BBYO was launched with the creation of the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA) in 1923 by a group of boys from Omaha, Nebraska in an attempt to create a fraternity that not only accepted Jews but was also based on Jewish values. In 1924, AZA was declared an international organization with the help of advisor Sam Beber. The official establishment of the B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG) did not occur until 1944, years after the first permanent chapter was established in San Francisco, CA in 1927. B’nai B’rith adopted both youth movements in the mid 1940s and the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) quickly spread around the world. It didn’t take long for BBYO to be recognized as the premier Jewish youth movement of the global Jewish community.

In 2002, BBYO was restructured as an independent international organization. After 80+ years of support, B’nai B’rith International (BBI) ended its financial support of BBYO. BBI’s divestment from BBYO comes at a time of significant growth in its efforts to reach more Jewish teens with more meaningful Jewish experiences. Over the past five years, BBYO has doubled the number of teens involved in Jewish life throughout North America, from 13,000 to nearly 26,000. Now, more than ever, BBYO relies on the support of local communities to support this growth, despite the cut in funds from B’nai B’rith.

BBYO is structured to involve teens both locally and internationally through its chapters, regions/councils, and international opportunities. More than 700 chapters distributed across regions/councils in North America make up what is called International BBYO, headquartered in Washington, DC.

BBYO prides itself on being a teen-led, adult-supervised program, but most importantly, it is a chapter-based, democratic organization. Individual members are the most important part of the chapter. Members will get as much out of their BBYO involvement as they are willing to invest in it.

AZA means Aleph Zadik Aleph. The Aleph Zadik Aleph is the fraternity component of BBYO. New members are often referred to as AITs or Alephs in Training. BBG means B’nai B’rith Girls. B’nai B’rith Girls is the sorority component of BBYO. New members are often referred to as MITs or Members in Training.

Yes, the Sabbath is a day of rest and all programming on that day should reflect this spirit. Business and formal decision-making is not permitted on Shabbat. Dances and similar social activities should not occur on Shabbat. Travel is not permitted on Shabbat unless it is to attend a Shabbat experiential program or authorized by the BBYO office. Fundraising activities are not permitted on Shabbat.

Tobacco, drug, and alcohol consumption will not be tolerated under any circumstances. There will be consequences to breaking the rules.

Hazing is forbidden. BBYO International policy states, “BBYO has been and shall remain an organization based on the principles of spirit, brotherhood, sisterhood, and values.” Hazing is a practice that operates separate from all of the values and beliefs that we teach as an organization and is a legal danger to the continued existence of BBYO. This includes any act that is subtle or causes physical or emotional harm. All programs or functions must have prior approval by the advisor and staff.

Folds are programming focal points for the teen leaders in BBYO. AZA has five folds: athletic, community service/social action, education, Judaic, and social. BBG has six folds: community service, creativity, Jewish heritage, sisterhood, recreation, and social action.

We want all teens to be able to attend our events. Scholarship applications are available. Please email ckrutoy@bbyo.org for scholarship inquiries.

The chapter is made up of an executive board of individuals who are democratically-elected by their peers to conduct the business of the chapter. These boards are elected by the rest of the chapter for one term, which lasts six months to a year. Each chapter has a volunteer advisor(s) who supports, suggests, and supervises their chapters, works with chapter boards, and acts as a friend (with authority) to our youth.

Chapter executive boards are elected for 6-12 month terms (depending on the chapter or position).

The positions for AZA Chapter Board are:

• Godol – President
• S’gan – Vice President
• Moreh – Vice President of Membership
• Shaliach – Vice President of Judaism, Social Action, and Community Service
• Mazkir – Secretary
• Gizbor – Treasurer
• Sopher – Newspaper/Newsletter Editor (not all chapters have a Sopher)
• Mekasher –Recruitment
  

The positions for BBG Chapter Board are:

• N’siah – President
• S’ganit – Vice President
• Morah – Vice President of Membership
• Shlicha – Vice President of Judaism, Social Action, and Community Service
• Mazkirah – Secretary
• Gizborit – Treasurer
• Sophranit – Newspaper/Newsletter Editor (not all chapters have a Sophranit)
• Mekasheret –Recruitment

Yes. These supervisors are called advisors, and they are all required to pass a background check. They are trained by the local BBYO professionals on how to work with their chapter officers and members. They are also required to know the BBYO policies and adhere to them. If you are interested in being an advisor, please email ckrutoy@bbyo.org.

Our volunteer advisors are adults from within our community who have an interest in helping shape and mold the life of your teen. They are interviewed, trained, and supervised on an ongoing basis. They need to be at every chapter meeting and event in order for the program to take place. We encourage you to get to know them. The advisors will play an important role in the development of your teen! Call your teen’s advisor with any questions on upcoming events and to ask what you can do to help.

• Encourage regular attendance at chapter meetings, functions, and regional conventions.
• Help provide transportation when and where necessary. We do request your assistance in making sure your teen has transportation.
• Share your personal resources. Many times, a parent can be an excellent speaker, discussion leader, etc. or you may know of others who would be appropriate for chapter/regional programs.
• Talk to your teen about BBYO; help them follow through with any responsibilities they may undertake. Speak to your chapter advisor if you have any questions or concerns.
• Send in necessary forms on time.
• Open your home for a BBYO program. If you do so, please be aware of the following guidelines:
  • All BBYO policies must be adhered to.
  • An advisor/responsible adult is required to attend and be visible at every program.
  • The unforeseen can happen. If a disturbance or damage occurs, please report all pertinent information to the BBYO Office.
  • Volunteer to help at programs when advisors ask for assistance. Every parent is needed to assist at different times, and advisors will only ask when help is needed.

More information on BBYO Parents

Yes, BBYO staff, volunteers, and youth leaders have the collective responsibility to monitor and maintain the integrity of BBYO activities and programs. These standards have been developed and designed to assist the staff, commission, and youth leaders to achieve the above stated goal.

Kashrut laws are observed at all BBYO functions where food is provided. When kosher food is not available, only vegetarian or dairy foods are permitted. If a chapter is having a dinner and each member is purchasing their food, they may individually choose to follow Kashrut laws.

Maybe you have two Jewish parents, one Jewish parent or a Jewish relative. Perhaps you have never stepped foot inside a synagogue or recited a prayer. Maybe you aspire to become a leader or are just looking to meet other Jewish teens for occasional awesome experiences. The good news? No matter your background, knowledge, or reason of interest, we have a place for YOU at Tidewater BBYO.