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BBYO In the News
In Birmingham, members of Magic
City BBG collected books for Israeli students this winter.
Their efforts were recognized in the Deep South
Jewish Voice of Birmingham, AL (November 1, 2006).
The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle of Milwaukee
published a photograph of BBYO members at a GaGa
tournament at the AZA Maccabiah overnight in
Wisconsin Region (November 17, 2006).
The Canadian Jewish News featured a photograph
of BBYO members in Toronto with speaker Sally
Wasserman for Holocaust Remembrance Week (November
23, 2006).
Lonestar Region's MIT/AIT program was featured
in the Jewish Herald-Voice of Houston, TX (November
23, 2006).
Northwest Canada Region's ongoing project to
collect 6,000,000 pennies in recognition of the
Jews killed in the Holocaust was reported in
the Jewish Free Press in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
(November 30, 2006).
In Central Region East, BBYO members participated
in the second annual Mitzvah Day in Wilmington,
DE, reported the Jewish Voice of Wilmington (December
1, 2006).
Members of Livingston AZA in New Jersey reached
out to the homeless in a "Midnight Run" program,
reported the West Essex Tribune of Livingston,
NJ (December 7, 2006).
BBYO Teens on Passport to Israel visited a program
with Yad Sarah. They were featured in the organization's
newsletter (December 7, 2006). To view the newsletter,
click
here.
Northstar Region BBYO members in Minneapolis,
MN participated in a hospital game night with
local veterans; their photograph appeared in
the American Jewish World in Minneapolis (December
8, 2007).
Tulsa BBYO member Gena
Pollack was featured
in the Tulsa World of Tulsa, OK for her efforts
to raise money to purchase solar cookers for
refugees in Darfur (December 13, 2006).
Jonah Rosenthal of Keystone
Mountain Region was featured in an article about Chanukah in
the Pittsburgh Review-Tribune (December 15, 2006).
To read the full article, click
here.
The Tribune Chronicle in Warren, OH announced
Ohio Northern Region BBYO's involvement in a
program called "A Light Among National," a community
celebration of Chanukah (December 15, 2006).
Southern Region Adult Board members joined in
support of Israel at an event in Atlanta; the
event was featured in the Atlanta Jewish
Times (December 15, 2006).
BBYO Alumni Phil Glauben was named the president
of the Alumni Association of the Univeristy of
North Texas; his appointment was announced in
the Texas Jewish Post of Fort Worth, TX (December
21, 2006).
Andi Perelman of Keystone
Mountain Region was
featured in the Jewish Chronicle of Pittsburgh,
PA for her involvement in BBYO's Ambassadors
to Bulgaria program (December 28, 2006).
The Eccentric of Birmingham, MI, and the Oakland
Press of Pontiac, MI reported on Michigan
Region's winter regional convention (December 2006).
The Canadian Jewish News pictured BBYO teens
from Lake Ontario Region with donations from
their toy drive (December 2006). To view the
photograph, click
here.
The Canadian Jewish News reported that
BBYO teens in Winnipeg, Manitoba work alongside
the
Jewish Children and Family Services and Certified
Safety Checkers to improve the quality of life
for Jewish seniors in their own homes (January
4, 2007). To view the full article, click
here.
BBYO parents in North Texas Oklahoma region
were invited to a financial management workshop
as reported by the Texas Jewish Post of Fort
Worth, TX (January 11, 2007).
The Jewish Herald-Voice of Houston, TX reported
on Lonestar Region's winter convention, held
December 21-24. The convention, themed "No Day
But Today" hosted over 225 BBYO members (January
11, 2007).
In Nashville, TN, BBYO members were recognized
by the Observer for their achievements and awards
at Cotton States' Regional Convention in December
(January 12, 2007).
The Canadian Jewish News announced that the
AZAs in Toronto, Ontario will attempt to break
the Guinness world record for the longest indoor
floor hockey marathon on April 24; the current
record is held by the BBYO chapter in Edmonton,
Alberta (January 18, 2007).
Nassau Suffolk Region collected more than 1500
pounds of non-perishable food in a winter food
drive, reported the Newsday in Long Island, NY
(January 21, 2007).
The Tulsa Jewish Review in Tulsa, OK; Texas
Jewish Post in Forth Worth, TX; and Jewish
Herald-Voice in Houston, TX reported on BBYO's
college tour to the University of Texas (January 2007).
BBYO members attending the Panim and
AIPAC High School Israel Summit were featured in the JT
News of Seattle, WA; Jewish Community Voice in
Cherry Hill, NJ; Ohio Jewish Chronicle in Colombus,
OH; Atlanta Jewish Times in Atlanta, GA; New
Jersey Jewish Standard in Teaneck, NJ; Hebrew
Watchman in Memphis, TN; New Standard and New
Albany News in Columbus, OH; (January 2007).
An article in the Orange County Review told
the story of how two BBYO members from Pennsylvania
met in 1958 and were married 45 years later (February
2007). To read the full article, click
here.
BBYO's
International Convention at its Largest in
Texas; Nearly 600 Jewish Teen Leaders Set Organizational
Agenda and Elected 2007-08 Leadership (Continued)
"Keeping teenagers
involved in Jewish life is a foremost priority
in our community today," said Houston Jewish
Federation CEO Lee Wunsch, a BBYO alumnus and
former BBYO Regional Director. "BBYO does a great
job of programming for teens and inspiring in
them a sense of leadership and responsibility."
"We were so excited that IC was in our home state
this year and that more than 50 members from
Texas were there," said local BBYO member Alex
Raynor. "It was the perfect place to host IC
because BBYO has meant so much to so many people
here – including my entire family!" said Alex's
twin sister, Callie. Both young women have just
been elected to serve on their regional BBYO
board in Houston – following in their parents'
footsteps as active BBYO leaders. Stuart and
Barbara Raynor met through BBYO and have established
successful careers in the Jewish community, Barbara
as the Director of Marketing and Communications
at the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and
Stuart as the Senior Associate Executive Director
at the JCC of Houston.
"As the Executive-Vice President of the Jewish
Federation of Greater Dallas, I am delighted
that IC was held in Texas," said Gary Weinstein,
an alumnus of BBYO and former Regional Director.
"Texas has a long and valued history with BBYO,
and we as a community count hundreds of BBYO
alumni as donors, community leaders and Jewish
professionals. My greatest Jewish experiences
growing up were as a member of BBYO – attending
conventions, traveling to Israel, having a chapter
named in memory of my mother Ginny Weinstein.
I am a Jewish professional because of the positive
influence of BBYO."
IC followed two days of "Execs," the annual
meetings of teen presidents from BBYO's 40 international
regions who defined the agenda on which the convention
body acted. Last year, an IC vote led to the
designation of the American Jewish Joint Distribution
Committee (JDC) as the beneficiary of BBYO's
teen philanthropy; a widespread fundraising and
educational campaign ensued, sparking a new level
of activism among BBYO's extensive international
teen network and raising consciousness about
the needs of Jewish communities around the world.
The teens have already raised over $35,000 through
local efforts to support the JDC's critical mission.
Teens also discussed strengthening relations
with overseas affiliates; enhancing ties and
programming with Israel; developing strategies
to raise more charitable dollars for the JDC;
and creating resources for more consistent and
widespread Jewish education throughout the BBYO
system. Teens participated in two Shabbat afternoon
study sessions on topics ranging from Jewish
humor to leadership models to social action and
community service.
"IC was a monumental event, bringing together
Jewish teens from all over the world to discuss
and set into motion strategies for making the
future of the Jewish community stronger," said
Sheryl Eskowitz, Regional Director of Lonestar
BBYO. "The teens we saw at IC will no doubt be
seen again assuming important roles in society,"
added Sherrie Stalarow, Senior Executive Regional
Director of North Texas-Oklahoma BBYO.
In addition to the formal business conducted
at IC 2007, other highlights included:
- The presentation
of The David Bittker Advisor of the Year award
to Ann Rubin of Dallas, who
has been involved as a volunteer advisor since
1975.
- Story-telling and oratory competitions,
a young men's sporting event/Israeli military
simulation,
a young women's "Mind, Body, Attitude" program
about healthy lifestyle choices and political
empowerment; and a dynamic, musical Shabbat
celebration.
- Live performances by the Boston-based Jewish
rock band, the Josh Nelson Project, and Seattle-based
teen band, Left at the Castle.
"For the past six months, I've met with teens
around the world who prove to me that we are
capable of remarkable things," said Dina Finer
of Tulsa, BBYO's International Teen President.
"We were so proud to preside over the largest
IC in BBYO's history," added Finer's counterpart,
Jeremy Gelman of Denver. "It showed us that teens
want to play an important role in shaping the
Jewish future."
The March/April issue of the BBYO
eNewsletter will report on the new members
of BBYO's International Board elected into
office at IC and to be installed this summer. Back to Article
BBYO'S
International Teen Board Conducts Business in Israel for
First Time (Continued)
"Through our activities,
we realized the importance of being strong leaders with big
dreams and demanding presences," said Aron Rosenberg, International
Jewish Heritage, Community Service and Social Action Vice
President (Grand Aleph Shaliach), of their afternoon spent
at Rabin Square. "As was apparent through the life and death
of Rabin that strong leaders make or break the spirit and
success of whatever it is they are leading."
BBYO International Office professionals Kelly Brown, Director
of Program Leadership and Development, and Ian Kandel, International
Programs Associate, designed and led the program which allowed
the teens to experience the culture and terrain of Israel,
while focusing specifically on the unique leadership styles
and bold decisions that have shaped the country into what
it is today; Israel's unique history and constant struggles
for survival were used as platforms for discussion. At each
stop along their travels, the teens discovered an obstacle
that Israeli leaders have overcome and were urged to draw
connections to their own challenges as leaders of BBYO.
A highlight of the trip involved a meeting with The American
Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) liason, Gideon
Herscher, regarding BBYO's philanthropic partnership with
the organization. The JDC's AMEN project, which trains Israeli
teens in the area of social service, is currently the beneficiary
of BBYO's teen philanthropy. The organizations plan to expand
their partnership to include initiatives enabling BBYO teens
to impact their local Jewish communities.
The teens also met with the national leaders of Tzameret,
BBYO's partner youth organization in Israel. They shared
information about the missions of their organizations and
examined ways to strengthen the communication between members
of BBYO and Tzameret. This renewed connection will allow
for a broader range of Israel-focused programming among BBYO
chapters.
"By connecting with the people and the history of the Israel,
the International Board was able to understand the essential
nature of our organization's relationship with the Jewish
people as a whole," said Jason Wachs, International Membership
Vice President (Grand Aleph Moreh).
This trip to Israel was the first of its kind for BBYO's
International Board. The group generally meets in locations
within the United States to work on programming and organizational
initiatives. The success of this pilot program will lead
to further international retreats by the board in order to
bring them closer to the members they serve worldwide.
Back to Article
NBC
Universal Execs Give BBYO Valuable Face Time
(Continued)
Marc Graboff, President of NBC Universal Television,
West Coast, and Marc Saperstein, Senior Executive
Vice President Human Resources for NBC Universal,
offered the staff an engaging presentation entitled,
"Differentiating Yourself as a Leader," during
which they applied their expertise in the entertainment
field to the work that BBYO professionals do
each day.
"It's not every day that leading corporate executives
take time out of their demanding schedules to
share their experience and advice with Jewish
communal professionals," said Matthew Grossman,
BBYO's Executive Director. "We are thrilled that
Marc Graboff and Marc Saperstein believe in the
work that BBYO is doing so deeply that they'd
make us a priority."
Saperstein and Graboff are both passionately
committed to the organization, as they have seen
the impact of a BBYO experience first-hand. Graboff
was a BBYO member in Los Angeles in the 1970's
and attributes much of his professional success
to skills he learned as a teen in BBYO, particularly
time management, public speaking, fiscal responsibility
and teamwork. Saperstein, whose daughter assumed
a variety of leadership roles in BBYO when she
was a teenager, including International Secretary,
and whose wife is also an alumna, refers to the
organization as an "incubator of leadership development
for young people."
In addition to the NBC Universal presentation,
which also included the Universal Hollywood tram
tour and a premiere of a Universal Pictures movie,
the BBYO team spent four days gaining core skills
necessary to achieve success with BBYO and to
help them achieve broader professional goals
as they progress through their career. Training
workshops featured topics ranging from project
management and group facilitation to conflict
resolution and risk taking.
Other highlights of the conference, attended
by professionals from across North America, as
well as Israel and England, included a panel
discussion led by two psychotherapists on the
topics of depression and eating disorders; Judaic
learning, including a private tour of the Skirball
Cultural Center; and sessions focused on brand
management, technology and work-life balance.
Marc Graboff was appointed President of NBC
Universal Television, West Coast, in January
2006. He oversees all business, financial, operational,
and administrative matters for NBC Entertainment,
NBC Universal Television Studio, the NBC Agency
and NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution.
Graboff also oversees all business affairs and
physical production activities of the NBCU Television
Group, which, in addition to NBC Entertainment
and NBC Universal Television Studio, includes
the entertainment cable networks USA Network,
SCI FI Channel, and Bravo, as well as NBC Universal
Television Distribution.
Marc Saperstein is Senior Executive Vice President
Human Resources for NBC Universal, a division
of General Electric. He is a 32-year veteran
of GE, having served in human resource roles
in GE's Aircraft, Appliances, Financial Services,
Healthcare, Power Systems and Transportation
Systems businesses. Marc also serves on BBYO's
International Board of Directors.
Back to Article
Make
a Living By Making a Difference - BBYO Seeks Director of Development (Continued)
The Director of Development will join BBYO
during a period of unprecedented growth. In a
relatively short period of time, we have created
a compelling strategic plan to expand BBYO's
market share from 20,000 to 50,000 Jewish teens,
and have built a budget surplus that allows us
to make investments in quality individuals and
cutting edge technology to support these development
efforts.
It should be noted that this may not be your
typical development job. A major challenge is
to create direct marketing and viral marketing
strategies for an alumni database of more than
200,000 recently updated records. The Director
of Development will be responsible for strategically
combining direct engagement of alumni with a
creative marketing program that targets major
gifts.
Though we know the task will not be easy, BBYO
has been fortunate in attracting a number of
the Jewish community's finest volunteer leaders.
Lynn Schusterman, Howard Wohl and others are
major donors and each is committed to raising
money on behalf of BBYO. The Director of Development
will work hand in glove with these individuals
to cultivate and solicit annual gifts of six
and seven figures. In so doing, the new Director
will become acquainted with the Jewish community's
leading philanthropists and grant makers.
BBYO's talented professional staff is looking
for someone who shares their enthusiasm and sense
of purpose. We are looking for a smart, charismatic
individual who is willing to take risks and hold
her/himself to the highest standards. In doing
so, this individual will derive much satisfaction
knowing that s/he is taking part in an endeavor
that will make the Jewish community significantly
stronger.
We are open to both the go-getter with a few
years under his/her belt or the seasoned professional.
The salary will be commensurate to the candidate's
potential to add value; depending on background
and experience.
If you are interested in applying for the Director
of Development position, or you are interested
in exploring other positions within BBYO, please
visit www.bbyo.org/career.
Back to Article
Looking for a Summer Job that Means So Much More than a Paycheck? (Continued)
BBYO is looking
for counselors and administrative staff as
well as Jewish educators, song-leaders, Israeli
dance instructors, and arts specialists. BBYO
summer staff have an opportunity to:
- Serve as role models
- Develop important skills
- Build their resumes
- Explore a potential career
- Earn a competitive salary
- Make friends and network
- Help shape the Jewish future
To learn more about BBYO summer programs,
visit www.bbyo.org and click on Summer
Experiences.
If you have outstanding leadership
skills, a strong work ethic, a good sense of
humor and a passion for working with teens and
building the Jewish future contact Sarah Feldman at
sfeldman@bbyo.org or 202.857.6639
for an application.
Back to Article
From
the Chairman of the Board – Howard Wohl (Continued)
At this writing
I am only days away from my first encounter with
International Convention ("IC"). When
I tell people I am headed for Waco, Texas, they
are generally stunned. For what Jewish life exists
where David Koresh practiced, Dr. Pepper operates
and one of the local museums is dedicated to the
memory of the Texas Rangers (the state troopers,
not the ball club). Yet what I've discovered is
that Jewish life flourishes in North America's
small towns and cities as well as in our large
cities and suburbs.
I am really looking forward to IC, and meeting
with six hundred young leaders from across Canada
and the United States. Thus far, I have met hundreds
of AZA and BBG members who are, it seems, all enthusiastic
and filled with a passion for the Jewish people.
Somehow, the BBYO name has long had the connotation
of Jewish "lite", as if it is more fraternity
(or sorority) than a Jewish teen organization.
One might say, it is thought of as Hellenic rather
than Jewish, a reversal of roles in our Chanukah
story. If ever that were true, it does not describe
today's BBYO.
Our youth davven together, recite the Birkat
Hamazon from memory and with fervor. In a recent gathering
of Israel advocacy groups, BBYO members represented
by far the largest contingent of youth in attendance.
I have spoken with BBYO teens who have taken on
greater religious observance as well as rediscovering
their roots and their Jewish neshama. BBYO has
taught many of our youth leadership skills that
will be on display at IC. I am looking forward
to our youth-led activities that will be highlighted
by the selection of BBYO's new teen leadership.
Grassroots democracy will be on display and I know
that my heart will be beating with excitement as
well as deriving enormous pride.
I look forward to reporting on my IC experience
in Waco in the next eNewsletter!
Back to Article
Where
Young Lives Takes Shape: Joel Secter (Continued)
As a member of
AZA, Joel served as the Regional President (Godol)
of Red River Region in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
and International Secretary (Grand Aleph Mazkir)
in 1990-1991. As a new member of BBYO, Joel was
inspired by his first experience at a summer program
and the "intense shared experiences" by BBYO members
worldwide. Like summer programs participants today,
Joel's programs took his BBYO experience to a different
level, and he continued to staff programs for three
years after he graduated from the organization.
BBYO was not only where Joel developed a positive
Jewish identity and indelible connection with Israel,
it is the place where he met many of his close
friends and his wife, Rachel Rodin. They served
together as Regional Presidents (Godol and
N'siah)
and International Secretaries (Mazkir and Mazkirah).
"In addition to all of the amazing friends I made
in BBYO, I gained valuable leadership skills; I
learned to maintain personal integrity and lead
by example, to be fair and treat people equally,
to be passionate and motivate a group to achieve
its goals," said Joel.
While in BBYO, Joel had no idea that he would
become a filmmaker. He stumbled across the profession
when he was 23 years old, making a film with his
uncle, indie film pioneer David Secter, in Los
Angeles. Overnight, he became an Executive Producer.
Joel returned to Canada and worked on numerous
film and television productions before making his
first film as director. "The Best of Secter & The
Rest of Secter" was awarded Best Documentary
Film at the Whistler Film Festival and recently
aired on the Sundance Channel, Independent Film
Channel and Canadian Broadcast Corporation.
According to Joel, the filmmaking industry isn't
all the glamour you would expect. In his job, he
spends days or weeks in planning meetings in order
to accomplish one day of filming. "To those who
want to write, produce and direct," Joel says,
"I would advise following your passion and doing
work that truly excites you. Be prolific because
it is only from doing that you learn a craft."
In addition to his work with motion pictures,
Joel is involved with establishing Canada's BBYO
Alumni Network. Returning to BBYO as an adult is
one way that Joel can reflect on how rewarding
his experience in the organization was and help
secure its future. Though it is often difficult
to work with a region that he did not grow up in,
Joel says that overcoming that obstacle has made
the experience very fulfilling.
Back to Article
Lowell
Adelson z'l (Continued)
When Lowell was
in AZA, membership was limited to boys from age
16-21, so he joined Oakland Chapter #42 in the
fall of l933. The first year of his membership
was highlighted by a ten thousand mile, two-month
motor trip to Washington, DC as the youngest member
of a five boy delegation. They brought home the
Best Around Chapter Award. They visited many cities
in the USA and touched Mexico and Canada, and received
unbelievable hospitality from local AZA members.
He made friendships that became life long. Two
that remain--Hy Haves of New Haven and Jerry Vogel
of South Bend, they still stay in touch by phone,
telephone or email.
Lowell attended nine consecutive national conventions
from l934 to l942, as a member, delegate, grand
counselor, Grand Aleph Godol, junior member of
the Supreme Advisory Council, Regional Field Secretary
(District 4) and District Director (District 3).
Lowell was elected the 13th Grand Aleph Godol in
l936. He knew all 12 GAGs who preceded him, some
quite well. At the 1940 national convention in
Ohio, he was elected into the AZA Legion of Honor,
the youngest person ever elected.
After his career in BBYO, Lowell's first job was
as an executive with B'nai B'rith in Philadelphia.
After serving in the Army overseas during WWII
(in the 102nd Infantry Division) and earning a
Bronze Star medal, he succeeded in a number of
business positions including owning a coffee vending
company in San Francisco named "Coffee Time" and
ending as a representative at Portsmouth Financial
Services. In 1941 Lowell married Ruth Moises of
Seattle. Their wonderful union lasted over 50 years
before Ruth's untimely death in 1991. Since then
he has been blessed with the loving companionship
of Rosalie Anixter. Lowell spent most of his free
time playing golf, usually at Lake Merced Golf
Club, where he served as a president. He also closely
followed the activities of his many family members,
kept in touch with survivors of his army unit,
and supported Cal athletics and alumni events.
He has uniformly been described as a man of extraordinary
warmth and integrity, invariably upbeat, proud
of his heritage and progeny, and an eloquent speaker.
He is survived by three children and their spouses:
Ken (Karen), Patti (Alan) and Mike (Amy); by five
grandchildren (Jen (Kevin), Eliot (Julie), Jeremy,
Claire and Tillie); and by four great-grandchildren:
(Rylan, Brinley, Josh and Nate). Lowell's beloved
mother, Tillie, and his close brother, Vic, predeceased
him.
As AZA's oldest living Grand Aleph Godol, Lowell
Adelson was an inspiration to us all.
To learn more about the life of Lowell Adelson,
please visit http://rabbiseinfeld.blogspot.com
Back to Article
Congratulations
Shofar Fellows (Continued)
The Shofar Fellowship:
A Call to Leadership for Educators of Jewish Teens
is a 12-month professional development program
is designed for educators of Jewish teens, who
wish to deepen their knowledge base, skill sets,
and professionalism within the field of Jewish
Education. During the 2007 calendar year, Shofar
Fellows will participate in retreats, educational
seminars, and an Israel seminar. Using a project-based
learning approach, the fellows will advance their
capacity to engage teens Jewishly and will advance
themselves as professionals.
Shofar is a project of the Bureau of Jewish Education
of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma
Counties and the Center for Jewish Living and Learning
in the East Bay. The project is funded in part
by the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund; the Jewish
Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula,
Marin and Sonoma Counties; and the Jewish Community
Federation of the Greater East Bay.
Please join us in congratulating Adam Reingold
and Erica Hymen. For more information about the
program please contact Shofar Fellowship Director,
Jennifer Mangel: jmangel@bjesf.org or 415.751.6983
x111.
Back to Article
The
Regional Spirit Gavel Goes to Teen Ambassadors
at NRE Convention (Continued)
The two Shalom
BBYO members, Stuart and Adam, participated in
almost every activity at the convention. Adam enjoyed
hanging out with Melech AZA members who were very
inviting, while Stuart was typically found hanging
with Oseh Shalom BBYO, mainly because of "the ladies."
Both teens were invited to sit and eat together
with other teens. True to their personalities,
Stuart enjoyed singing Chanukah songs in front
of a crowd during Coffeehouse Night and meeting
new and old friends; Adam had fun participating
in programs such as a human-sized game of ring
toss and a pirate scavenger hunt.
Adam Soffrin, Shalom BBYO advisor and Melech AZA
alumnus ('02) observed that because the staff and
teens were all so welcoming and accommodating,
Shalom BBYO teens were able to enjoy their independence
at the conference.
For additional information about BBYO programming
for Jewish teens with developmental differences,
contact Limor Hartman, Northern Region East Special
Needs Director, at limorh@bbyonre.org or 301.984.6073.
Back to Article
|
March
is Advisor Appreciation Month
Looking
for a Summer Job that Means So Much More than a Paycheck?
New
"Ask the Rabbi" Feature on b-linked.org! 
b-accepted Now Offers Summer Initiatives;
Seeking Staff for Project NYC 
Lake
Ontario Region Comedy Night: Come Laugh
Your Tuchas Off
The
Regional Spirit Gavel Goes to Teen Ambassadors
at NRE Convention