BBYO, a global organization for Jewish teens, is a movement I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved in. Serving as both a member and leader of Mishpacha BBYO #5173 (Hamilton’s BBYO chapter) for the past two years has been the most rewarding experience of my teenage years. However, what has truly formed my BBYO journey has been my involvement in the wider Jewish community. Teenagers in smaller Jewish communities, such as Hamilton, often feel isolated and unable to connect with teenagers from nearby larger communities, such as Vaughan, Toronto, and Thornhill. With BBYO, teens in these communities get the chance to make connections through hundreds of events, programs, and leadership teams. 
 

Driven by my enthusiasm and passion for BBYO over the past year I have taken advantage of the leadership opportunities this organization offers. I have served in a steering position, a regional leadership network position, and just recently, been elected to serve on Lake Ontario’s regional board, as the regional s’ganit (vice president of programming) for the 2025-2026 year. 
 

BBYO steering positions give Jewish teens the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills while taking part in creating an event that welcomes teens from all over the Toronto area, Hamilton area, and everywhere in between. With the position I held on the steering committee, I was involved in overseeing and planning programs over the span of a three day overnight convention. Serving on a steering committee involved commitment and eagerness, from the numerous meetings in Toronto to the creative ideas and collaboration with other leaders.
 

In May, I became the first teen from the Hamilton BBYO chapter to be elected to BBYO’s Lake Ontario regional board. I feel deeply grateful and unbelievably honoured to be taking this leap into what I know will be an eventful year. Stepping into the role of regional s’ganit in the coming year will provide me with an opportunity like no other. An opportunity to make a lasting impact on the Jewish community in Ontario, an opportunity to help create unforgettable memories for hundreds of Jewish teens, and an opportunity to collaborate and form connections with Jewish youth and leaders across Ontario, Canada, and beyond.
 

Small communities like ours embody Jewish strength through our energy and resilience. As I continue to step into new leadership positions and make meaningful bonds with Jews across Ontario, I will always carry the pride of representing Hamilton’s Jewish community. Although my BBYO journey is nowhere near its end, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have gotten, and I plan to carry on playing my part to help bridge all Jewish communities across Ontario.