BBYO: A Place for All Jewish Teens

For some, it’s a place to escape the stress and constant demands of school. For others, it’s a place to hang out with friends and have a good time. For me personally, it’s a place where I can do it all. I can go from mountains of work and reading to letting it all go and enjoying a fun hour on Tuesdays. I get to focus on having fun in the best possible way: through a Jewish lens. Having the space to express my religious identity to the fullest is truly a gift—one I sometimes take for granted.

There are so many wonderful qualities to BBYO. Not only are the people around me like-minded in the sense that we share the same faith, but they also come for the same reasons I do. They come to have fun, just like me. They come to take a break from school and spend quality time, just like me. And most importantly, they carry strong Jewish values, just like me.

I especially love my BBYO chapter because of what we do. We aren’t too serious most of the time, but we always have fun. I’ve made amazing friends through BBYO and created long-lasting memories.

In conclusion, BBYO has been—and will continue to be—an integral part of my high school journey. I recommend it to all teens, no matter who you are or where you come from. The only thing that truly matters is our shared sense of Judaism.