Before going to Kallah, I had many doubts. Will it be the same as the camp I’ve spent ten summers at? Will it be as good as CLTC? Would the Jewish Traditions I grew up around be impacted? Two older BBGs had always told me that Kallah was genuinely life-changing, and I didn't know what to believe. Not only did they say their view of Judaism had changed for the better, but they also came back with friends from all over the world. I was scared, excited, and prepared all at once.

All of my concerns were answered within an hour of arriving at the Newark Airport. I immediately found three girls who had come all the way from Colombia and instantly connected with each one. Reuniting with friends from CLTC the previous year and meeting Jewish teens from all around the world reassured me that everything was going to be ok. On the first day, I met friends of friends I’d been told I must meet and felt truly comfortable. Once the initial nerves wore off, I started to understand why people attend Kallah. Not just because of the fabulous friends you meet, but also to strengthen your Jewish Identity. It’s a chance to learn more about your personal Jewish identity, not just the one you grew up surrounded by.

Now, I’ve been able to share that I have been impacted, but you may be asking what moments impacted me the most. So, let me share the three most memorable and moving moments from my three weeks at Perlman!

1. The first moment I recognized that Kallah was going to be more than just a summer camp was the first morning. After breakfast, we all split into groups to take a quiz. Not an English or math quiz, but instead a quiz that wasn't studied for and challenged me. I was asked to answer questions and talk about my Judaism in ways that I had never before. Does G-d Exist? Am I spiritual enough? Are we the “Chosen People”? For each question, I struggled to decide on an answer. Not because I didn't know the answers, but because there isn't just one answer. Everyone's results were based on the Jewish practices they had previously experienced. This was an opportunity for us to come together and have a shared Jewish experience. After twenty-one wonderful days, our groups were reconnected and we retook the quiz. After learning about Judaism's various rules, traditions, and values, my peers and I felt we had come full circle. Although some questions were still as challenging as before, and some felt easy to answer, our responses showed us how Kallah had impacted us.

2. Before the first Shabbat of Kallah, we celebrated with a day-long program called Israel360. Over the twenty-four hours, we attended activities and listened to speakers. What stood out to me the most was that BBYO provided guests with diverse opinions to challenge us. My favorite program of that day was led by Aviv Kurnas, an IDF soldier who had come all the way from Israel to share his project with us. He provided VR headsets for everyone to watch a first-hand experience of what the aftermath of October 7th looked like as a teenager, Jew, Israeli, and former hostage. We saw through the lens of someone we could relate to, which I believe made it so impactful. Although the visuals were harrowing and the stories were horrifying, once it was done, Aviv shared why he brought this to us. He started by asking us to raise our hands if we could name 5+ holocaust survivor stories. No one raised their hand. After he asked us to raise our hands if we could name 5+ October 7th survivors. Two people raised their hands. Aviv stated that he brought this story to us to share and encourage us to learn other stories. We cannot forget what happened. We can not let these stories remain untold. The day was heavy, but it ignited a passion in all of us to remind each other what our job is as Jewish teens.

3. Lastly, I would like to highlight the interactions BBG’s got to have with girls from Camp Morasha, a modern orthodox sleepaway camp. A group of teens around our age came and spoke to us about young Jewish lives so we could reflect on our similarities and differences. Before we were given an opportunity to speak with the girls, Morasha’s camp mom, Jenni Levin, spoke with us. She shared a story of a young woman's journey. Her journey as a Jew throughout her life, including school, friendships, and even BBYO! This girl became International Mazkirah at the age of fifteen and Anita M. Perlman International N’siah at sixteen. The story was extremely compelling and relatable, and the majority of the girls listening understood it. As the story wrapped up, Jenni shared that this story was the story of her life. How she went from being a young, reformed/conservative Jewish girl traveling the world at sixteen to settling into a modern Orthodox life and working at a summer camp empowering young Jewish people. Without even knowing us, she finished speaking to us by saying that she was truly proud of each and every one of us there. For showing up not just in BBYO but showing up as Jews everywhere we go. Jenni, a living example of our past, present, and future, made a huge impact on every BBG who chose to spend their summer at Kallah.

As a whole, Kallah helped me break down barriers and biases I had about my own religion. I was able to compare and contrast the experiences I’ve had with people from all over the world. Being able to connect with a Jew on the other side of the country or even the other side of the world! I truly recommend this summer program to anyone and everyone. This is an experience that you will take away something from, even if you try not to let it happen. Three weeks of joy, learning, and unforgettable memories make International Kallah more than just a summer program.