6 | DECEMBER 8 • 2022
1942 - 2022
Covering and Connecting
Jewish Detroit Every Week
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Detroit Jewish community, reflecting the diverse views and interests of the Jewish community while advancing the
morale and spirit of the community and advocating Jewish unity, identity and continuity.
DETROIT JEWISH NEWS
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PURELY COMMENTARY
student’s corner
To Thrive as a Jewish Teen
A
s a Jewish teen in
2022, I have always
had the blessing of
being able to surround myself
with members of the Jewish
community.
I have always
attended private
Jewish day
schools, but I
am also greatly
involved in
BBYO. This
Jewish youth
organization has been the
place where I have met so
many other Jewish teens
and broadened my Jewish
education.
I started my BBYO journey
during freshman year of high
school. Originally, I placed
myself into a chapter that I
only joined because I knew
people. This caused me to not
enjoy my time, and I felt out
of place. I then switched over
to a smaller chapter, where I
have been able to thrive and
feel a sense of belonging. I
only knew a few members,
but I immediately noticed
that the environment was a
better fit for me and a place
that I could grow in. I joined
BBYO because I wanted to be
able to make new friends and
simultaneously share a love
for Judaism. When I finally
found my place in BBYO,
I was able to ultimately
experience the true magic of
the organization.
In May 2022, my BBYO
chapter, Emunah BBG,
hosted annual elections for
the chapter board. I knew I
was looking for a leadership
role to take part in, and once
I found the area that spoke
to me, I knew I had to run.
Weeks before the election
day, I did a lot of research on
the aspects of the position
and kept finding that my
personal values aligned
with the elements of the
role. I campaigned, made
pamphlets and crafted a
speech that would prove my
qualifications to the chapter.
When election day
eventually came around, I
had the honor to be elected
as Emunah BBG’s 18th
Sh’licha. It meant that I was
elected to be in charge of my
chapter’s Jewish aspects and
programming, along with
other fundraising projects.
This area specifically spoke
to me because it has given me
the opportunity to share my
love of Judaism with other
teens.
During my time in this
position, I have been able to
plan and run a few Shabbos
and Havdalah programs,
along with events to celebrate
many Jewish holidays. In the
future, I plan to continue
constructing Jewish programs
to be able to keep Jewish
tradition and culture present
throughout my chapter.
I have met some of my
best friends through BBYO,
only because we shared a
love for a Jewish holiday or
attended an event or program
together. If more teens got
involved with Jewish youth
organizations like BBYO,
they would find what I have
discovered: These groups
provide nothing but joy and
Jewish connection.
Overall, I have pride in
my accomplishments in
my Jewish education and
identity, and I will continue
to spread the love for Jewish
expression and appreciation
for many years to come.
Talia Begres is a junior at Frankel
Jewish Academy.
Talia Begres