Saturday night of International Convention began with a meaningful Havdallah service led by BBYO’s fantastic song leaders. Lights filled the entire room, from the lit-up flashlights on cell phones to the braided blue and white candles held in the hands of Holocaust survivors. The atmosphere was like no other—it’s not every day you get to be surrounded by thousands of teens, swaying back and forth singing the same Hebrew songs.

Michigan Region member Rayna Gold, who just experienced her first International Convention, states that, “The feeling in the room was something I’ve never felt. During the service, I felt so connected to people from so many different walks of life and it was a memory I won’t forget.”

Following the meaningful service, BBYO chapters and members were celebrated for winning International Awards. The AZA, BBG, and BBYO awards honored at the ceremony were The Menorah Pledge and Cardinal Principles Award, The Anita Perlman Stand UP Award, The Arevut Speak UP Award, The Shield of David Award, The Tree of Life Recruitment Award, The Star of Deborah Award, The Eternal Light Recruitment Award, The BBYO Stand UP Gemilut Chasidim Award, The Henry Monsky Chapter Excellence Award of the Aleph Zadik Aleph, The Miriam Albert Chapter Excellence Award of the B'nai B'rith Girls, and The Maurice Bisgyer Chapter Excellence Award for BBYO Chapters. The incredibly hardworking BBYO Advisors of the Year were also honored, and their chapters are immensely proud of their loving advisors. The burning passion is evident in all the honorees seen tonight. Congratulations to all the outstanding award winners!