Friends and Family,

Just over 4 years ago, I made the most instrumental decision of my life by joining AZA & BBYO. Now, odds are that if you’re friends with me on Facebook, you know a thing or two about BBYO – my second home. You might know about the phenomenal platforms that teens get to lead, about the wild memories that BBYO members make, or the lifelong friendships that form.

Today is #givingBBYOday, part of #GivingTuesday. Today is the day that we sit down as a community and commit to securing the future of teen leadership, wild memories, and lifelong friendships.

If you have a few minutes before your next Zoom call, I’d love to tell you my story and (hopefully) inspire you to give to ensure the future of many more like it.

Just over 4 years ago, I made the most instrumental decision of my life by joining AZA & BBYO. But it wasn’t my passion for the Jewish future, desire for leadership, or lifelong friends that would bring me into BBYO (those would come with time). I joined AZA because an old friend showed up to my house on a Saturday night and told me I could get free pizza if I got in his mom’s car. I joined AZA because I showed up and was immediately taught a secret handshake. I joined AZA because it seemed like a fun thing to do on the weekends.

And that’s the beauty of BBYO: you don’t realize just how much it’ll change your life until you look back and think about the person you’ve become.

Thanks to BBYO, I have grown immensely as a leader and gotten the chance to influence Jewish teens on all levels of the organization – including in my current full-time role as Grand Aleph Godol (International President).

Thanks to BBYO, I’ve made memories that I’ll never forget. From summer camps to conventions to late night talks about life and everything in between, BBYO will always hold some of my most special moments.

Thanks to BBYO, I’ve made friends that I know will stay my best friends for the rest of my life. Thanks to BBYO, I’ve found my people.

#givingBBYOday is part of the worldwide #GivingTuesday campaign—a global day of giving on Tuesday, December 1. After we give thanks for family and friends, and after we’ve shopped the deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #givingBBYOday is our opportunity to give back. Your donation today will make a difference for thousands of Jewish teens—developing their leadership skills and strengthening their connections to one another at a time when it’s more critical than ever.

Support BBYO teens in your community by clicking on the “Regions” tab, or “Make a Donation” to give to the General Campaign.  All donations received on #givingBBYOday are matched dollar for dollar—your impact is doubled today!