Miami Region BBYO currently has about 180 members and 6 active chapters, but used to be a lot larger with over 120 chapters in its history and thousands of active alumni, including 3 generations of my family. Starting in the year 1990, under the leadership of Steve Klein, Regional Director of Florida, Florida BBYO was reorganized from three councils to three different Regions. The Greater Miami Council thrived during the mid to late 1900s, marking the ‘Golden Age’ of BBYO in Miami. After exploring BBYO’s Archives, I researched Miami Region’s rich history.
Miami Region had chapters in all parts of South Florida, including Hollywood BBG #351, Miami Beach AZA #2045, BETA SIG BBG #2346 in Kendall, Gables AZA #934, and even Key West BBG #2445. At its largest, Miami Region had chapters spread over 81 miles, more than double the current size.
Archived photos show Alephs participating in AZAA (Aleph Zadik Aleph Athletics), like when members from Zion AZA challenged Miami AZA #322 in a Sunday basketball game. Eventually, Zion AZA won by a “small margin.”
Other memories I uncovered include Members of Topai BBG riding in on a truck during a parade in May of 1973 for Israel’s 25th Anniversary. Their Dodge truck was completely covered in posters, stickers, balloons, flags, and other decorations celebrating the milestone. One poster said “Topai B.B.G” with a Star of David and the Greek letters Tau Omega Pi (ΤΩπ). Another photo from the archives shows a dog washing fundraiser hosted by 11 members of Akiba AZA #351, charging $1 per dog.
The Florida/Miami Region and its leadership have had a major place in the lives of my family since long before my generation. I have two grandfathers who were members of Shield AZA #891 and one grandmother who was in Hillel BBG #297. My mom was an active member of BETA SIG BBG #2346 and Aym Ha’Chaverot (MIT mom) for Florida Region. Additionally, my older sister is an alumna of L’Olam BBG #14, and my brother and I are members of Hurricanes AZA #843. My siblings and I have all served on the Regional Board. My grandmother, Daryl Zimmerman said, “Because BBYO had such a positive influence on my life, I encouraged my children to participate so they could learn leadership skills and form the same wonderful relationships.”
Obviously, Miami Region during this ‘Golden Age,’ was once much larger, however, this doesn’t mean that the greatness of the region has diminished. While regional growth is always a goal, the size of a region and its members are not its only measure of greatness. Miami Region’s impact comes from its history and the dedication of its current members and leaders.
Miami Region’s Historical List of Chapters, and Archived Photographs
Featured Photographs:
Zion AZA vs Miami AZA Basketball Game
Isaac Zide is an Aleph from Hurricanes AZA #843 in Miami Region and has played the trumpet and electric bass for 4+ years.
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.
