B’nai B’rith Youth Organization — does that sound like a bunch of crazy words?
BBYO is a Jewish youth organization found in over 60 countries. It is a way for one to connect with fellow teens in their region. The region in the general area of Cherry Hill is the South Jersey Region (SJR).
If one identifies as female, they are part of the BBG chapters. Such chapters in South Jersey consist of Neshef, Shemesh, Chevrah, and Dafna.
Likewise, if one identifies as male, they are part of AZA chapters. In SJR, these include Marlcrest, Chapel, and Masada.
When a teen considers joining, they are now referred to as prospects and discover over time which chapter best fits them. One’s time in BBYO goes from grades 8-12, adding to one’s high school experience.
On their journey to select a chapter, young teens will encounter some initial events to attend. Each chapter has its own, but there are also bigger regional programs that teens can participate in, once they have chosen a chapter.
Matthew Horowitz (‘27), president of Marlcrest AZA, said, “I’m looking forward to events, like Brotherhood, for my chapter.”
Some of the chapter kickoffs this year included Dafna’s Perfect Picnic and Neshef’s End of Summer Hangout, both of which took place on Sept. 13.
The big upcoming regional event is Conclave. Conclave takes place at Camp Harlam in the Poconos, and is a recommended way to get to know the people in one’s chapter by sharing cabins.
Charlotte Silcox (‘28), president of Shemesh BBG, says, “Conclave is one of the best conventions and is being planned by some of my friends.”
Registration for Conclave has been open as of Sept. 14. It is something that members strongly encourage because it helps one find their Jewish identity. Conclave is the kickstart to making new teens feel comfortable within their region.
I am part of BBYO myself, as a member of Shemesh BBG.
So, from my perspective, why should you join BBYO?
At first glance, BBYO can seem very scary, but once you put yourself out there, it is worth it.
Being around a bunch of new people is a big challenge. However, people in BBYO are all looking for the same thing: friends! There is nothing to worry about; everyone is welcoming and friendly.
Silcox said that, though “BBYO can seem very intense…, it is a life-changing thing.” It helps you find your own Jewish identity, and that others are in the same boat with antisemitism.
One of my biggest BBYO memories was Sisterhood. Brotherhood/Sisterhood is an event later in the fall term that helped connect me with the other members of my chapter. At Sisterhood, when everyone sat in a circle and discussed the antisemitism we all faced, I’ve never felt so welcome.
Horowitz said, “BBYO is welcoming because, in my experience, I’ve had a great time getting to know everyone, and I feel like everyone is nice and we are all brothers.”
In the end, BBYO allows people to find lost brothers and sisters that they never thought they needed. All of the BBYO chapters have their own individual quirks that can make you feel safe and welcome! It’s like a second home.