From Strength to Strength: BBYO’s Global Shabbat Unites Jewish Teens Worldwide, Reflecting the Enduring Strength of Jewish Peoplehood

December 13 & 14, Worldwide—This past weekend, Jewish teens from 38 countries came together to participate in 155 unique Shabbat experiences as part of BBYO’s annual Global Shabbat initiative. This impactful, teen-led, Movement-wide program celebrates the joy of Shabbat in uniting communities across the globe with simultaneous Friday night, Saturday morning, and Havdalah services featuring song leaders, speakers, and inspired community gatherings.

This year’s Global Shabbat theme, "From Strength to Strength," was selected by teen leaders to symbolize the resilience, unity, and enduring strength of Jewish peoplehood. Against the backdrop of rising antisemitism, BBYO teens embraced the theme as an opportunity to celebrate Jewish joy, tradition, and solidarity. Programs ranged from traditional Shabbat observances to innovative gatherings reflecting the diverse practices of young Jewish people worldwide.

For the first time, several emerging communities joined Global Shabbat, reflecting BBYO’s expanding reach and the strength of Jewish unity worldwide. Highlights included BBYO Japan in Tokyo, BBYO Taiwan in Taipei, and BBYO Australia, where teens in Sydney celebrated its inaugural Global Shabbat alongside established programs in Melbourne and Canberra.

“Global Shabbat is not only an event that we all celebrate, but it’s a moment that is felt throughout our Movement,” shared Sophia Good, Global Shabbat Coordinator and a member of BBYO's Rocky Mountain Region. “It’s a time when we unite as a global community, celebrating the strength of our bonds and fostering a deeper connection to Jewish tradition and one another.”

Teens in Maccabi Tzair Israel and JDC's Active Jewish Teens in Ukraine hosted meaningful Global Shabbat programs, demonstrating their resilience and deep commitment to Jewish peoplehood. Likewise, with support from BBYO, communities with limited resources—such as Namatumba, Uganda, and Havana, Cuba—were able to celebrate, highlighting the movement’s inclusivity and far-reaching impact.

Global Shabbat 2024 Highlights

• Northern Region East: DC – Rising Above Antisemitism connected teens with the heroic acts of the Maccabees through a meaningful Shabbat service, Hanukkah-themed games, and a festive Shabbat dinner.
• Poland – Global Shabbat Tapuzim brought teens together for a communal Shabbat dinner, letter-writing to peers worldwide, and a collaborative Havdalah with Hillel, concluding with a candle-making workshop to foster creativity and connection.
• Rocky Mountain Region – Resilience Global Shabbat centered on building strength and character. Teens decorated Chanukiahs, with each candle symbolizing a unique characteristic of resilience, following a community Havdalah service.
• Maccabi Tzair Modiin, Israel – Global Shabbat Modiin featured a charitable initiative where proceeds supported lone soldiers, followed by a meaningful Kiddush led by the chapter.
• Cincinnati – Global Shabbat with Rep. Greg Landsman gave teens an opportunity to hear reflections on Jewish identity and public service while sharing a community Havdalah and meal.
• Northern Region East: Baltimore – Time Capsule Global Shabbat invited teens to design Havdalah boxes filled with personal items and letters to their future selves, fostering a meaningful reflection on Jewish identity.
• Evergreen Region – Portland BBYO Global Shabbat brought together families and teens for a creative celebration featuring Judaica painting, song sessions, and conversations on the significance of Shabbat.
• Central Europe – Shabbat Crime Dinner transformed the Shabbat experience into an engaging, interactive mystery night where teens collaborated to solve a “crime” over dinner and community activities.

“In planning for Global Shabbat 2024, our Coordinators, led by our International Sh’lichim (Vice Presidents of Jewish Enrichment), chose ‘From Strength to Strength’ to honor Jewish peoplehood following a challenging year,” said Jess Zimmerman, Manager of Content Operations, Jewish Enrichment at BBYO. “Rather than focusing on adversity, our teens showcased the beauty of our Movement and rallied together to create moments of joy, connection, and unity.”

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About BBYO
BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in meaningful Jewish experiences. For 100 years, BBYO’s purpose has been to unleash the power of youth. BBYO‘s leadership programs, the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA, high school fraternity) and the B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG, high school sorority), provide exceptional leadership programs and identity enrichment experiences, shaping the confidence and character of hundreds of thousands of alumni who are prominent figures in business, politics, academia, the arts, and Jewish communal life. Together, AZA and BBG form a global Jewish teen movement in over 60 countries around the world. With year-round activities in hundreds of local communities, many summer leadership programs, and inspiring worldwide travel experiences, BBYO’s programs enable teens to explore all facets of leadership, service, civic engagement, Israeli education, and Jewish values. For more information on BBYO, please visit our website and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
Please note that BBYO should not be referred to as the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization but rather as “BBYO.”