BBYO is Shaping Our Future Jewish Leaders | Shalom Austin

BBYO is Shaping Our Future Jewish Leaders

Community News, Philanthropy, Shalom Austin, The Jewish Outlook

Aug 26, 2021

As many of us prepare for the new school season starting, I wanted to share an update about the wonderful things happening with the four BBYO Austin chapters – Capital AZA #2548, Ra’naan BBG #2534, Litzor BBG #433, and Tiboor Rubin AZA #875. Shalom Austin is proud to support this teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. 

It is of the utmost importance to ensure our young people have a strong connection to their Judaism and Jewish identity. 

BBYO creates opportunities for members to come together and participate in programs that range from service projects, Jewish education, and social events. These experiences provide enrichment and leadership development for all its participants. Including spring 2021 graduates, this season concluded with 265 members!

“Looking back on my time in BBYO so far, I have found that I have not only grown closer to and fonder of my Jewish culture; I have formed powerful bonds with some of my now closest friends. Bonds that I’m sure will last a lifetime.” – Noah

“I love BBYO because it unifies the Jewish future of the world and creates future Jewish leaders. The movement of BBYO is meant to be a place to empower teens to discover their Jewish identities and find their place in their local Jewish community. Not only has BBYO taught me immense leadership skills and helped me rediscover my Jewish identity, but I have also found my best friends for life.” – Peleg

Throughout the past year, they have had both in person and virtual events together. Over 65 members participated in playing golf together at Topgolf. The Rubin chapter held a car wash fundraiser resulting in over $300 raised! 

BBYO has a strong connection to the local Jewish communities and the State of Israel. It works closely to provide its members like me with an open experience and opportunities to all denominations of Judaism. It has allowed me to confidently identify myself with my congregation at home and understand how I want to live a Jewish life connected to the Jewish peoplehood wherever I live. Throughout all of BBYO, Israel education is taught and experiences are held to further ensure its members have a strong connection to the country. I now proudly support Israel and feel connected to the history and cultures of the country.” – Josh

​With the ​new term beginning at the end of August with a big kickoff event, followed by planning the calendar ​for the remainder of the year ​in September​, w​e’re looking forward to even more young Austin Jews getting involved and making new memories together.​

“BBYO is the best because it is a place where I can truly be myself and have a great time with a built-in group of friends.” – Abbey  

Your ​Annual Campaign ​gift ​supports our entire community throughout the lifespan. ​You make it possible for our teens ​to ​have a network with one another​​.​ 

You ​​are directly impacting our future Jewish leaders.

Thank you for contributing to such an important and lasting initiative. ​​

Latest Posts

Austin’s Jewish Community Has Pride    

Austin’s Jewish Community Has Pride    

Members of the 2024 Austin Pride Jewish community delegation. Credit: Rob Rossignol  By Emily Bourgeois     In a year marked by so much heartbreak for the Jewish community, Pride seemed like it would be a welcome reprieve. The celebration, held in Austin during August...

Praying for a Peaceful New Year  

Praying for a Peaceful New Year  

Since I will be on sabbatical, I am writing this column in June shortly before my leave begins. Summer camp is well underway at Shalom Austin and both of our Texas overnight camps, Camp Young Judaea Texas and URJ Greene Family Camp, began their first session only a...

Home Away From Home: Austin Welcomes New ShinShinim for Second Year

Home Away From Home: Austin Welcomes New ShinShinim for Second Year

Austin's ShinShinim Eyal Yehonatan Butbul and Ariella Goldstein. Courtesy: Michal Ilali As a part of Shalom Austin’s Israel initiative, a Zeff family grant and generous local donors, for the second year in a row, two ShinShinim are coming to Austin. ShinShinim are...