“I nominate Liat Refaeli.”

Four simple words. Four words that gave me one last chance to serve the chapter that gave me everything.

Running for chapter board during the spring term of my senior year was never part of my plan. I thought my time had already passed. But the opportunity to serve Litzor one final time turned out to be one of the greatest gifts I could have received. From the very beginning, I made a promise to Dylan Harris and Mara Kornblith: that I would be part of Litzor until the day I graduate. And I’ve kept that promise.

My BBYO journey is somewhat unconventional. My brother was the first in our family to join this incredible organization, but when I first heard about BBYO, I honestly had no idea what to think. From the outside, it seemed mysterious. I imagined people standing in circles, chanting things I didn’t understand, and participating in traditions that only insiders knew. So naturally, I kept my distance for about a year and a half.

Then Abby Kaufman invited me to my first event: Hibachi Shabbat. I remember walking in and immediately noticing the turnout. Girls from every grade were there. The room was loud, energetic, and full of excitement. It was a joint event with our brother chapter, Capital AZA, and the energy in that room was something I had never experienced before. That night stuck with me. It wasn’t about traditions I didn’t understand. It was about community and from that moment on, I was hooked.

My journey onto chapter board began during the fall term of my junior year. From the moment I joined Litzor, my friends encouraged me to run. If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I love to plan, organize, and help wherever I can. Being a guiding light for others has always come naturally to me. So when elections came around, I thought I was ready.

Looking back…I really wasn’t.

I walked into elections with my school iPad, holding my Mazkirah platform and a single printed page with my speech. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Thankfully, my advisors helped me print everything I needed before I spoke. But the moment I stood up in front of the chapter, something changed. In that moment, I knew chapter board was where I belonged. The votes were counted. The question was called. My name was said. No emotion was shown. Just like that, my board journey began.

That term ended up being a turning point for Litzor. Our attendance grew, we received numerous awards, and—at least in my opinion—we had one of the best MIT classes yet. I learned what real dedication to a chapter looks like. It meant posting consistently, planning thoughtfully, and making sure every girl who walked through the door felt like she belonged. The next term, I ran for MIT Mom.

Watching the girls we had just brought into Litzor made me realize how bright the chapter’s future truly was. Being MIT Mom was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made. I also had the incredible privilege of serving alongside Mara Kornblith—my co and one of the most dependable people I know. Together, we welcomed 22 MITs into our chapter. We handed them their red books, taught them cheers, and helped them find their place in their heart and home: Litzor BBG #433. Eventually, though, I missed being Mazkirah. So I ran again. And I didn’t get the position.

At first, it hurt. But after the initial sting faded, I realized something important: my role in Litzor was never defined by a title. I would still show up. I would still support the girls around me. I would still be part of the community that meant so much to me. So, during the fall semester of my senior year, I focused on the things that mattered most. I stayed on top of my grades, made sure cheer continued to be a big part of my life, and most importantly, I continued showing up for my chapter.

Then came the spring term elections.

For the first time in a while, I was sitting back in comfortable pajamas, watching the next generation of leaders step forward. It felt surreal watching girls I had seen grow now preparing to lead the chapter. When we reached the position of Orechet, my best friend Mia Priesman made a decision I didn’t even know I was ready for.

“I nominate Liat Refaeli.”

And just like that, everything came full circle. I became the proudest Orechet in the Order—leaving my final imprint on Litzor through this very article. Maybe my story on board sounds simple. But to me, it was everything. Every role I took on, I took on with the greatest honor and one goal in mind: to make Litzor stronger than I found it. I truly believe that not just me, but our entire chapter accomplished exactly that.

The names I mentioned throughout this story weren’t written by accident. Every girl in this chapter has taught me something—about leadership, about friendship, and about the courage it takes to be unapologetically yourself. Litzor gave me more than just memories. It gave me confidence, it gave me community, and it gave me a place that will always feel like home. How lucky am I to be able to say there’s truly no place like home.

No matter where life takes me next, one thing will always remain true:

I will forever be,
Liat Refaeli of Litzor BBG #433.

Signing out…soon.