skip to main content
6866be8c023a26523926af54_BBYO March for Israel - Jason Dixson_480df7ff

Every Jew and every Israeli is always relying on us–every single day. Although it may not seem like that, especially in times like these, we represent these people daily. At school, at synagogue, at work, and at our friends' houses, no matter where we are, our actions and words not only change others’ perceptions of us as a whole but also the Jewish people and Israelis. 

We are the representation. It is up to us to be mindful of the words we say and our actions. Everyone slips up here and there, but if we do not try to set a good example, then we are the people failing our community. We all lead by example, we all have goals, we all have dreams. To accomplish all of those, we need to abide by simple rules that we learned in second grade; we need to use the golden rule and think before we speak. Often, the news is biased, just like people, it's not that the goal of setting a good example is changing others' political views on the war, but more for them to be able to acknowledge that we are good people just like every other group is.

We are all leaders, and we are all role models, but it doesn't automatically mean that our actions and our words are admirable. Integrity, respect, and kindness are all Jewish values that turn BBYO into a siblinghood, a group of people praying into a Kehilah (community), so if we use them no matter where we are, we can change the negative and wrong views that much of the world has on us. 

People are misinformed or uneducated, and instead of learning, ignorance becomes their sanctuary. This is especially true regarding Israel and Jews. Our actions make an impact on our limits and goals as well as outsiders' views of our people. So, instead of acting immorally, we can give everyone an insight into our accepting, warm, and welcoming community and show them who Jews and Israelis truly are.

Explore More Stories

Identity
Always AZA

This poem is dedicated to Andrew Sober, an Aleph from Baltimore Council, and for every Aleph whose memory continues to live on through our Brotherhood.

Profile picture of Firstname Lastname
Yoni Levkovitz Jupiter, Florida, United States
Identity
Dear BBYO, Thank You for a Lifetime of Memories

My senior life. The experiences and people who shaped my BBYO experience, whom I will take with me long after BBYO.

Profile picture of Firstname Lastname
Becca Firestone Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Connection
Parshat Behar-Bechukotai: Does BBYO Follow Commandments From G-d?

In the double portion of Behar-Bechukotai, God gave Moses commandments. Does BBYO fit into those commandments?

Profile picture of Firstname Lastname
BBYO Weekly Parsha AZA & BBG