Dear Parents,

This summer my son traveled with BBYO Passport through the Mediterranean, and I got to experience BBYO the way you do. I spent the spring filling out forms in MyBBYO, tracking what was still incomplete, and making payments. I then spent two weeks watching photos come back from a kid having the time of his life.

I lead BBYO's technology, data, and measurement work, so I usually see our systems from behind the scenes rather than as the person using them. Going through it as a parent was a good reminder of who we build for. I sent our team my own list of things I'd like to see improved, and more updates are coming this fall. Keep a lookout!

As we kick off a new school year and welcome your teens back, we're heading into it with a brand-new bbyo.org. It's easier to navigate and it's a central place to find local programs, summer offerings, and resources for teens and teen leaders. 

Through our MyBBYO portal bbyo.org/mybbyo, an account takes a minute to set up and connects to your teen's, so you can register, pay a balance, and apply for scholarships in one convenient place.

One more thing that's new: membership gift cards launched this summer, so you can give the gift of BBYO membership to a teen who might not otherwise be able to join or as a gift.

Wishing you and your family a sweet start to the school year and a happy New Year. Shana Tova!

Karen Alpert

SVP, Operational Effectiveness

Kickoff Season | There’s no better way to start the school year than with BBYO! Across the Order, chapters and regions are bringing teens together for Fall Kickoffs, some of the most exciting and highly anticipated events of the season. Whether it’s an exclusive baseball game, yacht party, festival, or another can’t-miss experience, kickoff is where teens reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and start the year surrounded by their BBYO community. Want your teen to join in on the fun? Find upcoming local events on our BBYO Near You page!

BBYO International Convention 2027: Baltimore, Here We Come | This February, thousands of Jewish teens, adults, alumni, and special guests from around the world will come together in Baltimore for BBYO International Convention (IC)! For teens, IC is a chance to experience the full power of the BBYO community, from celebrating their Jewish identity and hearing from inspiring speakers to building friendships with teens from across the Order. Registration opens Wednesday, September 30, and we're expecting to sell out on launch night, so mark your calendar now and start talking with your teen about joining us for one of the most meaningful and memorable weekends of their BBYO year. See all the details on our IC page. 

Jumping Back In: What to Expect | Regional convention season is right around the corner! This fall, teens will begin looking ahead to regional conventions, some of the most exciting and meaningful experiences of the BBYO year. These transformative weekends bring teens together for engaging programming, Jewish pride, leadership, and AZA & BBG traditions, creating opportunities to strengthen friendships, build community, and make memories that last long beyond the weekend. Be on the lookout for registration opening in your region soon, and encourage your teen to make convention a part of their BBYO experience this year!

As the High Holidays approach, we’re celebrating the food, stories, and traditions that make this season meaningful. From recipes passed down through generations to dishes that have become annual family favorites, these recipes show how Jewish traditions can look different from family to family while still bringing us together. This season, we’re sharing a few favorite High Holiday recipes from BBYO families around the world—and the stories that make each one special.

Braided Round Challah
Mel Franklin, Wisconsin Region

For Mel Franklin, the round challah at the center of her family’s Rosh Hashanah table is a reminder to slow down, be present, and appreciate the year that has passed and the one ahead. Each year, making and sharing challah becomes part of the celebration and a way to reconnect with the people she loves.

[Read Mel’s braided round challah recipe →]

Kneidlach
Amy Hornstein, Argentina

For Amy and her brother, kneidlach have always been a High Holiday favorite. Her aunt makes kneidlach not only for Pesach, but throughout the Jewish year, turning a familiar comfort food into a tradition the family looks forward to every holiday season.

[Read Amy’s kneidlach recipe →]

Fourth Generation Brisket
Molly Harburger, Northern Region East: Baltimore Council

Some recipes are more than recipes, they’re pieces of family history. Molly Harburger’s brisket has been passed down through four generations, with each generation adding their own touch while keeping the tradition alive.

[Read Molly’s family brisket recipe →]

Apple Walnut Cake
Nora Koplin, Northern Region East: DC Council

Rosh Hashanah means baking time for Nora and her sister, who help their mom make this apple walnut cake for the High Holidays. With apples representing hopes for a sweet new year, the family recipe has become a delicious part of their celebration.

[Read Nora’s apple walnut cake recipe →]

Adolescence is a challenging time with significant mental, emotional, and physical changes. Having a place like BBYO, that helps teens to develop meaningful and supportive relationships, feel a sense of belonging, and find safe spaces to be themselves helps to shape who youth are for the rest of their lives.
In today’s world, these spaces are more vital than ever before. To explore this more deeply, we are partnering with Yael Findler, PhD, of the Collaborative for Applied Studies in Jewish Education (CASJE) at the George Washington University to study how Jewish teens feel about their friendships today.
 
We invite you to partner with us—you can learn more below, and we hope you will approve your teen’s participation in this study.
 
ABOUT: Research Study of the Social Lives of Jewish Teens
 
Healthy peer relationships help teenagers thrive. How do Jewish teens feel about their friendships today?
 
A pioneering research study about Jewish teenagers today needs your help to learn about the friendships and social experiences of Jewish teens, including reflections on trusted relationships and their experiences of anti-Jewish discrimination in their peer networks.
 
Your teen can only participate in this study if you provide your consent. Please access this link to learn more about the study and its goals, and to provide your consent for your teen’s participation.

LEARN MORE & GIVE PERMISSION→

The research is being conducted by Yael Findler, PhD, of the Collaborative for Applied Studies in Jewish Education (CASJE) at the George Washington University. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions about the study or about the consent process. You can also reach out to Julia Finn at [email protected] if you would like to connect with a BBYO staff member about the study. The study is conducted in collaboration with BBYO, but no individual participant information will be shared with BBYO. 

*If you have more than one child who is part of BBYO, please re-access the link to provide your consent for each child.
*It is possible that, in the future, BBYO may notify your child about this study. If you do not want your child to receive this possible communication from BBYO about the study, please email the research team at [email protected] with the name of your child.

In Their Words
This summer, BBYO teens didn’t just travel, make new friends, or take part in our incredible summer experiences. They came home seeing themselves and their Jewish identities in new ways. Across The Shofar (BBYO’s International AZA and BBG newsletter featuring stories and reflections written by teens themselves), teens reflected on discovering that leadership isn’t defined by a title, finding a sense of belonging in Jewish communities around the world, asking questions that deepened their understanding of their identities, and building friendships that will last long beyond the summer. Check out some of our favorite pieces from Summer 2026 and hear directly from the teens who lived these summer experiences.
•    CLTC Changed My Life
•    The Importance of CLTC on Teens from Small Jewish Communities
•    The Fears Worth Having: From Uncertainty to Belonging at ILTC
•    Meet Me at Perlman
•    Questions That Strengthened My Identity
•    Israel Journey June 30th Passport Trip Recap in Under Two Minutes

BBYO International Convention 2027 is on its way to Baltimore, Maryland, this U.S. Presidents' Day Weekend—and the fun isn't just for teens!

There are many ways for parents to experience the magic of the largest annual gathering of Jewish teen leaders, and contribute to making it a moment our teens will never forget:

Volunteer as a Home Host | From February 7–10, Northern Region East will welcome Jewish teens from around the world to the Rockville, Maryland, and Washington, DC, area for Global Ambassadors Week ahead of IC 2027. As a Home Host, your family will welcome international delegates, share local experiences, and build meaningful connections. Confirmed host families will also receive exclusive opportunities, including early access for their BBYO teen to register for IC. Learn More →

Apply to Staff IC | We’re looking for passionate teammates to help give delegates the best week of their lives at IC 2027! Each February, members of our community including a group of dedicated parents come together to support teens from around the world, strengthen Jewish identity, and create an unforgettable IC experience. Your energy, leadership, and commitment make it all possible—and fluency in Spanish, Russian, German, Hebrew, French, or other languages is a big plus! Learn More →

Volunteer your Time | Can't commit to a whole week of staffing? We’re also looking for 300+ volunteers in a variety of roles throughout Global Ambassadors Week and IC. Volunteer opportunities will be distributed across convenient shifts, and all volunteers will have access to explore IC’s biggest moments. Learn More →

Join the IC Health Center Team | Learn More →