Wise BBG #2040 has been a part of Houston and Lonestar Region #73 for decades, leaving a lasting impact on countless members and leaders. The difficult decision to ‘fold’ or close Wise BBG for the time being was recently announced. Although many members, alumni, and members of the community are devastated by the news, Lonestar has a history of previous chapters ‘folding’ and coming back stronger than ever, so I’m confident that one day Wise will as well. At the same time as Wise’s temporary fall, Lonestar has begun to introduce a new BBG chapter to maintain the strength of all of Lonestar and its BBG’s. Wise’s legacy will continue through the friendships, traditions, and leaders it helped create, and there is hope that Wise BBG will once again have the opportunity to thrive in the near future.

For as long as I have been in BBYO, Wise has been all about inclusion. While BBYO in general strives to connect Jewish teenagers to one another and emphasizes inclusion, it doesn’t always feel that way on a local level. Sometimes members may feel like groups are too cliquey and that they don’t belong, but this was never an issue for Wise. Wise was willing to accept any new member with open arms and help them to feel included, which is one of the many reasons I love it so much. In addition to the fact that I’ve had both family members and friends in Wise, I have always felt included in programming through joint events, whether it be on a regional level, city-wide, or just a chill joint event with my home chapter, Lubel, and Wise.

As Mollie Weber, the current and last S'ganit of Wise BBG (for now), states, “putting into a short paragraph what Wise BBG meant to me is profoundly difficult. To simplify my feelings for this beloved chapter, it was the most meaningful experience of my entire life. I never thought I would join BBYO. While I had a late start, I was immediately welcomed in by the warmest group of girls ever. While I’m sad to see it take this pause, this old and lovely chapter needs a reset to come back stronger than ever.” 

The deep roots Wise planted in Houston's Jewish community ensure that its story is far from over. As long as its alumnae and brother & sister chapters hold onto those memories, the true spirit of Wise BBG #2040 will remain alive and well. It is not a matter of whether the chapter will return to the Lonestar Region, but simply a matter of when.

Fraternally submitted with an undying love for Wise BBG #2040 of Lonestar Region #73.

*It is important to mention that in this context and from other articles on ‘The Shofar’, folding is when a ”specific local chapter disbands or becomes inactive, usually due to low membership or a lack of teen leadership to run a board.”