BBYO Video Live On Youtube!

Interested in learning more about BBYO? Reviving old BBYO memories? Sharing the magic of BBYO with family, friends and community members? You are just a short click away. Watch BBYO's new video now!

BBYO PARTNERS WITH FOUNDATION FOR JEWISH CAMPING TO PROVIDE UP TO $1800 IN INCENTIVES FOR SUMMER CAMP

If your child is in grades 6-8 and has never attended a nonprofit Jewish overnight camp for more than three weeks before, you could be eligible to receive a JWest Campership incentive—up to $1,800! Through BBYO's recent partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Camping, Jewish teens ages 11-13 can now enjoy year-around meaningful Jewish experiences through a life-changing Jewish camping summer experience and Teen Connection programming during the school year. READ MORE...

BBYO Launches b-Green. Lead Green Campaign!
(Teens, find out how you can win $100!)

As you know, the environment is hot! BBYO teens expressed an interest in developing an environmentally friendly campaign, and now BBYO is going green with B-green. Lead Green – a BBYO Environmental Initiative. READ MORE...

Fifteen teens representing BBYO traveled to Washington, DC, November 9-11, to participate in the third annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) High School Summit. The three-day Israel advocacy and activism seminar drew more than 300 students nationwide and emphasized political education, engagement and action. Sessions focused on current events in the Middle East, stressing the importance of involvement in the American political process to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship. READ MORE...

A Message from the Chairman of the Board: The Challenges of Today

At this writing, my family is sitting shiva after the loss of my father-in-law.  Nat Goldstein was 94, having grown up in an era so different in many ways from today.  He lived to see his grandchildren give birth to children of their own.  As you can imagine, this period is an emotional one, with a mixture of sadness and appreciation of a life well lived. READ MORE...

A Message from the Executive Director: Checking out BBYO.org

As I was watching the Patriots play the Steelers a couple of weeks ago (as a Patriots fan, I don't think that there is any need for me to comment on the results), I was checking out BBYO's various websites.   If you have not seen our home page lately, you may want to check it out.  Under our main description, we typically rotate summaries that link to different news and information as it relates to our work.  I found the current five postings particularly representative of our work. READ MORE...

Raise Money for BBYO by "Goodsearching!"

GoodSearch is a search engine which donates 50 percent of its revenue to the charities and schools designated by its users. It's a simple and compelling concept. You use GoodSearch exactly as you would any other search engine. And because it's powered by Yahoo!, you get proven search results. The money GoodSearch donates to your cause comes from its advertisers; the users and the organizations do not spend a dime!  BBYO has been designated as a charity, so instead of "googling," start "goodsearching!"

BBYO is Hiring!

BBYO is looking for talented, hard-working and creative professionals to join our team across the country.
Please see below for current vacancies within the organization:
Chief Administrative & Finance Officer
Chief Development Officer
DC Area Executive Director
Boston Program Associate
Big Apple Program Director
Memphis Program Director
Michigan Program Associate
Staff Accountant
Visit our website at www.bbyo.org/careers for more detailed descriptions and to apply! For questions regarding working with BBYO, please contact Rebecca Rottenberg, Human Resources Coordinator, at rrottenberg@bbyo.org. 

Introducing: BBYO Branded Animated Greeting Cards from MushyGushy – for free!

Tired of Hallmark? Want to make your friends and family laugh? BBYO has just the thing! READ MORE...

Alumni News

Where Young Lives Take Shape: Adam Arenstein

Growing up in a small Jewish community in Canton, Ohio, Adam Arenstein knew all of the older kids running the local BBYO chapters and became involved as soon as he entered high school.  "At first, I showed up because my friends were doing it and I was having fun. I stayed because I felt empowered to be a leader and part of a community."  Arenstein, who says that BBYO impacted his life in multiple facets, is now a Virgin America flight dispatcher and flight instructor. READ MORE...

NSR is Celebrating its 50th Anniversary

Attention alumni and friends of the Nassau-Suffolk Region!  On May 29, 2008, at the East Meadow Jewish Center on Long Island, we will come together as a community to celebrate NSR's 50th anniversary.  Please do not miss this opportunity to reconnect with friends while supporting BBYO in Long Island.

For more information and to add your name to the invitation list, please visit www.bbyo.org/nsr50th, email nsr50th@bbyo.org or call 718.577.9168.

Calling all Michigan BBYO Alumni!

After almost 40 years as the director of BBYO in Michigan, Arnie Weiner will be retiring this coming June. In order to send him out in the big way he deserves we are hosting "A TRIBUTE TO ARNIE WEINER" on Saturday night, March 15, 2008 in conjunction with our annual Fashion Unleashed Event. We are also compiling a tribute journal for Arnie, with the proceeds going to the newly created "Arnie Weiner Scholarship Fund." This money will provide scholarships for Michigan BBYO youth and advisors to attend Israel and overseas programming. If you are a Michigan BBYO alum, we hope you will include an ad in the journal and come out to support MI BBYO. Please email tributetoarnie@bbyo.org for more information, or call 248.353.9038

Alumni Invited to Chicago for International Convention

This winter, BBYO will celebrate its largest International Convention (IC) to date. From February 14-18, 750 BBYO members will be gathered in the Chicago area, and alumni are invited to join the group. Please email Lander Gold, Alumni Network Associate, at lgold@bbyo.org if you are interested in more information. We look forward to reconnecting and seeing you at IC!

Seeking Candidates for Prominent Alumni Campaign

For more than 80 years, BBYO has influenced teens, many whom have become extremely prominent in their respective fields. In our efforts to recognize our alumni and their achievements through our Prominent Alumni Campaign, please send us names of AZA and BBG alumni who have made significant achievements in the world. Please email Lander Gold at lgold@bbyo.org with their name, brief biography, years and location involved with BBYO and contact information (if possible).

Chicagoland Young Alumni Happy Hour

On Thursday, November 8, BBYO alumni living in the Chicago area reconnected with old friends for a happy hour at The Kerryman.  Alumni from Chicago, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, St. Louis and many other locations came together, networked and made new friends.  We are looking to form a young alumni committee in Chicago to continue planning events.  If you would like to join the young alumni committee in Chicago or help plan future events, please contact Stacy Heller at sheller@bbyo.org or 847.947.4358.

Detroit 70's & 80's Reunion

The weather outside may have looked more like mid-February than early December, but that didn’t hold back the 100+ BBYO alumni in attendance at the Michigan Reunion gathering alumni from the 1970s and 1980s. People in attendance enjoyed an exhibit at the Janice Charach Epstein Art Gallery and viewed a video montage of old photos and movies from the 1970's VIP Presidents training retreats. In attendance were past regional leaders, former BBYO staff members and advisors.

BBYO Alumni Honored for Work in Local Area

Sid and Linda Dunn of Carmel, Indiana were chosen as recipients of the President's Volunteer Service Award on behalf of President George W. Bush and the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.  The Dunns were honored in November for their involvement and work on a volunteer basis in Omaha and Indianapolis.  Congratulations Sid and Linda!

b-accepted News

BBYO Members Now Receive 20% Off Princeton Review Prep Courses

For several years, BBYO has offered tools and resources to help Jewish teens navigate the college admissions process. An important component of BBYO's College Initiatives is a partnership with The Princeton Review, which features a 10% discount off all SAT and ACT prep courses.  Now, for a limited time—between December 1 and January 31— that discount has doubled—a savings up to as much as $200! Visit www.bbyo.org for more info. READ MORE...

Regional News

Michigan Region Member Competes on Reality Television Show

Michigan Region member Hannah Gross was one of 16 contestants to compete on the reality competition show Endurance, hosted by the Discovery Kids Channel, which began running October 13.  Over several weeks, Hannah participated in mental and physical challenges in Fiji.  Hannah said, "Everybody had different personalities, so if you had a strong determination to be there and win, you’d do well at the challenges."  She believes her "determination and passion" were key factors in her success on the show.  Congratulations, Hannah!

Eastern Region Teen Gets Published in Local Magazine

Rachel Donlin of Eastern Region recently had an article published in Charlotte Parent Magazine reflecting on her experience at Project NYC, BBYO's summer experience for emerging entrepreneurs.  Rachel said she was looking for a "college and career-prep program" due to competition in the college process.  "I knew that such a program would be the best way for me to explore the college majors I am considering. Aside from meeting 19 extraordinary teenagers from all over the country, I learned and experienced things that I would have never had the opportunity to do anywhere else—things that definitely put me a step ahead of my competition," she said.  To read Rachel's article click here.

International N'iah Visits Lake Ontario Region

International N'iah Renee Sharon visited the Lake Ontario Region for five days, participating in the 4th Annual Regional Event—LaserQuest Lock-In, where teens stayed up all night playing laser-tag.  She ran a Chapter Executive meeting, attended an Adult Board meeting and went to Pink Day, a breast cancer awareness program. 

Central Region West Honors Advisor

Central Region West honored one of its advisors, Dan Appleman, upon entering his 18th year of service with the chapter.  The gala was a surprise, and more than 200 friends, teens and BBYO alumni attended to honor Appleman.   He was also recognized by the State Senate and local Federation for his work.  Appleman believes that he found his "tikkun olam" in becoming a BBYO advisor. 

BBYO in the News

An article by Matthew Grossman, BBYO's Executive Director, was published in onPhilanthropy—a global resource for more than 50,000 nonprofit and philanthropy professionals.  The article discussed BBYO's new Professional Development Institute and the importance of nonprofits investing in their human resources.  To read the article click here (December 5, 2007).

BBYO demonstrated tzedakah by presenting a check for $52,000 to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee featured in The Jewish Current Events (October 1, 2007).

BBYO was mentioned in an article about March of the Living in Minneapolis’ American Jewish World.  Ethan Buckner was quoted on his amazing experience saying, "The Holocaust was an example of the very worst capacity that human beings have to hate, but The March of the Living made me realize that every human has the power to rise above these tendencies" (October 5, 2007).

BBYO was one of the sponsors to host Israeli band HaDag Nahash in Chicago to celebrate "Israel at 60" reported by The Jewish United Fund (November 16, 2007).

READ MORE BBYO In the News

Jewish Summer Camp Incentives Offered through BBYO's Partnership with Foundation for Jewish Camping (Continued)

What is JWest Campership?

JWest Campership is an incentive program which seeks to increase the number of pre-teen Jewish youth in the western U.S. enrolled in overnight Jewish summer camps. Funded by the Jim Joseph Foundation, the program is currently being rolled out in 13 western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

How does the program work? 

JWest Campership awards financial incentives of at least $1,500 to first-time campers in grades 6-8 who attend nonprofit Jewish overnight camp for at least 3 weeks. More than one child per family can apply; each will be considered a separate applicant. For a listing of over 150 nonprofit Jewish overnight camps (including Camp Charles Pearlstein!), please visit www.jewishcamping.org and click the "Find a Camp" icon.

How can I apply and learn more? 

For more information, including an online application and eligibility criteria, please visit www.jewishcamping.org/JWest. For more details, including eligibility criteria and application information, email JWest@jewishcamping.org or call 646.278.4523.

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BBYO Launches b-Green. Lead Green Campaign! (Continued)

This initiative is being carried out by BBYO's own teen leaders who have organized a B-Green. Lead Green teen committee for this campaign. Teen members include: Hilary Scherer (Greater Jersey), Taylor Kent (Eastern), Max Cohen (Eastern), Jesse Rabinowitz (Eastern), Adam Bloom (Central Region East), Branden Sloan (Gold Coast), Elena Solomon (Great Midwest), Hannah Boresow (Southern-Atlanta), Kevin Lieberman (NRE-DC), Eric Shainock (Wisconsin), Clayton Aptekar (Lonestar), Lisa Weisshar (International Shlicha – Pacific Coast), Emily Rosenfeld (International Mazkirah – NTO) and Renee Sharon (International N'iah – Eastern).

Elements of the campaign are being implemented on the international and local levels. In addition to the creation of a campaign logo, BBYO has created "BBYO Recycles" stickers, which transform any receptacle into an automatic recycling bin.  If you would like to order "BBYO Recycles" stickers, feel free to e-mail Avery Budman at abudman@bbyo.org. Upcoming international efforts include the creation of BBYO environmentally friendly tote bags, which reduce the need for paper or plastic bags at the grocery store, and a B-Green. Lead Green digital campaign, including buddy icons, a Facebook group, etc. Locally, regions are doing everything from preparing CDs of information rather than handouts to trading bottled water for water coolers and reusable Nalgene bottles!

Looking for a way to reduce your own carbon footprint? BBYO has created three documents to help:

How to be a Green Teen! – Includes ways in which individuals can make a big difference.

Make Your Offices Green – Includes tips to make offices a better place for the environment.

Make a Difference at BBYO Meetings, Conventions & Programs – Includes ideas to help the environment at BBYO gatherings as well as tons of programming ideas.

Teens, Moment Magazine is featuring an essay contest for high schoolers! The topic is "What Can You Do to Help Slow Global Warming?" Three winning essays will be published in Moment Magazine, and finalists will be posted online at momentmag.com. Winners will receive a $100 gift certificate plus a free trip to Washington, DC (March 9-12, 2008) to participate in a PANIM el PANIM seminar and awards ceremony. Essays are limited to 500 words of less. For more information, visit http://www.momentmag.com/events/HScontest.html.

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BBYO Teens Attend AIPAC High School Summit (Continued)

"The conference made me realize that I can become involved in politics now by building relationships with my representatives in Congress," said Jake Janofsky, a sophomore at Lenape High School in Mt. Laurel, NJ.  "I am now even more driven to pursue Israel's cause."

To ensure that students got the most out of the Summit, sessions were customized based on a self-assessment survey gauging knowledge of Middle East issues. The Summit featured Shalem Center Senior Fellow, Rabbi Danny Gordis, who spoke about Israel's importance to the world and Embassy of Israel Spokesman, David Siegel, who spoke about happenings in Annapolis, Damascus and Tehran. The teens also participated in political skills building workshops, including public speaking, advocacy writing, online social networking and fundraising.

More than 30 professional educators attended and helped students leave with the resources necessary to support other students in implementing advocacy initiatives on school grounds.  Participants also had the opportunity to tour D.C. monuments by night, visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and attend a concert featuring the Israeli music sensation, the Idan Raichel Project.  Following "Lobbying Labs" and role-playing exercises, the conference culminated with the teens getting the opportunity to lobby congressional members to discuss the threat of Iran and the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship.  The teens also showed appreciation to members of Congress who have supported the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act.

"Strengthening U.S.-Israel relations tomorrow is dependent on developing strong Jewish leaders today," said Howard Wohl, chair of the BBYO Board of Directors. "Educating today's Jewish teens about Israel, encouraging them to visit their homeland and inspiring them to take action to support Israel is critical in securing the Jewish future."

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A Message from the Chairman of the Board: The Challenges of Today (Continued)

How many of us will look back at our lives with the same sense of satisfaction?  How many of us will feel connected to our Jewish community?  During my father-in-law's time, many challenges existed—including the Great Depression and a World War that destroyed European Jewry—but  it was also a time of technological advances, the rebirth of a Jewish State after nearly two thousand years and the acceptance of American Jews as full citizens in every way imaginable.

Those continued challenges—a mixture of threats and opportunity—are different today, but no less complicated.  Back then Jews knew ‘their place’, and BBYO was formed because Jews were still considered to be outsiders.  Today as more of us are assimilated, intermarried and confused as to our allegiances and what it means to be Jewish, BBYO may be more important than ever before. 

Sadly, many of our institutions are failing us, and our children are bombarded with many messages, opportunities and stresses.  Often their alternatives are limited and as teens, they seek something other than the same old answers.  So, BBYO has evolved and now offers an important opportunity to welcome Jewish teens to stimulating adventures, warm friendships and a connection to a people with much to offer.  Jewish values can be a stabilizing force in this era of information overload.  Performing community service, helping others and being mentored by caring professionals helps develop caring, mature teens.

So as we take this time to look back on a life well lived, we also look forward to providing the world with individuals who will live rich and rewarding lives. 

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A Message from the Executive Director: Checking out BBYO.org (Continued)

The first item is BBYO "MushyGushy" grams.  Truth be told, I have no idea what these are. Apparently they are a new style of greeting card (modeled after Jib Jab cartoons - are you lost yet?) that teens are sending around the internet.  The founders of this technology happen to be BBYO alums who agreed to set up a site for us for no charge.  If you have a chance, check it out.
 
Next is an ad promoting our relationship with Princeton Review. We were able to expand our discount with Princeton Review this year to 20% off courses for BBYO members.  This co-branding is important in positioning BBYO as "value added" in the college admissions process while showing that membership in BBYO has its "privileges."
 
A headline follows about BBYO's $52,000 contribution to the JDC's Amen Initiative which was raised by our teens as part of the Lynn Schusterman International Service Campaign.  In fact, a couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining Jason Wachs (Grand Aleph Godol) and Renee Sharon (International N'iah) at the JDC's board meeting in New York, where they presented the JDC's leadership with one of those big cardboard checks.  Isn't it usually the senior generation that is supposed to present the younger generation with the big checks? Needless to say, the teens were awarded with a standing ovation.
 
BBYO's latest video is also presented on our homepage thanks to Youtube. Getting this video posted in many locations on the internet is an important strategy as we try to reach those teens who are not necessarily trying to reach us.  
 
Lastly, you will find a link to an article titled "An Investment in Building Tomorrow's Nonprofit Leaders," in which I discuss BBYO's Professional Development Institute. The article—which also includes commentary from the Executive Director of the National Council of Nonprofit Associations, Dr. Audrey Alvarado, and the Executive Director of the Jim Joseph Foundation, Dr. Chip Edelsberg— is published on the homepage of onPhilanthropy.com, a global resource for more than 50,000 nonprofit and philanthropy professionals. My favorite line of the entire article is when Dr. Alvarado asserts that "BBYO is really issuing a challenge to other nonprofit organizations," because it highlights our efforts to remain on the "cutting edge" of nonprofit performance.  If you would like to read the article, you can find it here.
 
I urge you to take a look at www.bbyo.org  when you have a chance.  The site received 1,904,903 hits just last month. The purpose of many of the items on the homepage are to promote BBYO to a broad audience.  Once you explore the site, you'll find a lot of great information about AZA and BBG, resources for programs, links to our other sites and opportunities to get involved.

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Introducing: BBYO Branded Animated Greeting Cards from MushyGushy – for free! (Continued)

Easily upload photos and cut and place your face into all of our animated BBYO branded ecards ( called GushyGrams). Help us spread the word about the ever-changing face of BBYO, including its teens and alumni. These GushyGrams are all FREE to send to friends and family. So, if you have a head (any shape or color will do) and no money, you can start starring in your GushyGrams today by visiting www.bbyo.mushygushy.com.

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Where Young Lives Take Shape: Adam Arenstein (Continued)

Adam held almost every chapter position; he spent two years as the Godol for the David Ben Gurion AZA chapter in the Ohio Northern Region, and also held positions as Sgan, Mazkir, Gizbor and Shaliach.  In addition, he coordinated two regional conventions.  "Creating events and running meetings from the age of 15 years old gave me the confidence and leadership skills that propelled me through college, internships, and my first few jobs out of school," said Adam.

Additionally, becoming involved with BBYO allowed Adam to make his closest friendships and participate in various summer programs.  "I was lucky enough to participate every year and always returned home with amazing friends, a broadened perspective, and an awareness of myself as a person, a leader and a Jew."  He even met his best friend and fiancée, Erica Hymen, at CLTC in 1996.

"Travel is a passion of mine and The March of the Living and ISI were my first two experiences abroad–laying the foundation for many exciting journeys to come."  Now, Adam has the ability to control the journeys of others working as a dispatcher and flight instructor.  As a dispatcher, Adam works in the airline's Operations Control Center and supports the pilots, doing most of the route and performance planning before the flight, then giving information to the pilots throughout the flight such as the weather, safety and security precautions and world events.  Adam and his team truly help get guests safely to their destinations.

Adam began learning how to fly planes when he received the gift of a flying lesson for his 16th birthday.  He even earned his private pilot license before he graduated high school!  "Aviation was always in my blood," he said, "It's never too early to start a career in aviation!  I always find teens learning to soar the skies." 

If there's an alum you think should be featured in a Where Young Lives Take Shape article, feel free to let us know!  Direct all submissions to Lander Gold, Alumni Network Associate, at lgold@bbyo.org.

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BBYO Members Now Receive 20% Off Princeton Review Prep Courses (Continued)

A leader in the field, The Princeton Review has demonstrated that teens who take their prep courses may increase SAT scores by as much as 200 points.  They hire top educators and limit class size to 12 students.  They also offer proctored exams under real-life testing conditions.
About The Princeton Review SAT Courses:

• Princeton Review guarantees students's satisfaction, regardless how much their scores improve. If they're not satisfied they can continue to work with The Princeton Review for up to a year for free. For details on the guarantee, visit PrincetonReview.com.
• The instructors are dynamic educators who are committed to working with high school students and have scored in the top 5th percentile on the SAT.
• Each class is limited to 12 students.
• If teens don't understand material taught in class, they can work with the instructor outside of class.
• In addition to class time, students will take 4 proctored practice exams under realistic testing conditions. 

Teens may enjoy this benefit simply by accessing the special BBYO promotion code available at http://www.princetonreview.com/bbyo.

If you have questions about this new 20% discount, or any of the exciting things that BBYO is doing in the college realm, please contact Julie Fishman, BBYO's Director of College Initiatives, at jfishman@bbyo.org or 202.857.6562.

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BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. For more than 80 years, AZA and BBG chapters in communities around the world have been providing exceptional leadership programs and identity enrichment experiences, shaping the lives of 250,000 alumni who are among the most prominent figures in business, politics, academia, the arts and Jewish communal life. Now, more than ever, BBYO offers unique opportunities for teens to connect with one another, serve their communities, navigate the college admissions process and travel the world, providing each participant with a network of lifelong friends, a perspective which adds value and meaning to life and a shared commitment to strengthening the Jewish future.