“U-N-I-T-E-D. Who are we AZA and BBG!” The UNITED cheer was created to commemorate both Alephs and BBGs. It connects everyone throughout the international order, and is able to be found in both the red and blue books. Cheering is my favorite tradition of BBYO because it gives me something in common with teens I have never met, yet scream the same cheers with pride. At CLTC 3 2026, I found those teens who get joy from cheering alongside others. 

I especially felt this joy when we did “togethers” in place of separates, led by the Spirit and Ritual team. Instead of having separate times to reflect on what it means to be an Aleph or BBG, we spent this time learning what it meant to be the other. So, the BBGs learned about the Alephs, and the Alephs learned about the BBGs. Alongside my best friends that I had met just 13 days before, we learned something new. At the end of our time in togethers we joined groups, practiced each cheer, and learned one all together. It was called “UNITED.” This was the moment when I felt truly at home. I now know that BBYO is what makes me feel at home and united with those who might live thousands of miles away. 

BBYO represents my family. Not by blood, but by choice. We have love, trust, and connection. I miss each and every one of my friends each day. Even though I get to call them and text them, it isn’t the same. I am counting down the days until I can hug my best friends again and meet new lifelong friends at IC. This excitement is a key example of how UNITED BBYO makes Jewish teens across the globe feel. It is a truly special experience like no other. UNITED means we’re stronger together: as an order, sisterhood, brotherhood, and family. In just 13 days of CLTC I didn’t just find friends, but I found community. This community is embodied everywhere throughout BBYO.

To me, UNITED is something beyond just red and blue books. UNITED is standing beside my best friends, sharing memories together, and that no matter how far the distance may be, nothing can break our bonds that had been formed in just 13 days. I will be sure to revive this cheer in my chapter and region so hopefully one day teens can feel part of the BBYO community. We may all come from different backgrounds or places, but we are all Jewish and UNITED through BBYO.