jews d
in
the
L ’ dor
dor V’dor
BBYO’s annual convention features alums
passing the torch to current teens.
SYDNEY TREPECK SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS
I
ABOVE: Max Rybak,
president of Kishon
AZA #63, right,
receives a torch
from Kishon alumni
Andrew Ceifetz,
Mark Snyder and
Joel Snyder.
Emunah BBG members show off their spirit at RC Opening Ceremonies.
Jolson AZA performs during the song competition;
they were awarded first place.
Brian Goldsmith, Eva Zaientz, Yakirah Mitchel and Mario Sims of
Hatmadah BBYO hang out during the bowling competition.
18
January 18 • 2018
jn
t’s the most wonderful week
of the year. From the oppor-
tunities for teens to bond
with their regional brothers and
sisters to the exciting competi-
tions between the chapters, it
is a week filled with memories,
fun and spirit that can only be
found in Michigan.
This is Regional Convention
(RC), BBYO Michigan Region’s
most anticipated event of the
year held the last week of each
year. At RC, teens from various
chapters come together and
participate in a number of
events, including Iron Chef,
Lip Sync Battle, volleyball,
basketball, debate, song, cheer
and talent. The theme of this
year’s convention was “L’dor
V’dor: From Generation to
Generation.” The theme was
incorporated throughout the
week by including BBYO alumni
as event judges and engaging
parents, grandparents and
alumni in activities.
One of the most special
moments was at the conven-
tion’s Opening Ceremonies
when past and present genera-
tions were connected through
an unforgettable torch-passing
ceremony. More than 50
BBYO alumni ages 19-70 from
chapters still in existence par-
ticipated in the ceremony and
handed down a torch to the
current leaders of their former
chapters.
“Regional Convention is
one of my favorite times of the
programing year because it
highlights the unique qualities
of each chapter,” said Rachel
Meyerson, a senior at North
Farmington High School and
current BBG regional presi-
dent. “It’s a way for the region
to bond as a whole and for
members to get to know each
other in a fun and social atmo-
sphere.”
Thirteen chapters partici-
pated at Regional Convention
this year, including Michigan
Region’s newest co-ed chapter,
Hatmadah BBYO #126. Made
up of members from Ann Arbor
and the surrounding areas,
Hatmadah BBYO made a huge
impact at their first RC.
The camaraderie between
chapters was also on display as
chapters supported members at
all their events.
“RC allowed me to bond with
the other girls in my chapter so
much, and I can’t wait to bring
that sisterhood back into the
chapter after RC,” said Jordyn
Taylor, president of Ruach BBG
#83.
Even though RC was an
intense competition, the RC
Headquarters was always
open for teens who needed
to decompress. The RC
Headquarters, a new addition
this year, including a medical
clinic, RC Shuk (market) and
“The Lounge.” Sponsored by
Jewish Family Service, The
Lounge was a space for teens
who needed a break or wanted
to speak to someone about
struggles that they or a friend
may have been experiencing.
At the end of the day, it was
not about the win — it was all
about the memories and friend-
ships that were created in just
five days. From year to year, RC
positively impacts members
and is a true demonstration of
spirit, cheer, friendly competi-
tion and fun.
Overall, RC 2017 was very
successful and would not
have happened without
the hard work of this year’s
Regional Convention coordi-
nators: Jordyn Wolf, a senior
at Groves High School, and
Andrew Weiss, a senior at
Frankel Jewish Academy. The
dedication of BBYO’s regional
staff, the RC 2017 Steering
Committees, parent volun-
teers, chapter presidents and
chapter RC coordinators, and
alumni also did not go unno-
ticed.
We look forward to an
amazing rest of the year with
BBYO, and can’t wait to see
what’s next! •
Sydney Trepeck is a senior at
Bloomfield Hills High School. For a list
of winners in all RC categories, go to
thejewishnews.com.