Yo yo yo BBYO! You know the deal by now, so here’s another #KeepingPace for August :)
August for me started right after I came back from visiting International Kallah. It was great, but go check out July for more on my Kallah visit. Throughout the month of August, the primary objective of myself and many others was to put on an amazing August Executives Conference. For those that don’t know, August Execs is a meeting of our community presidents from all over the world. From the International Business Meeting on Thursday morning to a Havdallah under the Perlman Tree. Leadership lessons and the installation of the 98th and 78th Grand and Intl. Board (which you can watch here) was amazing.
This year we were blessed to host over 100 delegates coming from 14 different countries. From right here in the United States, to South Africa, Argentina, and Austria, we celebrated our global movement in ways we have never before. Execs was AWESOME, so here are a few highlights.
Inaugural Address and Installation Ceremony of the 98th and 78th Grand & Intl. Board
On Wednesday night, Avi and I gave the Inaugural Address where we laid out priorities and ideas for the year ahead, and believe me, we have a lot of work to do. The night culminated in the installation of the 98th Grand Board of the Aleph Zadik Aleph and 78th International Board of the B’nai Brith Girls. It was amazing to be surrounded by friends, family, and people tuning in from around the world to share this special moment with me and the rest of the board.
International Business Meeting
On Thursday morning, the Executive Body gathered in-person and online to have an International Business Meeting. On the docket (which can be found: here) was important legislation. From collecting more information for advisory prospects, remembering Alephs and BBGs at Perlman Camp, and supporting Jewish communities in rural Africa, the executive body passed landmark legislation.
For the first time in recent history, we have members from all 6 inhabited continents with BBYO Japan, China, and Singapore tuning in for the first time. It was amazing seeing the global participation of so many communities.
Hub Huddles
Something brand new we started this year was Hub Huddles! Hubs are groups of presidents grouped by geography. Presidents will meet weekly to bi-weekly with their hubs to bounce ideas off of each other, come up with ideas, and help each other grow. These are great opportunities for communities to get new perspectives and create amazing bonds for the future.
Perlman Ghost Tour
On the final night of camp, the 2nd annual Perlman Ghost Tour took place. Execs learned about the deep history of the movement and how important Perlman Camp is to the order. We gained insight into things like how and where AZA first conducted business meetings and how an unsuspecting field played host to International Conventions while at Perlman. Gaining a new perspective of the order they had just taken the reigns of, the presidents got a new appreciation for what they will do.
Following Execs, Avi and I traveled to Philadelphia with the global delegates for a few days where we toured the city trying some good food, seeing some cool sites such as the Liberty Bell, and rollerblading on Tuesday night. After coming home, it was amazing to see the power of the order and all that it holds.
Once Execs was wrapped up, I got to do my first community visit as your 98th Grand Aleph Godol. Heading up to Austin and San Antonio to go to their kickoff was great! Seeing how strong Austin is and how great San Antonio is growing is amazing to see. I can’t wait to get on the road to see even larger kickoffs and a stronger order.
Until next time!
Fraternally submitted,
Levi
Levi Fox is the 98th Grand Aleph Godol from Lonestar Region.
All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.