Since their establishment in 1924 and 1944, the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA) and B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG) have empowered more than a 400,000 Jewish teens that went on to lead their local and national Jewish communities across the globe. With more than 600 chapters worldwide, AZA and BBG, rooted in fraternity and sisterhood, provide a platform for teens to build a movement capable of creating change surrounding today’s critical issues all while learning important skills like public speaking, event planning, and project management.
Alephs and B’nai B’rith Girls also explore their Jewish identities on a deeply personal level while developing lifelong friendships and having fun. Based on a local network of teen-led, democratically functioning chapters partnered with opportunities for international travel, conventions and summer experiences, AZA and BBG’s unique programming convenes and connects Jewish teens of all backgrounds who will become inspired to live Jewish lives while making a difference in the world.
About BBYO Chapters
In many communities across North America and around the world, Jewish teens find their home with BBYO chapters. BBYO chapters are coed units where boys and girls have equal leadership opportunities and shared ownership over the priorities and goals of the chapters. Utilizing traditions from both AZA and BBG to build strong bonds and meaningful experiences, BBYO chapters are most commonly located in smaller Jewish communities, at partner institutions like synagogues and in BBYO regions outside North America. All BBYO chapter members are eligible for all council, regional, national and global leadership opportunities within AZA and BBG.
AZA and BBG Begins with Members
While countless opportunities for leadership exist within AZA and BBG, the organizations succeed due to the active participation of all Alephs and BBGs. It is every member’s right to utilize AZA and BBG to their full capacity, whether it be attending programs, assisting in event planning, inviting other Jewish teens to get involved or by serving as active members of the Jewish community.
AZA and BBG are Built on Pluralism
The Aleph Zadik Aleph and B'nai B'rith Girls have always been a Movement that Jewish young men and women can join regardless of their levels of Jewish observance. It is the mission of AZA and BBG to create a united Jewish community that grows because we embrace Judaism’s diversity. At conventions, programs, and summer experiences, Alephs and BBGs are encouraged to learn more about different Jewish customs and rituals from other Alephs and BBGs. AZA and BBG are open to all men and women regardless of race, socioeconomic status, physical ability, sexual orientation or gender identity. This notion was affirmed by the “Stand UP for Each Other” campaign and teen-written legislation passed in 2015 that reaffirmed that BBYO is space welcoming to all Jewish teens in AZA and BBG.