“More Jewish teens, more meaningful Jewish experiences” - The BBYO mission statement that we’ve all heard before. But what does it ACTUALLY mean? To me, these words represent a community that cares for each other and wants to spread its warmth to other Jewish teenagers around the world for them to feel the same community and home that all of us already find within BBYO. But maybe I am overthinking it, and it does just mean that more Jewish teenagers lead to more Jewish experiences. However, that still doesn’t answer the question - WHY? Why does BBYO want more Jewish teens and more meaningful experiences? Why is BBYO the leading Jewish organization for Jewish teens worldwide? Why is BBYO important?

I decided that, to know the true and full purpose and meaning of BBYO, I should ask some other members who have different BBYO experiences than I do. Loren Rosenthal, a junior in NSR, says, “BBYO is important because you’re allowed to pave the way for yourself and completely choose how you want your experience to be, who you want it to be with, and why you’ll treasure every moment.” For Loren, BBYO is a place where she can fully be herself without having to worry about what others think. She has done many Summer programs in order to soak up as much BBYO as she possibly can. Loren’s “why” is the home feeling BBYO provides to everyone, no matter who they are.

However, the reason is different from person to person. Charlotte Klein, a freshman in CVR, writes, “BBYO is important because it creates a safe and fun space for all Jewish teens. It feels good to be surrounded by people of the same religion, especially with what is going on right now in Israel.” This answer is very common among members when they are asked the question, “Why is BBYO important?” The sense of community that BBYO brings to Jewish teenagers from all around the world is like no other. To know that we, here in Connecticut, USA, share the same community as the Jewish teens in Uganda, Israel, Serbia, and more than 60 other countries is absolutely mind-blowing. Charlotte hasn’t gone on any international programs, yet the sense of community is still so strong, giving her an answer to the looming question. 

For us teens in America, though, the BBYO experience is much different than international teens. For example, Patricia Graboi, a junior from BBYO Singapore, answers the question with, “I think in Asia, BBYO is important to me and other Jewish teens because it is an amazing opportunity for teens who come from places in the world where Judaism is underrepresented can feel as if they are connected to something bigger than themselves and get a meaningful experience out of it.” Patricia is once again using the power of community to talk about BBYO but also mentions the opportunities for those who don’t have a large Jewish population around them. This creates a safe space within BBYO where teens can go and know the value they bring. The importance of individual value and feeling special really elevates BBYO to another level, causing more Jewish teens to want to get involved.

Personally, I believe BBYO is important because it creates friendships and relationships like none other. For instance, the friendships I have made within my chapter, regionally and on an international level, are so much deeper and more meaningful than any friendships I have ever made at school. There is a sense of understanding that runs through everyone in BBYO that we all know the pain and hardships our ancestors went through to get us here and that we all want to continue on the legacy. My best friends may live states and oceans away, but I wouldn’t ever trade them for anything. Without my BBYO friends, I truly do not know who I would be or where I would be today. So, my answer to the big question: The people you meet within this organization are one of the most important things you could take with you after you graduate.

BBYO offers a different experience for everyone, and it would be naive to think differently. However, friends, community, home feeling, community, and connection are some of the main reasons people find BBYO to be so special. Each person in BBYO has the ability to create their own unique journey, and it’s up to us to make sure all Jewish teens globally have the power to do so.