BBYO

BBYO, founded in 1924, is the leading pluralistic movement for Jewish teens worldwide, dedicated to involving more Jewish youth in meaningful Jewish experiences. It is a youth-led organization that promotes positive Jewish identity, leadership development, and personal growth through democratically functioning small groups guided by adult advisors and professional staff. BBYO strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for Jewish teens from diverse backgrounds, denominational affiliations, genders, races, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, and abilities, honoring the full spectrum of Jewish law and tradition.

The organization fosters Jewish youth’s connection to their heritage by encouraging exploration and appreciation of Jewish religion and culture, alongside a commitment to the State of Israel and the global Jewish community. BBYO’s international leadership model, comprising AZA and BBG, emphasizes fun, meaningful teen-led programming, responsibility to the Jewish people, and dedication to tikkun olam (repairing the world).

With hundreds of chapters across North America and presence in around 60 countries, BBYO serves nearly 70,000 teens annually, offering an invaluable platform for Jewish community engagement. The organization supports the development of leadership skills, encourages service and involvement in Jewish and broader communities, and aims to help youth develop positive self-images and lifelong friendships.

BBYO operates largely through volunteer advisors, with professional staff providing support through recruitment, training, publications, and program development at local and international levels. It is a non-ideological service open to all Jewish youth, regardless of parental affiliation with B’nai B’rith, and maintains a pluralistic philosophy to accommodate various Jewish practices and beliefs.

BBYO’s mission is summarized as “More Jewish Teens, More Meaningful Jewish Experiences,” reflecting its vision to be the Jewish community’s most valuable platform for engaging post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah youth in fun, affordable, and inspiring Jewish life experiences.