One of the most amazing things about BBYO is the connections Jewish teens are able to make with each other. BBYO has made me realize that no matter where I am, I will have a connection with a fellow teen who is part of this amazing organization. A prime example of this would be my experience just a few weeks ago.

I attend a Jewish day school so we have all eight days of Sukkot off. This allowed me to travel to New Jersey to visit family and friends. I was staying with my aunt and she asked me if I would like to go to her synogouge’s sukkah hop. For those who don't know, a sukkah hop is an activity where you go to local sukkahs around a neighborhood, socialize, and eat food. I was excited as I had never attended something like this in the past, but also nervous because the only person I knew going was my aunt.

When we arrived at the first sukkah it seemed as if there were no other kids my age. At the first house my aunt introduced me to Jordyn Weisleder, a fellow BBG. I was so glad there was another teen there, and even better, one in BBYO. We talked the whole time and I got to know her very well. We soon found out that she went on CLTC 5 with my best friend and they had become good friends. As we talked, we found more and more people that we both knew. I was so happy I made a new friend and ended up having a great time. By the end of the hop we exchanged numbers and she invited me to a local GJHRR program which I was more than glad to attend. 

At the program she introduced me to many of the teens in her area. I met so many new people, some I even had friends in common with. I had an amazing time at the program and it truly opened my eyes to the connections BBYO helps Jewish teens make. This experience proved to me that no matter where I go, I know there will be a friendly face of a fellow member of BBYO. Because of BBYO I have friends from Chicago to China. These connections are what makes BBYO unique and keeps the movement growing.