In Parshat Vayakhel–Pekudei, the Jewish people come together to build the Mishkan, the sacred space that traveled with them through the desert. But the most meaningful part of this story isn’t only the Mishkan itself—it’s how it was built. Moses gathers the entire community and invites everyone to contribute what they can. Some bring gold or fabric, others bring skills, time, or effort. Not everyone gives the same thing, but every contribution helps create something sacred.

When I read this parsha, I can’t help but think about my own BBYO experience. My journey with Jewish leadership didn’t start in a board position or at a convention; it started at Jewish summer camp. It all started when I had the opportunity to lead Shira (song session) one summer. It was the first place where I saw what it looked like for Jewish teens and counselors to create a community rooted in shared values, traditions, and responsibility for one another. That experience showed me how powerful Jewish spaces can be when people truly care about the community they are building.

Over time, that passion for Jewish leadership grew through my involvement in BBYO. Through the BBG programming, I found a community where Jewish values weren't just talked about, they were lived. Values like leadership, community, responsibility, and sisterhood shaped the way in which BBG members support each other and lead together. 

One of the moments where I felt most connected was during my Perlman Summer in 2024. Being surrounded by Jewish teens from different places, backgrounds, and experiences reminded me how powerful it is when everyone brings something different to the table. Like in Vayakhel, no two people contributed in the same way, but together we created a space filled with energy, learning, and connection.

I felt a similar sense of community again during my Passport around Central Europe last summer. Traveling with other Jewish teens and exploring the world together made me realize that what makes these experiences meaningful isn’t just where we go, it’s the people who are part of the journey. Every conversation, perspective, and friendship becomes part of what makes the experience special.

And that feeling becomes even stronger at International Convention (IC). Every year when thousands of Jewish teens gather in one place, it feels like a modern version of Vayakhel—a moment where a community comes together with shared purpose and pride in their Jewish identity. Seeing so many teens connected through BBYO reminds me that we are all helping build something bigger than ourselves.

The second half of the parsha, Pekudei, introduces another important idea: accountability. The Torah gives a detailed accounting of the materials used to build the Mishkan, showing that leadership isn’t just about inspiring people, it’s about responsibility and integrity. The leaders made sure the community knew exactly how their contributions were used.

This message resonates strongly with leadership in BBYO and BBG. Leadership isn’t only about titles or planning programs. It’s about representing your community, making thoughtful decisions, and making sure the space you’re helping create reflects the values of the people within it.

Looking back on my experiences, from Jewish summer camp, to Perlman, Passport, and IC, these experiences have shown me that Jewish community doesn’t happen on its own. It’s built when people gather, contribute, and take responsibility for one another.

That’s exactly what Vayakhel–Pekudei teaches us. When a community comes together with shared values and a commitment to building something meaningful, it can create a space where connection, leadership, and Jewish identity can truly thrive.

In many ways, that’s what BBYO, and BBG, continues to build today. And like the Mishkan, it works because every person plays a part in creating it. 

I want to leave you with some powerful words used throughout various BBYO experiences, which we often refer to as BBYO a "Place For Every Jewish Teen, Anywhere and Everywhere.”

Shabbat Shalom,

Becca Firestone

Canada Pacific Region

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Simchat Torah Challenge Podcast Series

Interested in listening to this week's parsha? Check out Nassau Suffolk's take on Parshat Vayakhel and Greater Jersey Region's take on Parshat Pekudei as a part of the Simchat Torah Challenge Podcast Series. The Simchat Torah Challenge is a yearlong journey where teens from around the Order are exploring the Torah, one parsha at a time. Teens are connecting with the text, sharing their thoughts, and exploring how it relates to their own lives.