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MAY 2002
Issue 21

MICHIGAN
REGION

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TOGETHER FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW

Michigan 1313Y0 Hosts International BBG MBA Convention

"An incredible experience for everyone"
is how Emily Farber, BBG Regional N'siah,
described the BBG International Mind,
Body, Attitude (MBA) Convention, held at
Camp Maas in Ortonville, Michigan,
March 15-17. The Convention was hosted
by Michigan Region and was supported by
a grant from the Jewish Women's
Foundation of Metropolitan Detroit.
Co-Chairs Laura Hearshen of Ahavah
BBG and Amanda Shatzman of Ruach
BBG, welcomed 66 participants from 14
BBYO regions throughout the U.S. and
Canada. The program kicked off with
greetings from International BBG N'siah
Jamie Konigsberg of Jersey City, NJ, and
from new BBYO International Director
Brian Greene.
Friday evening's Shabbat program

program was led by Beth Cousens, a
doctoral candidate in Jewish Studies at
Brandeis University, and a former Michigan
BBG N'siah. Her topic was "Ner Ad-nai
Nishmat Chava," The Light of G'd Lies in
the Soul of Woman."
Saturday afternoon, MBA was graced
by special guest, Florine Mark, President
continued on page 5

Amanda Shatzman and Laura Hearshen,
BBG MBA Coordinators, pose with Florine
Mark, special guest speaker at the BBG
MBA Convention. Ms. Mark spoke to the
girls about nutrition.

centered around a presentation by Rabbi
Shena Potter of the University of Michigan
Hillel on "Miriam's Journey." Saturday's

Michigan BBYO Annual Campaign Is Underway

The Michigan BBYO Board kicked off its Annual Campaign on April 1with pride
in its past accomplishments and confidence in the future of the newly-independent
BBYO. Last year's Annual Campaign, chaired by Caroline Broida and Len Weiss,
was the most successful ever, with gifts totaling $85,000. According to Campaign
Chair Kevin Elbinger, this year's goal is $88,000. "All of us — parents, alumni,
community friends — have a stake in the continued success of our youth program.
Many of us remember what AZA and BBG meant to us when we were in high
school, and we should want to make sure that it is there for this generation and the
one to come."
The Board Annual Campaign is an increasingly important part of BBYO's annual
operating budget as a result of BBYO's separation in April from B'nai B'rith
International. BBYO is now responsible for its own funding nationally and locally,
and the Annual Campaign helps cover the costs of the Chapter Service Center
operations and staff. Michigan BBYO also receives significant financial support from
the Detroit Jewish Federation as well as B'nai B'rith International through the local
B'nai B'rith Great Lakes Region.
Whether contacted by letter or by phone we encourage everyone to respond with
their "best gift possible."

Youth Hold
Israel Teen Rally

Several BBYOers were among the
organizers of the Israel Teen Rally, held
April 18 on the future site of the
Holocaust Memorial Center on Orchard
Lake Road in West Bloomfield. Pictured
L to R are Ariella Lis of Achayot BBG,
Monica Woll and Deborah Anstandig of
Koach BBG, and Jeremy Baruch of
Freedman AZA.

