It was 7:45 PM and teens from all over New York began filing into Adventureland. I had been looking forward to this event since kickoff last year and was ecstatic that the day was finally here. I was especially excited to watch the whole event come together because I had the opportunity to work alongside the other members of NSR’s 62nd regional board to plan it. My counterpart, the regional Mazgiz, and I had been working tirelessly to promote kickoff in order to get the maximum amount of registrants. Additionally, I couldn’t wait to reunite with my regional friends from all over Long Island that I hadn’t been able to see since before the summer. 

Once everyone was signed in, my friends and I explored the amusement park and got on as many rides as possible before our 11:00 PM departure. Walking through the park gave me an indescribable feeling. I was mesmerized by the colorful lights, the laughs of people walking by, and the screams of excitement as I waited in line for rides. With over 900 teens from NSR, BAR, Manhattan, and HVR, this event was truly unlike anything I’ve experienced before. It was amazing to see how many teens could unite under a common purpose: to appreciate their love of Judaism and to meet and reconnect with other teens from all over New York.

Before I knew it, the night was coming to a close, and I had to say goodbye to all of my regional friends. It was a bitter-sweet moment for me because I just got to witness all of our hard work pay off in an amazing event, but I was also sad to know that this would be one of my last regional kickoffs as my time in BBYO is running out. Although sad to have to leave my friends, I was excited to see them all again at NSR’s winter convention! I can’t wait for more amazing kickoffs similar to this one, and I am looking forward to an amazing programming year!