B’nai B’rith Youth Organisation ‘up and coming’ in Sydney
Run by teens for teens, B’nai B’rith Youth Organisation is “up and coming” in Sydney, its co-president says.
AFTER recently restarting in Sydney, B’nai B’rith Youth Organisation (BBYO) NSW is moving in the right direction and is “up and coming”, according to co-president Ruby Borer.
An international pluralistic Jewish youth organisation, BBYO caters to about 80,000 teens in more than 55 countries.
Borer said it is “run by teens for teens”.
“It’s a place where we are encouraged to have fun, connect with other Jewish teens in our community and around the world, and develop leadership skills and Jewish Identities,” she said.
“We are inspired to learn, grow, give to our community and most importantly be ourselves. BBYO NSW allows us the chance to run the events we want to and accomplish incredible things.”
BBYO’s board members – comprising Borer, Amy Forman, Devan Bloch, Meital Gertel, Sam Raichman and Caitlin Gordon – are all aged 13-15.
Starting weeks before the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, BBYO has held events in-person and online.
In-person events, when allowed, have included Havdallah and Shabbat services, visits to Adamama Urban Farm and Laser Tag games.
Games nights, bake-offs and most recently an escape room have been held over Zoom, as well as online programs with overseas chapters.
“We have also had the immense honour of pairing up with teens around the world, in places like South Africa, New York, Russia and closer to home, in Melbourne, to run incredible programs,” said Borer.
BBYO NSW would not be possible without its parent organisation B’nai B’rith, she said.
“B’nai B’rith has not only given us a home here in Sydney and allowed us to lead the B’nai B’rith holiday kids club, but it has also given us our advisor,” she said.
“Vivienne Radomsky, the project manager of B’nai B’rith NSW, has been our incredible advisor since the beginning, guiding us in everything we do. She never fails to inspire, help and support us.
“We are so thankful for everything she has done and continues to do for us and could not imagine BBYO without her.”
Borer said BBYO NSW “has changed the lives of the people who have had the opportunity to be on the board so far, and we are looking forward to the opportunity to continue growing as individuals and as a chapter, further developing bonds with each other, and learning new leadership skills.”
She said members also looked forward to taking part in the international opportunities that BBYO offers, including its International Leadership Network.
“Hopefully in a post-COVID world, travelling to America to take part in the International Convention or incredible summer opportunities,” she said.
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