BBYO Handguide

Acronyms

MIT - Member in training (younger BBG members; this is what you are right now!)

AIT - Aleph in training (younger AZA members)

BBG - B’nai B’rith Girl

AZA - Aleph Zadik Aleph

GMR - Great Midwest Region (our region)

CLTC - Chapter Leadership Training Conference (summer program; “best 12 days of your life”)

ILTC - International Leadership Training Conference (1st half of summer program)

Kallah - 2nd half of summer program

Full Perlman - A combination of ILTC and Kallah

IC - International Convention (a gathering of BBYO members from all over the world for 5 days; in Dallas, Texas 2020)

BBYO - This amazing organization! (used to mean B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, now is a separate entity and named, simply BBYO Inc.)

The Programming Folds

BBG 6 Folds:

Community Service

Creativity

Jewish Heritage

Recreation

Sisterhood

Social Action

AZA 5 Folds:

Athletics

Education

Judaic

Service/Action

Social

Board Positions

BBG Board Positions

N’siah - President

S’ganit - Vice President of Programming

Aym Ha’Chaverot/MIT Mom/Morah - Vice President of Recruitment (why are there so many name options? no one knows :)

Sh’licha - Vice President of Jewish Enrichment (includes community service and Jewish heritage)

Mazkirah - Vice President of Communications/Secretary

Gizborit - Vice President of Fundraising/Treasurer

Additional Positions

Mekasheret - Recruitment

Katvanit - Recording Secretary

Orechet - Newspaper Editor

Madricha - Parliamentarian (usually an older member who oversees the board)

AZA Board Positions

Godol - President

S’gan - Vice President of Programming

Moreh - Vice President of Recruitment

Shaliach - Vice President of Jewish Enrichment (includes community service and Jewish heritage)

Mazkir - Vice President of Communications/Secretary

Gizbor - Vice President of Fundraising/Treasurer

Additional Positions

Mekasher - Recruitment

Sopher - Recording Secretary

Shotare Godol - Sergeant-at-arms (maintaining order/right-hand of Godol)

Kohane Godol - Parliamentarian (usually an older member who oversees the board)

Plural Board Positions

Godol & N’siah

S’ganim

Morim

Sh’lichim

Mazkirim

Gizborim

Regional Information

Location: The Great Midwest Region #61 is located in and around the Chicagoland area; including Chicago, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Northbrook, Skokie, Wilmette, Naperville, Homewood, and Flossmoor. With more than 600 current members, the Great Midwest Region is becoming a strong region within the international order. In the near future, we hope to see a strong and steady flow of leaders pour out of this region, spilling over into the international organization.

BBG Chapters

Aviva #2509

Korczak #849

Chai Tov #2541

Jane Beber Abramson (JBA) #2514

Ahavah #2414

AZA Chapters

Ometz #2553

Haganah #2379

Palmach #2561

Etz Chaim

BBYO Chapters

Moreshet Ma’arav #5032

Events: The Great Midwest has something for every Jewish teen! Events are planned by teens, for teens and programming ranges from fun activities like ice skating and camping overnights, to communal Shabbat celebrations and leadership trainings.

Fun Fact: The Great Midwest Region’s mascot is Superman. Our colors are red and Chicago blue. Our number is #61. Our region's motto is: “Truth. Justice. & GMR.”

Involvement: Through youth-led and staff-supported programs, BBYO Great Midwest Region gives our members opportunities to develop leadership skills and positively affect their communities, the world, and themselves. We constantly strive to provide more Jewish teens with more meaningful Jewish experiences each and every day, so that they may become the future Jewish leaders in their communities and in the Jewish world at large.

Staff:

Senior Regional Director Doug Winkelstein (dwinkelstein@bbyo.org)

Associate Regional Director Brett Musick (bmusick@bbyo.org)

Associate Regional Director Alana Ben-Zeev (abenzeev@bbyo.org)

International Information

Mission: BBYO is the leading pluralistic teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. For over 95 years, BBYO has provided exceptional identity enrichment and leadership development experiences for hundreds of thousands of Jewish teens. With a network of hundreds of chapters across North America and in 50 countries around the world, BBYO reaches over 70,000 teens annually and serves as the Jewish community’s largest and most valuable platform for delivering fun, meaningful and affordable experiences that inspire a lasting connection to the Jewish people.

International Convention: IC serves as the largest international gathering of Jewish teen leaders and the second largest Jewish communal event in North America. Our unique program offers a fully immersive experience and attracts more than 5,000 guests each year—including top philanthropists, celebrities, thought leaders, business executives, and more. Demand reflects that everyone is hungry for this experience—we sell out all available spots in less than 24 hours each year. Get your spot on the waiting list now for IC in Dallas, Texas 2019! (azabbg.bbyo.org/ic)

Summer Programs: Experience the best of BBYO in the summer with leadership opportunities, fun with friends, discovering new interests, community building and service, exploration and adventure, and meaningful Jewish connections. Our one-of-a-kind summer experiences take place in the US, Israel, Europe, Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. We have options for teens of all ages and experiences that range from 12 days to 6 weeks. Whether at camp, on an outdoor journey, or in a new country, a BBYO summer is an experience to remember with friends you’ll never forget. Registration opened November 7th!

Leadership Programs

These members-only programs pair the values of AZA and BBG—leadership, service, brotherhood and sisterhood—with the best of camp—athletics, swimming, electives, and fun in the sun—for a one-of-a-kind experience with an emphasis on growing skills and friendships. Participants return home with a new sense of purpose, inspiration, and connection.

CLTC: Chapter Leadership Training Conference is BBYO’s premier, hands-on leadership experience for current 9th and 10th grade members. At CLTC, you’ll participate in a close-knit group of your peers, and together you’ll develop your leadership capabilities and build a network of lifelong friends, as you explore connections to your Jewish heritage and the world around you. Best of all, CLTC takes place in an outdoor camp setting where you’ll enjoy swimming, sports, music, chofesh (free time), and a celebration of Shabbat under the stars. Each session also features guest speakers, an offsite field trip, and some special surprises! With eight sessions to choose from at two idyllic Wisconsin locations—Beber Camp in Mukwonago and Camp Chi in Lake Delton—we offer lots of flexibility for you to build a CLTC leadership experience into your summer plans. (12 days)

ILTC: International Leadership Training Conference is the ideal program for Alephs and BBGs, empowers you to raise your voice and realize your potential through peer leadership. You’ll further develop your leadership abilities, learn how to shape a worldwide movement, and gain invaluable skills in effective team collaboration, communication strategies, and relationship building. These skills and more will help you succeed long after your AZA and BBG high school experience comes to an end. Through classic camp activities and unique bonding moments, you’ll build confidence, grow your personal networks with friends from around the world, and strengthen your Jewish pride. (18 days)

Kallah: International Kallah goes beyond the traditional classroom. It’s where you can find your “Jewish self” through interactive sessions and one-on-one conversations about a spectrum of topics, making Jewish learning individualized and fun! Facilitated by Jewish educators of different backgrounds, you’ll have access to a variety of resources and something new every day. With time to spend outside bonding with new friends, Kallah is the perfect place to build strong relationships and create a diverse and cultured community. You’ll also explore Jewish culture through electives such as art, music, cooking, photography, social media, and sports, to name a few. (20 days)

ILSI: International Leadership Seminar in Israel is BBYO’s elite 3-week leadership program in Israel designed for BBYO members, and welcoming Jewish teens from around the world on a summer tradition spanning three generations. (21 days)

BBYO Passport: There are so many different travel opportunities every year through BBYO Passport. Experience a different culture and meet Jewish teens from all over the world.

AND so many more!! Check out https://bbyo.org/summer for more information.

Menorah Pledge Principles

Citizenship: We pledge our devotion to our beloved country, whose blessing we shall never take for granted. We shall guard zealously our democratic rights and shall fulfill our duties as citizens.

Jewish Heritage: We have a magnificent Jewish heritage, which has enriched the civilization of every land. We shall aim to become imbued with an understanding and a love of our Jewish culture so that we may be a conscious part of the people from whom we stem. We shall always drive to live up to the ideals, which are the essence of Jewish religious faith.

Community Service: We recognize our responsibility to render selfless service as citizens of the community in which we live.

Philanthropy: We shall always be concerned with the under privileged and the distressed. We shall offer our help to those in need, recognizing that the ability to help others is a blessing and a responsibility.

Inter-Faith Relations: We represent one of the faiths that make up the diverse patterns of the religious world. We shall learn to understand and respect our neighbor. We shall so live as individuals and groups that we may reflect credit upon the Jewish people.

Tradition: We shall try to exemplify in our home the finest of Jewish family traditions.

Good Sisterhood: We make possible the warmth and joy of good sisterhood through our association in Chapters. We shall respect the rights of each member. We shall make our chapter a true example of democratic living so that companionship and friendship may endure.

Prayer For World Jewry: Lighting the candles is a privilege we engage in that displays the freedom we, as B'nai B’rith Girls, and as Jews are able to exhibit. However, there are Jews in our world who are not allowed to observe Judaism freely. Oppressed Jewry is a major concern in our society. The light that is burning so brightly is the light of hope. We hope that one day all oppressed Jews will be able to practice Judaism as freely as we are doing here today.