support from International Board member
and Westchester resident, Andrew Suzman, BBYO was able to establish a Westchester
BBYO Region and named Jessica Rothstein the new BBYO Program Director for the
area.
BBYO - eNews
READ MORE...
GOLD COAST TEENS SEE COLLEGE THROUGH JEWISH EYES
Over the weekend of October 21-23,
nearly 50 Jewish high school juniors and
seniors from Miami-Dade, Broward and
Palm Beach counties embarked on the 2nd
Annual Gold Coast Region BBYO
Junior/Senior College Tour. Over the
course of the weekend, the teens had the
chance to tour three major state
universities in Florida, interact with Jewish
college students and have an incredibly
fun experience. READ MORE...
NORTH STAR BBYO MAKES A
DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY
On Sunday, October 23, the BBYO members of North Star Region participated in
Make A Difference Day, the biggest day of volunteering in the United States,
sponsored by USA Today. BBYO members, with the help of community sponsors,
planned a full day of activities for the entire community, including parents, other
teens and young children. READ MORE...
HELP HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN AFFECTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA
Would you love an opportunity for your
BBYO region/chapter to come together
as a community and participate in an
amazing hands-on community service
project? Soaringwords, a non-profit
organization devoted to helping millions
of ill childen and their families heal, is
inviting BBYO to participate in an
exciting national initiative by helping to
decorate quilts and pillows (on or around Martin Luther King Jr. Day), which will be
donated by Soaringwords to 1,500 children hospitalized in Houston and New Orleans
on Valentine's Day. Soaringwords makes the event turn-key by providing flyers,
instructions for running the program, a Soaringwords DVD and a CD to play while
BBYOers decorate the quilts. Please note, there is a fundraising component to this
event to cover the cost of materials. Regions/Chapters wishing to participate should
contact Erica Steen. BBYO In the News
The launch of BBYO's new college site, b-accepted.org was announced in several
Brooklyn, New York publications, including the Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill Courier,
Canarsie Digest, Park Slope Courier, Bay News, Brooklyn Heights Courier, Kings
Courier, Brooklyn Graphic, Flatbush Life, and Bay Ridge Courier (October 2005).
The Jewish Voice of Wilmington, DE featured an article written by CRE BBYO
member, Oren Schragger, about his experience as a member of the USA soccer
delegation to the 17th Maccabiah in Israel in July, 2005. The USA team finished fifth
out of 14 teams in the youth competition (September 23, 2005).
The Southfield Eccentric announced that Stacey Wolf, alumnae of Michigan Region
BBYO, was recently appointed assistant director of Michigan Region. Stacy will be
responsible for Detroit Teen Connection, community service programming and
chapters in Oak Park, Hungtington Woods and Ann Arbor (September 25, 2005).
The Fort Lauderdale Jewish Journal featured an article about BBYO's new Jewish teen
networking site b-linked.org. BBYO member Dave Klipper of Davie, FL was quoted
in the article, "By creating an online community of Jewish kids my age, we can more
easily find one another, network and eventually get together to do those things we
like doing" (November 3, 2005).
The Jewish Review of Portland, OR and the Jewish Independent of Vancouver, BC
featured articles about Evergreen Region's annual Jewish Education Converence
(JEC). At this year's JEC, Evergreen Region members attempted to join the Guinness
Book of World Records by braiding a 78-foot Challah (November 1, 2005 and
November 4, 2005).
The Jewish Herald-Voice of Houston, Texas announced that Lonestar Region
BBYO - eNews
BBYO recruited approximatey 200 new members this fall (October 20, 2005).
The Hebrew Watchman of Memphis, TN announced that Memphis BBYO members
raised close to $2,000 dollars for Katrina/Rita hurricane relief with their "Fill the
Bucket" fundraiser, part of the national Y.A.D. (Youth Aiding the Distressed) weekend
initiated by members of the Cotton States Region (November 10, 2005).
The Oakland Press of Oakload County, MI featured an article about Michigan
Region's Mind Body Attitude program that had over 65 women in attendance. The
program included three informational sessions about yoga, body image and nutrition
(November 21, 2005).
The New Mexico Jewish Link announced that BBYO will be re-starting in Albuquerque
(October, 2005).
The Texas Jewish Post featured an article about North Texas Oklahoma's first
annual "Teen Expo." Over 300 Jewish teenagers from the Dallas area attended the
event sponsored by NTO BBYO which featured a fashion show and "Jam Session," as
well as an inspirational speech from Becky Miller, Mayor of the City of Carrollton
(October 27, 2005).
astrunk@bbyo.org.
BBYO HOSTS FIRST NATIONAL COLLEGE TOUR IN DC (Continued)
Guided by the expertise of a personal college counselor who traveled with the BBYO
Tour, participants were able to gather information about the schools through a variety
of sources including information sessions, guided tours and student panels. At each of
the colleges, participants were also able to interact with BBYO alumni on campus who
offered them insight into the transition from high school to college life. Despite a rigorous tour schedule, participants were able to kick back and enjoy the
social benefits that college life has to offer including dinner and shopping on M Street
in Georgetown, ice skating and a late night BBQ with Maryland Hillel. The highlight of
the weekend was participating in University of Maryland's "Shabbat 1140" where over
1,300 Jewish students joined together for Friday night services and Shabbat dinner. A
participant from River Vale, NJ found it "amazing to see 1300 students giving each
other hugs and saying hello. We could really see the strength of the Jewish
community on campus."
College Tour participants can stay ahead of the curve through the college admissions
process by using BBYO's new college preparation website, b-accepted.org, which
includes the only college search engine featuring both Jewish and secular data, an
application organizer and articles that offer advice about everything from choosing
schools to how to write college essays. And, through a partnership with The
Princeton Review (TPR), BBYO is offering all members 10% off TPR's renowned test
preparation courses. Visit b-accepted today to learn more.
BBYO has begun planning a National College Tour for Spring 2006. If you are
interested in getting a head-start on your college search, e-mail Tali Golan for more
information or check the b-accepted.org site for updates. To read about a local
college tour that recently took place in Gold Coast Region please see Regional News.
Back to Article
BBYO ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH GIFT OF LIFE BONE MARROW
REGISTRY (Continued)
When Jay Feinberg, Founder and Executive Director of Gift of Life was diagnosed with
leukemia a year after he graduated from college, his doctor told him that he needed
to find a donor for a bone marrow transplant in order to survive. Since tissue type is
inherited, like eye color and hair color, Jay's best bet of finding a match was from
someone of the same ethnic background, an Ashkenazi Jew. Jay's friends and family
tested thousands of individuals in his quest for a donor. At the last drive they
organized, the last individual they tested turned out to be his miracle match.
Jay realized the need to inform the Jewish Community about bone marrow donation
in order to increase the number of Jewish donors in the worldwide registries. The Gift
of Life Bone Marrow Registry has nearly 100,000 potential donors and is part of an
international network available to patients in 40 countries.
Jamie Konigsberg, a former International N'siah of the B'nai B'rith Girls ('01-'02)
became involved with Gift of Life as a student at The George Washington University
where she ran two successful donor recruitment drives, adding over 500 potential
donors to the Gift of Life Registry. Jamie's first drive has already yielded five life
BBYO - eNews
saving matches and one transplant has already been facilitated. "I was thrilled to
learn about BBYO's new partnership with the Gift of Life. This is a simple, yet
powerful way for BBYO members to make an impact."
Lynn Schusterman, President of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation
and Chair of BBYO said, "I am thrilled to see BBYO and Gift of Life partner in a
campaign that will save lives and teach an emerging generation of young Jewish
leaders not only of our obligation to repair the world but also of our power to give
the gift of life."
Joining the registry is easy, and involves only a swab of cells from inside the cheek
to determine tissue type. For more information about BBYO's partnership with Gift of
Life and to request a kit please visit www.bbyocares.org/.
Back to Article
WHERE YOUNG LIVES TAKE SHAPE: NANCY KAUFMAN (Continued)
As member of Unity BBG in Brookline, MA, Nancy Kaufman established a strong
connection to her Jewish identity, a love for Israel and a passion for social justice, as
well as cultivated the leadership skills necessary to serve as the Executive Director of
the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston.
In high school, Kaufman describes her experiences in BBYO as a monumental
learning experience: "My Jewish identity was formed during those four years in a
very substantial way. BBYO was the first place that I learned about the Holocaust; it
exposed me to my Jewish heritage." For Kaufman, BBYO comprised all of her extracurricular activities in high school. She gained leadership experience as the Vice
President of her chapter and region and served as Regional Jewish Heritage
Chairwoman.
Kaufman did not have a lot of resources as a teen, and when she became interested
in BBYO's Israel Summer Institute she didn't have enough money to pay for the trip.
The three week adventure cost $1,000, so Nancy turned to BBYO for help. She
received a $500 scholarship, but this was only half of the battle. In her first
fundraising experience, Nancy called her Uncle to ask him to match her BBYO
scholarship. He agreed on the condition that she would give back to her community
and speak about her experiences when she returned from her trip. "If it wasn't for
the $500 scholarship from BBYO, I never would have been able to go to Israel, a
teen trip to Israel is one of the most important things that can happen in a young
person's life." Nancy returned from Israel and spoke about her experiences and has
never stopped giving back to her community.
Since her first trip to Israel with BBYO in 1967, just three weeks after the 6 Days
War, Nancy has been back to Israel 19 times. She credits BBYO for her love of
Israel. "The seed was planted, and it has been flourishing ever since."
After high school, Nancy put the skills she learned in BBYO to work as a social
activist. In college she became part of the anti-war movement. After college she
attended social work school and became involved in community organizing, throwing
herself into anti-poverty and homelessness work. In May of 1990, Nancy was
attending a Yom HaShoah service at the State House as Massachusetts's Director of
Health and Human Services under Governor Dukakis when she learned that the
Executive Director position for the Jewish Community Relations Council would soon be
vacant. She decided to apply for the Job.
The position was perfect for Kaufman as it required her to combine both her love and
commitment to social activism and her Jewish heritage. "[The JCRC] links the Jewish
community to its urban roots and its roots in the former Soviet Union. Most of the
work we do is mobilizing the Jewish community to pursue justice. We put learning
grounded in Jewish texts into action, and train the community to be activists." One
of Nancy's current projects is Telem, a Jewish service program aimed at involving
Jewish teenagers in meaningful social action projects.
Nancy encourages all BBYO members interested in pursuing a career in the Jewish
community or as an advocate of social justice "to learn everything you can about
what's Jewish about social justice, about what is 'just's about Judaism, and put the
two together for they are inextricably linked. You need to be advocates for serious
Jewish learning and social justice. When you put them together it is a winning
combination. BBYO provides the opportunity and foundation for this."
Back to Article
BBYO RETURNS TO WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK (Continued)
Rothstein is a former member of BBYO from Evergreen Region and has worked with a
BBYO - eNews
variety of organizations that have prepared her for her position as the Westchester
Director. After graduating from Savannah College of Art and Design with a B.A. in
Graphic Design, Jessica relocated to Savannah, Georgia where she served as the
director of Camp and Youth Services of Savannah's Jewish Educational Alliance. While
in Savannah, Jessica maintained her connection to BBYO as the advisor of Wexler
Clark BBG in Dixie Council.
As the new Program Director of Westchester BBYO, Jessica spent her summer
becoming familiar with the Jewish Community in the Westchester area, reconnecting
with Westchester BBYO alumni and meeting with teens and parents interested in what
BBYO has to offer. As the Regional Director of BBYO, Jessica hopes to "open their
eyes to the larger Jewish community in this area, exposing Jewish teens to cultural
experiences within Judaism that will give them the opportunity to connect with their
Jewish identity."
Jessica is currently working with Westchester teens to plan a holiday toy drive for
families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Many community organizations have expressed
interest in partnering with BBYO on this project including several local synagogues.
If you would like more information about BBYO in Westchester please contact Jessica
Rothstein.
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GOLD COAST TEENS SEE COLLEGE THROUGH JEWISH EYES (Continued)
Dave Press, the Assistant Director of Gold Coast Region, designed the trip in 2004 as
a means of retaining older members of BBYO, engaging unaffiliated Jewish
teens and exposing South Florida's Jewish teens to the next step in the real world college - through their peers's eyes. The trip combines touring universities and
getting a taste of college life with hands-on interaction with Jewish students and
organizations at each of the campuses.
Highlights from the tour included a traditional Israeli lunch at the FSU Hillel building,
campus tours led by members of Jewish fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi and BBYO alumni
and a student-led Havdallah service in a Hillel Sukkah. Chelsea Kesner, a junior in
Chaverot L'Yad BBG in Coral Springs expressed how valuable she felt the trip was. "I
don't have any older siblings, so when we first arrived at each campus, I felt
overwhelmed. But after meeting Jewish students and getting a feel for what each
school offered, I feel much more comfortable about what lies ahead of me. Now that
I've seen that the next step [after BBYO] is Hillel, I'd like to stay active in Jewish life
when I get to college."
For more information about the GCR College Tour please contact Dave Press.
Back to Article
NORTH STAR BBYO MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY (Continued)
The goal of Make a Difference Day is to give people hands-on community service
opportunities and to show them what they can do every day to help make a
difference in their community. Four organizations were showcased in this year's
Make a Difference Day: Soaringwords, Cheerful Givers, Camp Ripley and To Save a
Life.
BBYO members adopted Cheerful Givers as an ongoing project after participating at
the Cheerful Givers "Big Birthday Bash" at the Mall of America last March. Cheerful
Givers is a non-profit organization that donates birthday bags to families who would
otherwise not be able to afford birthday presents. On Make a Difference Day,
BBYOers held a "Birthday Bash" where they decorated and filled over 75 birthday
bags. These bags were then donated to local food shelves where they will be picked
up by families in need of some extra help to celebrate birthdays.
For more information about North Star's Make a Difference Day, please contact Cara
Porter.
Back to Article
Spanning over 40 regions and 18,000 participants internationally, BBYO, Inc. is a leading trans-denominational, teen-led organization working to
provide meaningful Jewish experiences to Jewish teens around the world.
BBYO, Inc. * 2020 K Street NW, 7th Floor * Washington, DC 20006 * bbyo.org * b-linked.org

Archived of BBYO`s 2005 eNewsletters

Transcription

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