What makes a BBYO chapter successful? Is it the Godol or N’siah? The board? The advisors? All of these positions are important, but none of them alone can be credited with making a chapter successful. A chapter thrives when everyone contributes and does their part. Whether it is something as small as showing up to an event, or something as substantial as planning 8th grade rush, every member plays a vital role in the chapter. Being part of a community means expanding your focus beyond your own experience to notice the experiences of others. Instead of only thinking about all of the benefits that BBYO provides you, thinking about your community calls for a shift in perspective, encouraging us to also notice the things we can contribute. 

This idea of belonging to something bigger than yourself is not exclusive to BBYO. Moving your focus from “me,” a self-centered mindset, to “we,” a collective mindset, is a lesson that applies far beyond BBYO. It is a Jewish value that has been part of our community for thousands of years, and is highlighted through the holiday and Torah reading of Shemini Atzeret.

Shemini Atzeret or “the Eighth Day of Assembly" is a special additional day after Sukkot when G-d “asks” Israel (or the Jewish people) to remain together a little longer. After a week of joyous gathering as a Jewish people in the Sukkah, eating traditional foods, studying the Torah, and celebrating our Judaism, Shemini Atzeret asks us to reflect on the recent holidays, our relationship with Judaism, and our relationships with one another. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are celebrated on the same day, while in the diaspora they are separate days. The practice of gathering together naturally reminds us that being in the group goes deeper than just showing up, it is about having a responsibility to those around you. That concept of responsibility for others is clear in the Torah reading for Shemini Atzeret. 

A major theme in the Torah reading for Shemini Atzeret  is the responsibility that one holds for the people around them. It speaks about giving tithes to support those in need: “You shall open your hand to your brother, to your poor and needy in your land.” This command reminds us that helping others is required constantly, not just when convenient. The Torah reading also commands creditors to release debts every seventh agricultural year to give indebted people the opportunity for a fresh start, even when the creditors had the right to expect something from them. This reading also focuses on including everyone in the community: “You shall rejoice before Adonai your God—you, your son and daughter, the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow.”  This command of inclusivity reinforces the idea that a true community is not exclusive, and that social rank is irrelevant during communal events. These commands and verses demonstrate that Judaism sees community as more than a group of people physically together. Community means recognizing the responsibility we hold for everyone, and being willing to help others, do our part, and sometimes even put aside what we are owed for the benefit of someone else. The Torah teaches us to look beyond ourselves (“me”) and towards those around us (“we”).

These teachings are especially relevant now, as we begin this new year together in BBYO. We have the opportunity to shape the mindsets held in our chapter and regional communities this year. Being part of your chapter/region is about so much more than your title, and responsibilities fall on everyone, from general members to presidents. Take ownership of your role. Come early to help set up, invite other members to come to events, and notice when things need to be done and complete them. None of these actions require extreme effort, or seem huge on their own, but when everyone contributes, they add up and have real impact.  A successful chapter depends on everyone being willing to step up. Leadership is about taking ownership of the community you're a part of.

The lessons in Shemini Atzeret can inspire you to make the small shift. Go from asking yourself  “Do I want to go?” to asking, “Would my chapter benefit from me being there?” Think about the impact you can make, and stop waiting for others to step up. A strong chapter can only truly be built when everyone realizes that they have a responsibility to the people around them. Shemini Atzeret reminds us that being part of a community means caring for that community. This new year in BBYO gives us the opportunity to live that lesson every day.

Chag Sameach,
Abby Hirschhorn, Michigan Region #1701