7VLA

My Most Memorable Jewish Experience

(as presented at the Graduation Program of Congregation Shaarey Zedek Religious School)

by Rachel Williams, Past

From Hebrew High School to volunteering at the Federation,
from attending and working at Tamarack Camps to trips to
Chicago, New York and Washington D.C. with Hebrew High, I
have had more than my share of incredible Jewish experiences.
However, what sticks out most in my mind are all of my Jewish
experiences through BBYO. During my four years as an active
member of BBYO, I was part of a close-knit Jewish youth
community where we learned about each other and ourselves
through Judaism. Being part of this atmosphere
has strengthened my Jewish identity, and without
BBYO, I would not be the Jew I am today.
No matter what is going on, if I am at a BBYO
event and it is during Shabbat, we will always
have a service. This consistency has made me
appreciate Shabbat and the peace it brings. Most
likely, if not for BBYO, I would not attend any
Shabbat services. But, whenever I am with my
BBYO friends, we always make sure to celebrate
Shabbat together, which reminds me of my
Judaism.
Of course, BBYO offers more than just
services. Each Friday night that we have an event,
it is some type of Jewish-related Oneg. Many of these have been
extremely interesting and thought-provoking. They could be
about anything - from the different sects of Judaism and how
Judaism feels about sex to how we feel about our Judaism and
recent developments in Israel. Many times we just sit together
and discuss anything and everything about Judaism. You find
that you have so much in common with someone whom you
barely know. One of you might be Conservative and one

Achayot BBG

Reform, but you have similar beliefs and ideas about religion.
This connection with others is one of the most amazing things
BBYO has given me.
As there are special occasions in Judaism, there are special
occasions in BBYO. Some of these have been Jewish Heritage
Nights, evening events planned by the AZA and BBG Judaism
Chairpeople. We have had many different programs in my four
years, each one unique and stimulating. One of my favorites was
a mock Jewish wedding. We also have had a
Purim Carnival, mock trials, a Holocaust
survivor speaker, and many others. Soon we will
have a mock B'nai Mitzvah where members of
BBYO actually become Bar and Bat Mitzvah.
Many chapter functions revolve around
Judaism. Chocolate seders, Israel programs, and
Israeli dancing are just a few of the programs I
have attended. Being able to plan a program
about Judaism enriches your appreciation for it,
and watching your friends lead them can be
just as rewarding.
It is clear that the range of Judaism through-
out BBYO is enormous. There are many ways to
learn, teach, explore, discuss, practice and enjoy your Judaism.
Throughout my four years as a member of BBYO, I have been
given the opportunity to try each of these, and because of that, I
am a much happier person and prouder Jew. It is impossible to
pinpoint one event that truly shaped my Judaism, but having the
constant group of Jewish friends and opportunities to explore
my Judaism as much as I wanted has really enriched my reli-
gious life. BBYO has been an incredible Jewish experience.

AZA AND 55G REGIONAL BOARD ELECTED FOR Y2K

The 1999-2000 AZA Regional Exec Board features senior leadership and much
experience. Standing L to R are: Jacob Winston, Aleph Shaliach; Jonathan
Shaye, Aleph Moreh and Aleph Koden Godol; Adam Schlesinger, Aleph Godol;
and Adam Hertz, Aleph S'gan. Kneeling L to R are: Will-E Noveck, Aleph
Sopher; Mitch Pollack, Aleph Mazkir; and David Rodgers, Aleph Gisbor.

The newly-elected BBG Regional Board speaks for itself in the way of past
achievement. All are experienced past chapter leaders. Standing L to R are: Julie
Goutman, Gisbarit; Sarit Ashmann, Madricha; Leslee Berlin, N'siah; Cortney
Terrian, S'ganit; Tali Zechory, Aym Ha-chaverot; and Shawn Brickner, Katvanit.
Kneeling L to R are: Ashley Bellet, Orechet; and Illana Hearshen, Sh'Iicha.

o BBYO WYACHAD o TOGETHER o BBYO B°YACHAD o TOGETHER o BBYO BAACHAD o TOGETHER o BBYO B°YACHAD o TOGETHER