B'nai B'rith Girls

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B'nai B'rith Girls or BBG is the women's order of BBYO, an international youth-led high school sorority for Jewish youth. BBG as it is known today has thousands of members in chapters worldwide, including chapters in the United States, Bulgaria, United Kingdom, Israel, and Canada.

Contents

Objectives

BBYO members participate in democratically functioning small groups, called chapters, under the guidance of adult volunteer advisers and professional staff. Specifically, the objectives of BBYO are:

  1. To help Jewish youth enhance their knowledge and appreciation of Jewish religion and culture by discovering those aspects which are meaningful to them.
  2. To provide Jewish youth with the opportunities to learn leadership skills and develop their leadership potential to their fullest capabilities.
  3. To help Jewish youth recognize opportunities for service and encourage involvement in the Jewish and general communities.
  4. To develop in Jewish youth an appreciation for the meaning and practice of tzedakah both in the Jewish and general communities.
  5. To help Jewish youth develop a commitment to the State of Israel and K'lal Yisrael.
  6. To help Jewish youth develop a positive self-image.
  7. To encourage the development of friednships between Jewish youth.

Structure

In order to appreciate the many opportunities that BBG offers, one must understand the structure of the organization and the many levels at which one can be involved.

BBG Begins with Members

While countless opportunities for leadership exist within BBG, the organization succeeds due to the active participation of all members. It is every member's right to utilize BBG to its full capacity, whether it is attending programs or assisting in event planning.

Levels of BBG

Because there are thousands of BBGs around the world, it is necessary to break BBG down into smaller groups. The following structure has been developed over time to maximize each member's opportunity for involvement.

  • Chapters: The smallest and most personal group within BBG is the chapter. Each member of BBG belongs to a chapter and each chapter functions much like a large family. Chapters plan programs geared toward the interests of their members and train new members in the ways of BBG. A chapter's small size allows for the development of strong bonds between the members of a chapter. The chapter is the most important level of BBG because it affects members most directly.

Note: In areas where the Jewish community is not large enough to sustain AZA and BBG chapters, a co-ed BBYO chapter may be established with permission of the regional or council director.

  • Regions: Chapters in a larger area are grouped into regions. Councils are also grouped into Regions. They vary in size from one large city to several States or Provinces. Regions serve to bring chapters together so that they can exchange ideas, socialize, compete, and work together on larger projects. Regions also exist to serve the chapters and to help them in any way possible.

Note: Certain regions that are composed of councils elect council boards as opposed to a single regional board. This scenario, known as council predominance, may occur for a variety of reasons, such as large geographic distance between councils, or if the councils vary in strength to the point where independent leadership better serves each council.

  • Councils: Several chapters in the same area may be grouped into a council. Councils are grouped into Regions. Some areas have councils and others do not. They are usually used to break up large regions in order to make them more cohesive. Councils exist to serve the chapters and to allow for interaction between chapters.
  • International: The International Order of the B'nai B'rith Girls consist of every chapter, council, region, and BBYO program around the world. It facilitates leadership programs during the summer and throughout the year, as well as varoius thrusts and simultaneous programs (programs taking place at the same time in multiple locations throughout the Order) designed to enhance each member's experience in BBG.
  • Districts: BBYO maintains strong relations with many countries outside of the United States. These groups function with the same mission--to bring Jewish teens together in an effort to enhace Jewish identity through community service projects. The international affiliates include: Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Ireland, Israel and the United Kingdom.

BBYO presently runs several programs overseas each year reinforcing the commitment to our internationality.

Youth Leadership

BBG is a youth-led organization. Each chapter, council, region, and international program elects officers with different responsibilities in order to sustain the organization. Chapter officers serve six-month or full-year terms. On the council, regional, and international levels, all officers serve for one year. The following are the major offices found in BBG chapters:

It is common for officers to be acknowledged by their elected office and the level of BBG on which they serve. The president of a region, for example, is called the Regional N'siah, while the international president is called the International N'siah.

Staff

While BBG is a youth-led organization, adults play an important role, assisting in decision-making processes and helping to resolve any problems that might arise. Some staff members are paid professionals while others are volunteers.

The adult with whom you will come in contact most often is your chapter advisor. She is a volunteer who gives her time to help interpret BBYO policy as well as work with the elected leadership to guide the chapter. The advisor attends chapter events and is available as a resource and mentor to chapter members.

The professional staff member primarily responsible for overseeing a council or region, is the Regional or Council Director. The director serves as the advisor to the regional and council boards, spuervises the chapter advisors, and helps plan regional events. The director is also responsible for working with the regional or council adult commissions, coordinating the fundraising efforts, and forging relationships with community agencies.

Through summer programs and other international activities, a BBG will likely encounter members of the international staff. These professionals are charged with setting and leading the strategic direction of the organization. Members of the international staff have responsibilities ranging from managing the finances of the operations and running our summer leadership programs to hiring and training our regional and council paid professional staff and serving as a liaison with our international youth executive boards. In addition, fundraising and alumni relations efforts are coordinated at this level.

B'nai B'rith International

B'nai B'rith is the world's oldest Jewish membership organization and is active across the globe. For more than 75 years, BBI was the primary source of funding and governance. In recent years, the leadership of B'nai B'rith helped BBYO to expand its base of support in the Jewish community. This broadened support allowed BBYO, in the spring of 2002, to become a legally independent organization under the new name of B'nai B'rith Youth Organization, Inc. B'nai Brith leaders sit on BBYO's Board of Directors and continue to support BBYO at all levels.

Board of Directors

BBYO's transition to independence in 2002 was made possible by a group of caring philanthropists including Lynn Schusterman, Edgar Bronfman, Michael Steinhardt, and Newton Becker. These philanthropists, along with representatives of B'nai B'rith, United Jewish Communities, and other community leaders now constitute the BBYO Board of Directories. The Board of Directors is BBYO's highest policymaking body and supervises all aspects of the organization. The International N'siah, Grand Aleph Godol, and two other youth representatives represent the membership of AZA and BBG on the Board.

Programming

While the opportunity to socialize with other Jewish youth is a large component of BBG, the diversity of the programming is what makes the experience so unique. Activities at all levels are built around six programming areas, called folds.

The Six Folds of Programming

These Six Folds are often combined to create more dynamic programming. The B'nai B'rith Girls use the following folds when planning programs and incorporate as many of them as possible in each event:

Conventions and Programs

  • MIT/AIT (New Member Convention) - New Member weekends provide an opportunity for Members-In-Training to experience BBG on a broader level. They learn the basics of the organization and meet new members from other chapters.
  • Kallah/Judaism Institute - Kallah and Judaism Institute programs focus on Jewish religion and culture. The program often revolves around a Shabbat experience and provides an opportunity for BBGs to explore their own Jewish identities.
  • Leadership Training Institute - Leadership Training Institutes provide leadership development opportunities for all participants. These programs train BBGs to become leaders in their chapters, councils, and regions.
  • Council or Regional Conventions - Council or Regional conventions serve different purposes in different areas. In some locations, conventions serve solely to bring the membership of the organization together for fun weekends. In other places, convention bodies address the major business for the year and elect officers to the council or regional board.
  • The International Service Fund - The International Service Fund (ISF) is the financial means through which every member of BBYO can contribute to the building of a more effective organization and a better world. On a yearly basis, the youth leaders of BBYO allocate the money to scholarships for international leadership programs, tzedakah, and BBYO overseas. Each chapter's ISF donation- no less than $4.00 per member- is crucial for sustaining the organization.

Calendar Overview

Certain dates on the calendar hold special significance for the B'nai B'rith Girls. Chapters and regions are encouraged to hold programs incorporating these themes.

BBG Shabbat Chapters throughout the world hold special celebrations the second weekend in November, to remember that it is our religious heritage that unites us.

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month This nationally recognized month was adopted as a thrust by the B'nai B'rith Girls in the mid-1990s to raise awareness and consciousness of the prevalence of breast cancer.

October - Political Activism Month Through involvement in AIPAC, the Center for Public Policy, local Jewish Federations, lobbying, and learning about parliamentary procedure, BBG better educates and involves members in world affairs, politics, and law.

November - Senior Appreciation Month Chapters, councils, and regions honor their devoted seniors (members in their final year) for their years of dedication to the B'nai B'rith Girls.

December - International Simultaneous Drug and Alcohol Awareness Month Drug and alcohol abuse is an issue that plagues our world and affects our members directly and indirectly. December was chosen to raise awareness of the negative effects of drug and alcohol use.

January - OutREACH Month OutREACH is an acronym for "Our Responsibility Everywhere to Aid and Care for the Homeless". In January, we remember that BBG shares in this responisbility, and we plan community service and social action programs that relate to this important cause.

March - Advisor Appreciation Month Chapters, councils, and regions honor their dedicated advisors, who have volunteered their time and commitment for the betterment of the organization.

March - Money Madness Chapters and regions focus their programming efforts on planning fundraisers to raise money for the International Service Fund.

April - Holocaust Remembrance Month To correspond with Yom Ha Shoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), April was chosen as Holocaust Remembrance Month in order to remember the tragedies of the Holocaust in our programming.

April 22 - BBG Founder's Day April 22 marks the BBG Founders Day. This was the date the B'nai B'rith Girls convened for the very first time. Chapters, councils, and regions throw BBG Birthday Parties or hold alumni programs to celebrate our history.

May - Israel Appreciation Month To correspond with Yom Ha Atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day), May was chosen as Israel Appreciation Month in order to recognize the progress of the State of Israel and her achievements.

Traditions and Rituals

There are additional specialized ceremonies used in BBG that are not included on this site.

The Menorah Pledge Principles

The B'nai B'rith Girls cooperate under these ideals and goals. These principles are very important to all BBG's.

  • Citizenship - We pledge our devotion to our beloved country, whose blessing we shall never take for granted. We shall guard zealously our democratic rights and shall fulfill our duties as citizens.
  • Jewish Heritage - We have a magnificent Jewish heritage, which has enriched the civilization of every land. We shall aim to become imbued with an understanding and a love of our Jewish culture so that we may be a conscious part of the people from whom we stem. We shall always strive to live up to the ideals, which are the essence of Jewish religious faith.
  • Community Service - We recognize our responsibility to render selfless service as citizens of the community in which we live.
  • Philanthropy - We shall always be concerned with the underprivileged and distressed. We shall offer our help to those in need, recognizing that the ability to help others is a blessing and a responsibility.
  • Inter-faith Relations - We represent one of the faiths that make up the diverse patterns of the religious world. We shall learn to understand and respect our neighbor. We shall so live as individuals and groups that we may reflect credit upon the Jewish people.
  • Tradition - We shall try to exemplify in our home the finest of Jewish family traditions.
  • Good Sisterhood - We make possible the warmth and joy of good sisterhood through our association in Chapters. We shall respect the rights of each member. We shall make our Chapter a true example of democratic living so that companionship and friendship may endure.
  • Prayer for World Jewry - Ligthing the candles is a privilege we engage in that displays the freedom we, as B'nai B'rith Girls, and as Jews are able to exhibit. However, there are Jews in our world who are not allowed to observe Judaism freely. Oppressed Jewry is a major concern in our society. The light that is burning so brightly is the light of hope. We hope that one day all oppressed Jews will be able to practice Judaism as freely as we are doing here today.

BBG Chapter Constitution

All chapters have constitutions that outline their operations. While they may vary somewhat, they are all based on the International Constitution of the B'nai B'rith Girls. Chapter constitutions cannot conflict in any way with the international or regional constitution, nor with any policies made by the local or international staff.

Parliamentary Procedure

All BBG meetings are run using parliamentary procedure, as outlined in Robert's Rules of Order. Parliamentary procedure allows every opinin to be heard while moving the meeting along at a steady pace. Though it might at times seem to cause confusion or frustration, parliamentary procedure helps facilitate an efficient business meeting.

Good and Welfare

It is customary to end meetings with Good and Welfare. This is a time for each BBG to speak her mind without being criticized or interrupted. This builds a sense of trust and confidence among sister B'nai B'rith Girls.


BBG History

Recognition of the special needs and rights of women is nothing new. As early as 1926, in Seattle, Washington, a group of girls organized as the first "Junior Auxiliary of B'nai B'rith Girls." Unfortunately, a short while later the Emma Lazarus Junior Auxiliary was disbanded. In March of 1927, a Chapter of "Junior B'nai B'rith Girls" was organized in Newark, New Jersey. This also disbanded. The first permanent Chapter of what is now B'nai B'rith Girls was organized in December, 1927 in San Francisco by Rose Mauser. Sponsored by what is now San Francisco B'nai B'rith Women's Chapter #1, Mattie Olcovich and Essie Solomon served as the first Advisors.

Unlike AZA, which began in Omaha and then spread to become a national and then international organization, Chapters of girls began to mushroom throughout the United States and Canada in response to spontaneous local forces but without any central pattern of structure or policy and without professional supervision.

As a matter of fact, there was no common organizational name. The early chapters were known as Junior Auxiliaries, Girls Auxiliaries, Young Women's Auxiliaries, B'nai B'rith Junior Leagues, B'nai B'rith Girls, B'nai B'rith Young Women, and BZB. The last intended as a catchy substitute for AZA, was often taken by Chapters of girls that were "sponsored" by AZA Chapters.

The ages of girls varied as much as the names of the Chapters. Ranging from 15 into the 30's, there were also a number of sub-junior groups which enrolled girls between the ages of 12 and 15.

Each Chapter developed its own activities, based of the interests of the members. However, the program was patterned basically after the "Five-Fold-and-Full" program which was suggested to the AZA in 1928 by Dr. Boris Bogen, then secretary of the B'nai B'rith. The emphasis was primarily on social and community service activities, though not to the exclusion of educational, religious, and recreational activities.

Obviously, since there was no organized development of the girls groups, there were no national projects in the early years. Many girls groups participated in such AZA observances as AZA Sabbath and AZA Parent's Day or imitated other AZA national programs. Later, Regional and District programs began to emerge as the girls formed their own Regional and District associations. Since the B'nai B'rith Women (then known as B'nai B'rith Auxiliaries) experienced their most rapid growth on the West coast, it was only natural for the Junior Auxiliaries to find their most fertile soil on the shores of the Pacific. However, girl's groups also sprang up in the East and Midwest. Only in the two Southern Districts, where the organization of women's Chapters lagged behind the other Districts, was there a slow building of girls' Chapters.

District Growth

Following this pattern of moving from West to East, the first District organization came into being in 1933. In that year, 10 West Coast Chapters met in Santa Cruz, California and established the Western Conference of B'nai B'rith Auxiliaries. Age limits were fixed at 15 to 21. In 1935, District 1, embracing the territory from New York up through Eastern Canada, was organized. Most of the chapters enrolled girls in high school and up, with a smaller number consisting of members between 13 and 16 years of age.

District 6 followed shortly afterwards with girls' groups ranging in age from 15 up to about 30. The District 6 girls benefited from the talents and vitality of Mrs. Louis Perlman of Chicago who became District chairman. Anita Perlman was to go on to become the first National Chairman of B'nai B'rith Women, and later, the Chairman of the B'nai B'rith Youth Commission. In those early days, she had her hands full attempting to organize separate groups of high school girls.

District 2 was the next to organize, beginning in 1937 with girls in high school and up to 21 welcomed into their chapters.

In 1941 District 3 organized with girls ranging from high school age up to 25; District 5 followed soon after with its first meeting in 1944, though only the Southern part of the District was represented at the time.

The last North American District organization came into the fold in 1945, when the Southwestern states of District 7 called their first conference in Memphis, Tennessee.

Sponsorship by B'nai B'rith Women

Most of the early girl's chapters were sponsored by women's or ladies' auxiliaries of the B'nai B'rith as they were then known. The women provided the girls' Chapters with volunteer Advisors and often scheduled joint programs. Some of the girls' groups adopted the rituals of their sponsoring Chapters and some followed the adult groups in the use of the word "sister." As soon as some of the women's Districts came into being, they undertook sponsorship of the Junior Auxiliaries on a District-wide basis. Some collected dues from each girl and used this money to promote the girls' programs; others made supplementary allocations to further the District organization of the B'nai B'rith Girls. Today, B'nai B'rith Women contribute a major portion of the money needed to operate BBYO.

The girls' Chapters' future was tied to that of the B'nai B'rith Women. It was difficult to form a national organization of girls until there was a national organization of B'nai B'rith Women. Although Women's Auxiliaries of the B'nai B'rith had been in existence since 1897, they did not organize on a national basis until 1940 when they formed the Women's Supreme Council.

Anita Perlman Becomes Chairman

At its very first meeting, the Women's Supreme Council, under the leadership of its first president, Judge Lenore D. Underwood (later Mills) of San Francisco, voted to establish a national girls' program patterned after the AZA. Judge Underwood appointed Anita Perlman as chairman of B'nai B'rith Girls. The Appointment of Anita Perlman was certainly a positive step towards the future of the many loosely organized Chapters of girls that were sprouting up in virtually all parts of the country. Few women were ready to give as much of themselves for the cause. Though many hands and hearts have gone into the buliding of the girls' groups over a period of more than five decades, no woman has put as much of herself into this work as Anita Perlman. As soon as Anita Perlman received this appointment, she carried on an amazingly large amount of correspondence with leaders of B'nai B'rith Women, Advisors, and officers of the girls' Chapters. In this first year, with a budget of only $600 she was able to supply the girls' Chapters with an Advisor's manual, a president's manual, a membership manual, and other materials.

Name Adopted in 1941

In the Spring of 1941, the Women's Supreme Council adopted the name "B'nai B'rith Girls" and an upper age limit of 21 for all girls' groups under B'nai B'rith sponsorship. There were now 117 junior groups and 27 sub-junior groups with a total membership of about 7,000 girls. Although the number of groups and the number of members continued to grow, it was generally believed that the time was not yet ripe for the formation of a national organization of girls.

The long awaited breakthrough finally occurred late in 1943 when the AZA Supreme Advisory Council (the policy making body for AZA) agreed to form a Youth Commission to govern both AZA and a new national organization of BBG.

The National Organization of BBG officially began at a meeting sponsored by the Women's Supreme Council April 22 and 23, 1944 at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago. This first conference was primarily one of adults. Indeed, it was a special meeting of the Women's Supreme Council. However, there were present girls representing each District with a BBG program.

The conference decided that the main objectives and general program of activities of AZA be adopted in principle with modification where necessary to meet the special needs of girls. It recommended that AZA publications be edited so as to meet the needs of both groups and called for the preparation of a uniform ritual for the girls' Chapters. Future leadership training courses were to include BBG as well as AZA officers and Advisors.

The conference agreed upon two divisions : B'nai B'rith Girls for girls of high school age, and B'nai B'rith Young Women for girls out of high school to the age of 25 years. (Later, the older group became B'nai B'rith Young Adults and still later became coed units of B'nai B'rith and B'nai B'rith Women.)

A few months later, on November 10, 1944, the newly recognized national organization became a part of the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization with the B'nai B'rith Youth Commission as the overall governing body. The first charter was issued to San Francisco BBG #1, successors of the first group of girls to form a permanent Chapter of B'nai B'rith Girls. The next nine cities to receive charters were Oakland, Calif., #2; Linda Strauss, Los Angeles, Calif., #3; Harrisburg, Pa., #4 Highland Park, Los Angeles, Calif., #4 Judah, Worcester, Mass., #6; Lancaster, Pa., #7; Ramah, Chicago, #8; Potsville, Pa., #9; and Homestead, Pa., #10.

Although AZA and BBG were now a part of the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization, each continued to have its identity. Now, however, the opportunities to work together increased chances to make friends from around the world. At conventions, AZA and BBG members had a chance to meet one another and to establish lasting relationships. Many marriages have had their beginnings in BBYO.

First National Convention

The first National Convention of the newly organized B'nai B'rith Girls took place in Chicago, February 23-25, 1945. The meeting was called to order by Anita Perlman, Chairman of the BBG Advisory Board. Present were 20 delegates representing all seven Districts, two BBG non delegated, six B'nai B'rith Women, five BBYO staff members, and one male Youth Commissioner. Delegates to that first convention agreed that the generally accepted AZA program of "Five-Fold-and-Full" be the outline for BBG activities on a national scale. They adopted the Menorah Pledge of citizenship, Jewish heritage, community service, philanthropy, inter-faith relations, devotion to home and good fellowship. The Menorah was adopted as a BBG symbol and blue and white as the official colors. Opening rituals were prepared, as well as ceremonies for installations of officers and initiation of new members.

This first convention also voted to establish a college scholarship fund in the name of Anita Perlman, in appreciation of her services as first national chairman of BBG for the Women's Supreme Council. Since then, the fund has been broadened to provide scholarships for summer leadership training programs. Every BBG Chapter was expected to contribute $5 to this scholarship fund. Before adjourning, the girls elected as their first National President, Frieda Tischler of Pittsburgh.

At the second National Convention, held in Port Jervis, New York, the girls ratified the constitution and by-laws which had been formulated the previous year. It was at the third National Convention, held at Camp Highpoint in Shokan, New York, that the girls adopted the MIT (Members in Training ) Program. At that same convention, they rejected a proposal for future combined AZA and BBG conventions. Since then, obviously things have changed and AZA and BBG held their International Conventions simultaneously at B'nai B'rith Perlman Camp at Starlight, Pa through 2005. Now International Convention is held in a different host city every year. In 2006 it was held in Atlanta, GA and in 2007 it was held in Dallas, TX

Staff Changes

When the new B'nai B'rith Youth Organization was formed in 1944, Julius Bisno became the Administrative Secretary of the Youth Commission and Director of Boys' Work, while Mrs. Beatrice Chapman was appointed Director of Girls' Work. The same dual type of administration carried through to the Districts and Regions. In 1945, Mr. Bisno resigned to join the staff of the Los Angeles Jewish Federation Council. At about the same time, Mrs. Chapman resigned to assume family responsibilities. Miss Alice Elson was selected to direct the work of BBG while Dr. Abram L. Sachar, then National Director of the Hillel Foundations, also assumed the position of National Director of BBYO. Late in 1948, Dr. Max F. Baer, former Director of B'nai B'rith Vocational Service Bureau, and a former assistant executive secretary of AZA, became International Director of the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization. Upon Dr. Baer's retirement in 1977 another AZA Alumnus, Dr. Sidney M. Clearfield, formerly Assistant International Director for Field Services, was appointed International Director.

Much of the strength of BBYO in the community can be attributed to the fact that from its beginning the B'nai B'rith Youth Commission had as its leaders major figures in the American Jewish community. Its first chairman, Henry Monsky, served as President of B'nai B'rith wihle chairing the Youth Commission. After his death, his Chairmanship went to J.J. Lieberman of Los Angeles, who held membership on the AZA Supreme Advisory Council and the Commission for 47 years until his death in 1973. He was succeeded by Label Katz of New Orleans, David M. Blumberg of Knoxville, Ben Barkin of Milwaukee, Jack J. Spitzer of Seattle, and then--the woman responsible for the formation of BBG as a national organization--Anita Perlman. Following Anita were Horace A. Stern of Philadelphia, Aaron Grossman of Youngstown, Ohio and Edward Yalowitz of Chicago. Jack Spitzer, David Blumberg, and the late Label Katz, together with AZA's first professional, Philip Klutznick-- all AZA alumni--moved up to the presidency of B'nai B'rith and held that position for some 20 out of 26 years. Anita Perlman is a former International President of B'nai B'rith Women. BBG's first alumna to become International President of B'nai B'rith Women was Evelyn (Evie) Wasserstrom of Kansas City.

Leadership Training Begins

It soon became clear that BBYO, as a major force in the American Jewish community, had an obligation to train youth men and women for future key roles in that community.

An important development in the BBYO program began in 1955 when the first intensive Leadership Training Institute was planned as an integral part of the International Convention. Held at our own camp in Starlight, Pennsylvania the institute has since stressed Judaism and democratic leadership. Workshops have dealt with all aspects of leadership, seminars have focused on issues of Jewish concern, evening programs have been devoted to Israeli singing and dancing. The BBYO International Leadership Training Program provides a warm Jewish atmosphere in which AZA and BBG members learn what it takes to be a leader. The program has met with overwhelming success. Many regions now include similar activities in their own conventions, and some have their own leadership training conference.

Twenty-two years later in 1977, with the acquisition of a second camp (B'nai B'rith Beber Camp) in Mukwonago Wisc., a Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC) was established for the purpose of preparing chapter leaders to effectively conduct meetings and programs.

BBG and Israel

In 1956, the first BBYO Israel Summer Institute was held. Since that time, over 2,500 BBYO members have participated in this unique "audio-visual learning laboratory" in the Jewish State.

In the 1960's, BBYO expanded to the Jewish state with the adoption of Noar Lenoar as our counterpart organization in Israel. Noar Lenoar's primary focus is on service to disadvantaged Israeli youth. It also renders volunteer services to adult institutions and plays an important role in the defense and security of the Jewish state. Annually, while North American BBYO'ers are in Israel, members of Noar Lenoar travel to North America to participate in joint programs with BBYO members in many communities, the International Leadership Training conference, and the International Convention. This two-way passage of youth leadership in Israel and North America has become a notable example of BBYO's strong continuing relationship to Israel. As Israel faced some of her greatest crises during the 1960's and early 70's, BBYO members came to her aid in increasing numbers.

In 1983, BBYO opened its first office in Continental Europe, in Paris, France. Within two years, BBYO Chapters were started and are now thriving in France, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Austria.

There are now many members of BBYO in England and Ireland. Chapters of BBYO also function in Central America, South America, Australia and South Africa.

This period also saw the beginnings of the BBYO Judaism Pamphlet Series, a series of 18 concise, easy-to-read pamphlets, written by top scholars in the Jewish community especially for Jewish teens.

An Age of Change

In the late 60's and early 70's--an age of social change-BBYO intensified its social action programming and became more involved in the world around it. BBG chapters expressed their viewpoints on important issues, took action to improve the environment, and campaigned to have the voting age lowered to 18. At the same time, BBG began to recognize its obligation to future generations. In conjunction with B'nai B'rith Women, BBG began a program entitled "Operation Stork". This joint BBG-BBW program, originally conceived by Anita Perlman, provided an opportunity for BBG and BBW Chapters to become involved in prenatal care, education, and other such services. The "Operation Stork" program was so successful that in 1972, it was revised and expanded to include AZA. The new program was then labeled "Operation Yarusha". A cooperative program with the March of Dimes, programs involve community educational activities for prospective parents, and distribution of information to other teens of such potential health dangers as drugs, VD, and alcohol.

In 1971, the BBG International N'siah and convention S'ganit were made full voting delegates with all rights and privileges at the B'nai B'rith Women International Convention. That same year, the B'nai B'rith International Convention made the Godol and N'siah of each North American District and the Grand Aleph Godol and International N'siah full voting delegates to all future conventions. This expanded involvement of youth in decision making in both B'nai B'rith and B'nai B'rith Women carried over to all levels. B'nai B'rith Women Regional Conventions now include BBG delegates and many B'nai B'rith Women Chapter have placed BBG members on their Executive Committees.

At the 1974 International B'nai B'rith Convention, the link between BBYO and the parent body became even firmer as AZA and BBG members were placed on B'nai B'rith Commissions. Just as the B'nai B'rith Youth Commission serves as the highest governing body for BBYO, other B'nai B'rith agencies and departments have their own commissions.

BBG in the Eighties

1981 marked the beginning of a new stage in the history of BBG. In a process initiated 13 years earlier, BBYO Districts were phased out of operation.

Originally the District level had served to coordinate the activities of the Regions comprising it, and to serve as a link to the International Order. As jet travel replaced long, arduous train and bus rides, communication and personal visits of the International Officers increased. Also, where once the only professional staff person working with BBYO members and Advisors were the District Secretaries, now almost every Region has at least one full-time Director; and many have one or two Assistant Regional Directors as well.

As a result of the need to bring the Chapters and the International level closer together, and to strengthen the Regional level, the 1977 International Convention voted to disband the Districts. Succeeding International Conventions created and defined the new structure of BBYO; and in 1981, the plan was initiated. Regions related directly to the International level; and the International Executive Board, the leadership of BBG, comprised the 4 International Officers, the N'siot of 37 North American Regions, and the three overseas Districts.

In order to expand our BBG membership and service Junior High School students, the Teen Connection program was created. The Teen Connection program was designed for members to participate in social, cultural, religious, community service, and athletic activities. Many of our members joining BBG are graduates of the Teen Connection program.

In the late 1980's, the Directions program was established to help High School Juniors and Seniors explore their future educational and professional goals. Both the Teen Connection and Direction programs, unveiled during the 1980's, have established themselves in communities all over North America with tremendous success.

BBG into the 90's

BBG entered the 1990's with all the spirit and excitement it held throughout its previous decades. In 1989 the BBG added a fifth International officer, that of the International Sh'licha. The International Board now comprised five International officers (plus the Madrichah), the Regional N'siot of 30 North-American Regions, the Council N'siot of five additional regions, and the Overseas District Presidents and Vice-Presidents. In 1990, AZA and BBG members from around the world participated in The March of the Living; a 3,000 youth mission to Poland and Israel. BBYO members studied the Holocaust and the exodus to Israel. BBYO was the largest organization represented on The March, and many of the Holocaust programs held at Council and Regional conventions were initiated by participants of this historic expedition. In the summer of 1990 the first BBYO program was held in the Soviet Union. A week long Kallah program was held in Leningrad and then again in Birobidzhan. Over 200 Soviet Jewish youth attended and learned about their Jewish history and culture.

BBG, indeed all of BBYO, has moved forward to become the largest Jewish youth organization in the world. Leadership Training Programs on all levels--Chapter, Council, Regional, and International--have been intensified. BBG has come a long way since those very early days when groups of girls in Seattle, New Jersey, and San Francisco were searching for a central program, structure, and organization. However, one factor remains constant. Friendship, camaraderie, warmth, unity--whatever you choose to call it--contribute to BBG's growth and development.

BBG Today

The new millennium has brought with it many changes for the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization. The process to establish BBYO, Inc. as a legally independent organization was completed in 2002. A new Board of Directors consisting of representatives from B'nai B'rith International, leading Jewish philanthropies, the United Jewish Communities, and other community leaders assumed governance of BBYO. The organization's international headquarters, along with B'nai B'rith, moved locations for the first time in nearly 50 years. With more than 18,000 members and 80 years of experience, BBYO continues to be one of the world's leading trans-denominational Jewish teen movements. Through its long history, BBYO has expanded around the globe, introduced new programs and most important, touched hundreds of thousands of Jewish lives.

Today, there are approximately 250,000 living BBYO alumni, including many prominent figures in Jewish communal life, as well as people of note in the business, political, academic and cultural worlds. Key to the organization's success has been its highly-effective leadership model - AZA and BBG. While BBYO will continue to focus on its BBYO is in the process of launching a rich array of innovative opportunities designed to appeal to the widest possible teen audience through its new website, b-linked.org. The new opportunities include services to assist with college admission and help teens fulfill their community service requirements, as well as vastly expanded travel and social networking leadership development programs, the organization's recent independence affords BBYO to forge a new direction and adopt a much more expansive and transformational approach to engaging Jewish teens.

Representing the Jewish community's largest pool of teens and most likely catalyst for reaching the next tens of thousands, opportunities.

Through these new approaches, BBYO will increase significantly the number of teens participating in meaningful Jewish experiences and ultimately inspire them to live Jewish lives.

International Boards

Every Year at IC, a new international board for the B'nai B'rith Girls is elected, they are installed at August Execs every year, and serve one calendar year.

Current International Board

Past International Boards

2016-2017

2015-2016

2014-2015

2013-14

2012-2013

2011-2012

2010-2011

2009-2010

2008-2009

2007-2008


2006-2007

2005-2006

2004-2005

2003-2004

2002-2003

2001-2002

Information from BBYO.org

External links

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