The ONR BBYO
Alphabet Book
A complete A-Z guide for the Girls
of…
Star of David BBG #673
Made with love by Samantha Michelle Broad
2009/2010 Fall/Winter Mit Mom of Star of David BBG
A is for…
AZA- AZAs are the boys in BBYO. In 1923 in Omaha Nebraska, a group of
fifteen 16 year-old boys organized a club they called the “Aleph Zadik Aleph”.
They used these Hebrew letters instead of borrowing from the Greek Alphabet.
The three Hebrew letters later came to represent the motto of the AZA.
Aleph: Ahavah—Brotherly Love
Zadik: T’zedakah-Benevolence
Aleph: Achdoos-Harmony
Aym-Ha Chaverot- (also knows as Mit Mom.) Orients new members,
chapter members, and parents on the principles, history, traditions, rituals, folds,
and policies of BBYO, coordinates the chapter’s recruitment efforts, responsible
for keeping all of the members active, comfortable, and educated.
Advisor- responsible adults over 21 who are still dedicated to BBYO and
volunteer their time to be a “parent-like figure” to a particular chapter. They come
to all the chapter’s events and make sure things are “kosher” and running
smoothly.
AIT- stands for “Aleph in Training”. These are the AZAs who are new to BBYO.
AIT/MIT New Member’s Weekend (AKA Josh Mendelsohn New
Member Weekend) - This is a convention specifically made for new BBYO
members. Here, new members are inducted into their region and have their first
chance to meet other BBYOers from other chapters in their region.
Anita Perlman- A woman who played a vital role in the formation of BBG
as a national organization.
B is for…
BBYO- The B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO) is an independent Jewish
youth group for teenagers in high school. BBYO is the world's only independent,
international, pluralistic Jewish youth group for high school teenagers. BBYO is
unique amongst its peers in its organization into local fraternity- and sorority-like
chapters. Male chapters are known as AZA chapters, and female chapters as
BBG chapters; AZA and BBG began independently before being united as
brother and sister organizations under B'nai B'rith. Membership to BBYO is open
to any high schooler in high school who identifies as a Jew. BBYO's mission is,
"More Jewish teens, more meaningful Jewish experiences." The organization's
uniqueness stems from its youth leadership model, in which teen leaders are
elected by their peers on a local, regional and international level, and are given
the opportunity to make their own programmatic decisions. BBYO is now known
as BBYO Inc., and as a Youth Movement.
BBG- stands for “B’nai B’rith Girls”: BBGs are the girls in BBYO.
Business Meeting- Chapters have bi-weekly business meetings on
Sunday nights usually held at the JCC. At business meetings, chapters talk about
upcoming events and what is going on in their chapter and region. Business
meetings are run by the N’siah (president) and under Parliamentary Procedure
using Robert’s Rules or Order.
Board- Each chapter has an executive board. The board does all of the
backstage work to help their chapter succeed. Board members are chosen at
elections, which are held twice a year. Each board member serves a 6 month
term. They can re-run as many times as they would like.
These are the positions on a board:
N’siah (president)
S’ganit (programming)
Mit Mom (membership)
Sh’licha (Judaism)
Gizborit (Treasurer)
Mazkirah (communication)
Katvanit (secretary)
Orechet (newspaper)
Safranit (spirit)
Madricha (past president)
Blue Book- a “Blue Book” is a nickname for the B’nai Brith Girl’s Member’s
Manual. The manual contains BBYO and BBG history, Programming, Rituals and
Procedures, and other information. If you would like a copy you can get one from
the BBYO office.
B-linked- www.b-linked.org is your connection to the largest online network
exclusively for Jewish teens. You can make an account and a personal page.
You go go on this website to pay for conventions and other BBYO events. You
can look anything you want to know about BBYO such as its history, to
information about summer programs on this website!
Beresheit BBG- a chapter in Cleveland.
B'not Shalom BBG- a chapter in Toledo.
Brown Smullin Neufeld AZA- a chapter in Toledo.
Beau- Some chapters elect their favorite AZAs as their Beaus. Their beau
bakes the chapter special treats and is allowed to come to some of their
programs.
C is for…
Caucus- If a member wants to run for a board position, she will have to
“caucus” for it in advanced, which means she will have to tell the leader of the
chapter that she wants to run for a board position. In BBYO we have “closed
caucusing” which means that the candidates can not openly discuss what they
are running for, details about elections, and they can not politic.
Code of Conduct- the BBYO member Code of Conduct can be found
online or in the Members’ Manual (Blue Book.)
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, or with any policies made by
the local or international staff.
Convention- weekend getaways with other chapters from the Region.
Our
region is ONR: Ohio Northern Region and includes chapters from Cleveland,
Canton, Akron, Youngstown, and Toledo.
ONR has 5 Conventions a year.
1. Fall Kickoff: this convention is held in the Fall and kicks off the year
2. Leadership Training Institute (LTI): this convention is to teach the
members of the chapter boards leadership
3. Kallah: this is held in the winter and is a Judaism based convention
4. Regional Convention (RC): this is the largest convention held in the spring
and is when the Regional Board is elected
5. New Member Weekend (AIT-MIT): this convention is held is the early
summer and is for new members to be inducted into the Region
Color- each chapter has a color(s). Star’s colors
colors are red and white.
are purple and gray! ONR’s
Chapter- Chapters are fraternity- and sorority-like. Depending on where you
live and what chapter you choose, chapters are anywhere from 10-50+ members.
Chapters are safe havens where a teen finds their “brothers or sisters”. Chapters
regularly meet and have meetings and programs.
CLTC- Chapter Leadership Training Camp- CLTC is a dynamic 12 day BBYO
camp. There are 7 CLTC sessions held each summer, some housed at Camp
Beber in WI, others at the American Hebrew Academy in NC. At CLTC you will
learn leadership skills that you will not only use in BBYO, but outside of it too. At
CLTC you will meet 100 other teens just like you from around the country. They
will become best friends that will last a lifetime!
Council- Some states are not big enough to make a “Region” so they are
called councils.
Chairwoman- a chapter member that is not on board but helps a board
member with specific tasks.
Chaia BBG- a chapter in Cleveland.
Cat in the Hat- The mascot of our region.
Cheers- There are international BBG and AZA cheers, as well as chapter
cheers. Cheers are sung at conventions and at programs. The most popular
international BBG cheers are, “We Pledge To Thee”, “Identity”, and the “BBG
Pep Song”. If you would like the lyrics, they can be found in the Blue Book or
online.
Candle- Not only do we use candles on Shabbat and for Havdallah, but the
candle is a symbol in BBYO. When inducted into the region, international order,
chapter, or chapter board, one is given a candle to cherish and keep their BBYO
“flame” burning.
D is for…
Dates:
1927- The first permanent Chapter of what is now B’nai B’rith Girls was
organized in December, 1927 in San Francisco.
1944- November 10, 1944 saw the newly recognized national organization
became of part of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization.
1945- On February 23, 1945, the first national Convention was held in
Chicago, Illinois by Anita Perlman. The menorah pledge was adopted along with
the menorah as our symbol and the opening rituals were prepared.
Dashboard- a website for chapter board members. It is a one-stop-shop for
data, reports, communications, counterpart resources, AZA & BBG business
information and much more.
David Ben Gurion AZA- a chapter in Toledo.
David Berger AZA- a chapter in Cleveland.
Dodi Li BBG- a chapter in Youngstown.
Dossier- chapter members who want to run for a board poison have to fill out
a dossier. It is a place where the candidate can list qualifications, ideas, etc, that
pertains to the board position for which she desires. The dossier is read before
the member reads her speech.
E is for…
Elections- On the chapter level, elections are held twice a year, once in the
fall, and once in the summer. Girls can run for board position at elections.
Elections are run under parliamentary procedure using Robert’s Rules of Order.
Elections are held at RC (Regional Convention) in March to elect the Regional
Board, which serves a full year term. Any chapter member that goes to chapter
elections can vote. Only board members can vote at regional elections.
Exodus AZA- a chapter in Cleveland
F is for…
Folds- The six folds are objectives that we base our programs and activities
around. They help keep our programs diverse and focused.
The six folds are:
Jewish Heritage: This fold deals with the past, present, and future of
Judaism and Judaic experiences. It also deals with holidays, culture, the State of
Israel, and traditions we follow.
Recreation: The recreation fold gives the chance to get to your feet and
having fun! This fold gives members the opportunity have fun with their sister
BBGs.
Community Service: BBG stresses the importance of tikun olam,
repairing the world. You can perform community service directly (being a
volunteer at a nursing home) or indirect (raising money for a cause or holding a
canned food drive). Either way, you're doing your part to help the world.
Social Action: This fold teaches members about society and what's
happening in the world. We, as B'nai B'rith Girls, "recognize our obligation to
society." Social Action helps us to bring a positive change to our world, and to
make a difference.
Creativity: This fold allows BBGs to expand their horizons, as well as
widen their talents and abilities. Creativity programs allow members to express
themselves.
Sisterhood: Sisterhood is more than a fold. It's what binds us together as
BBGs. This fold secures the bonds of enthusiasm we have for this organization
and for each other. It can also deal with issues we might face as women.
Fall Kickoff- This convention is held in the fall and “kicks off” the year.
Flame- A member’s “BBYO Flame” is the person that a member looks up to
as a mentor, friend, and leader.
Frieda Tischler- The first national president of BBG.
Fun/Friendship- The most important aspects of BBYO.
Friendship Circle- At the end of a function, everyone forms a circle. At
conventions, coordinators are given the opportunity to talk about the convention.
Friendship Circles are usually followed by a cheering session. This creates
sisterhood and friendship.
G is for…
Gizborit- in charge of chapter finances, responsible for auditing the checking
account, collects chapter dues, coordinates chapter fundraisers, and educates
the chapter members on donating money to good causes.
Gavel- a tool the N’siah uses to call order in meetings
Good-and- Welfare- a special time where chapter members sit in a
circle around a candle and each person gets to express anything that is on their
mind.
Genesis AZA- a chapter in Cleveland.
Gideon AZA- a chapter in Cleveland.
H is for…
Hatikvah BBG- a chapter in Cleveland.
Hillel BBG- a chapter in Akron.
I is for…
IC- International Convention. IC is a convention open to every teen in BBYO. IC
is held in a different city in the USA every year and it takes place every year
during presidents day weekend. AT IC you will meet teens all over the
international order in BBYO and will have the chance to see elections on the
international level.
ILTC- International Leadership Training Conference. This summer program is
designed for upcoming 11th and 12th graders who are or aspire to be council,
regional and international leaders. Teens participate from North America,
Bulgaria, Europe and Israel.
ILSI- International Leadership Seminar Israel. ILSI is BBYO
Passport's leadership and enrichment program in Israel designed for BBYO
members. Unlike traditional Israel tours, ILSI is about connecting to Israel on a
deeper level. Participants interact with a variety of different speakers, artists,
religious figures, and people who have shaped – and continue to shape – Israel’s
future. One of the most special aspects of the ILSI experience is that teens from
North America are paired up with Jewish teens from Bulgaria as well as from
Israel.
International Board- Just like every chapter and a region has a board, a
board is elected at IC (International Convention) every February to elect board
members who represent BBYO on the international level.
International BBYO- In addition to the United States, BBYO has
affiliates in Bulgaria, Canada, England, France, Ireland and Israel.
Inductions- This ceremony is used to officially bring MITs into the Chapter
of Region. It signifies that MITs have successfully completed their training and
are
ready to assume the responsibilities of a chapter member, such as
wearing a pin and voting.
Installations- After the election of new officers, this ceremony is planned to
officially install the officer into her position as well as to discharge the old officer.
J is for…
Jewish- BBYO brings together Jewish teens. BBYO is pluralistic, meaning
that it honors all sects of Judaism from reserved-orthodox.
Junior Senior Weekend- a convention for Juniors and Seniors in
BBYO.
Josh Mendlsohn- Josh was an active member of Exodus AZA.. While in
BBYO, he died of cancer. AIT/MIT was named after Josh to honor him.
K is for…
Kallah (regional)- A convention in the winter time based around Judaism.
Kallah (international)- A summer program which offers a deep Judaic
experience in which participants are given the opportunity to explore their own
Jewish identity and engage with spirituality, culture and religion.
Katvanit- Responsible for taking minutes (notes) at meetings; must send
minutes into the regional office, makes creative minutes to display chapter
meeting notes.
L is for…
Leadership- Every teen in BBYO has the opportunity to become a leader.
Members can plan programs, events, conventions, run for board, be a
chairwoman, be on a committee, and so much more!
Life- Life membership is given to a graduating senior who has given her time
and energy to BBG. Life is given on all levels of BBYO
(Chaper/Region/International). The member receiving life usually has a set time
to discuss her life in BBG and what is important to her. She passes down her old
pins, shirts, and other BBYO memorabilia.
LTI- Leadership Training Institute. This convention is for the Fall/Winter board
members. At this convention the board members will learn how to fulfill their
position and help their chapter prosper for the new programming year.
M is for…
Mascot- each chapter has a mascot. Star’s is Betty Boop!
Menorah Pledge Principals- these are said at every meeting:
Citizenship—We pledge our devotion to our beloved country, who 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 the
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
pattern of the religious world. We shall learn to understand and respect our
neighbors. We shall 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 the 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—Lighting 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 oppressed 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.
MIT- a BBG member-in-training.
Mission Statement- Involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful
Jewish experiences.
Mit Mom- (also knows as Aym-Ha Chaverot.) Orients new members, chapter
members, and parents on the principles, history, traditions, rituals, folds, and
policies of BBYO, coordinates the chapter’s recruitment efforts, responsible for
keeping all of the members active, comfortable, and educated.
Mazkirah- Regularly calls and emails the chapter about all upcoming events,
maintains correspondence in other communications for the chapter
Madricha- The past president.
Mixer- At the beginning of every program we go around and say our name,
school, grade, and fun facts about our self.
Motion- A formal proposal put to the vote under parliamentary procedures.
Example: at meetings, a member can make a “motion” to talk about a certain
subject, and then someone has to second that motion (agree with it) and we can
not talk about that subject until everyone agrees to do so.
N is for…
N’siah- represents the chapter at regional meetings and conventions,
conducts all chapter meetings, makes sure the chapter officers are following
through with all their responsibilities, makes sure all chapter members are happy
with the state of the chapter
Number- each chapter and region has a number. Star’s number is 673.
ONR’s number is 23.
O is for…
Objectives of BBG1. 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 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 friendships between Jewish youth.
ONR- We are part of ONR, The Ohio Northern Region. It is made up of Akron,
Canton, Cleveland, Toledo, and Youngstown
Orechet- Responsible for publishing chapter newspaper and newsletters
sends articles and pictures to the regional newspaper
P is for…
Password- The password for admittance into meetings is “Ami”, the Hebrew
term for “My People.”
Program- Chapters have programs, are coordinated by chapter members.
They are made with all different themes and activities based around the 6 folds.
We usually have two programs a month. All of our programs are supervised by
our advisor. Programs are held at different member’s houses. Most programs are
about 3-4 hours long.
Pin- Every member is given a membership pin when inducted.
Portage Trail AZA- a chapter in Akron.
Pinky & peace sign rule- ask your BBG sisters about this one! It is a
secret tradition that we do.
Parliamentary Procedure- All BBG meetings are run using
parliamentary procedure, as outlined in Robert’s Rules of Order. Parliamentary
procedure allows every opinion 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.
Q is for…
Quorum- The number of people necessary to conduct business, passes a
motion, or to elect a new officer.
R is for…
Regional Board- just like a chapter has a board, our region has a board.
The members are elected at Regional Convention and the regional board is
made up of members from all different chapters from ONR.
Region- A region is made up of certain cities. Each city has a certain number
of chapters based on the number of people in that city. For example, our region
is ONR and is made up of 5 cities. KIO is another region, which is made up of
chapters in Kentucky, Indiana, and Southern Ohio.
Regional Convention- (RC) - held in the spring in a hotel. At RC the
regional board is elected, and there is a dance.
Regional Director- The Regional Director is in charge of the region.
RSWULF- “Recited With Undying Love For…” We put this at the end of
speeches and emails. Under “RSWULF” one puts fun facts about things going on
in their life. After, they state their chapter, name, and board position. For
example:
RSWULF
Spooey, long weekends,
and my heart, home,
and the sisters to my soul,
Star of David BBG #673
I remain
Betty Boop
(AZAs write FSWULF, The F stands for “Fraternally”.)
S is for…
San Francisco- The first charter was then given to San Francisco BBG
#1.
Safranit- ( AKA tar Shine Girl) Decorates thank you notes, birthday cards,
and holiday cards for the chapter, finds words of wisdom for each meeting, adds
tradition and creative aspects to chapter programs
S’ganit- Responsible for the planning of chapter 6 fold programming and
other events, responsible for the quality of the chapter’s programming.
Shofar- The International Newspaper.
Summer Program- BBYO offers numerous summer programs. Learn
about them all on b-linked!
Stand Up! Campaign- BBYO’s international community service
campaign. Each chapter and region picks a “Stand Up! Campaign”- some cause
that the kids feel passionate about doing community service for and donating
money to. Example: The Red Cross, Haiti, Breast Cancer…”
Sh’licha- Responsible for the chapter’s Judaics, community service, and
social action programming, provides Israel and current global awareness.
Star of David BBG- a chapter in Cleveland. (The best chapter ;) )
Star Formal- A dance for ONR hosted by Star of David BBG.
Star Shine Girl- in Star, this is a board position. This member is decorates
birthday cards, sends thank you notes to families who host programs, and deals
with the spirit aspects in our chapter.
Spooey- A BBGs favorite snack- pretzels with frosting!
Staff- BBYO is youth- led, staff- run; meaning that all activities are lead by the
kids with adult supervision.
Sig Nisenson AZA- a chapter in Youngstown.
Shomeret Ha-brit- This is the person who states fun quotes at business
meetings.
Spirit Cat- given out a the end of each convention to the BBG chapter who
showed the most spirit at that convention.
Speech- members give speeches at elections, and regional board members
give speeches at conventions.
States/mid-states- At LTI each regional board members gives a “mid
state” and at RC each regional board member gives “state”. These speeches
have the same objectives as the United States President’s State of The Union
Address; to talk about the State of The Region.
T is for…
Travel the world with BBYO! - BBYO offers many opportunities
and summer programs that you can go on to travel to Israel, Europe, and more!
Teen connections- the program that offers events for Jewish teens 6-8th
grade.
U is for…
Un-judging- BBYO is a safe haven for teens. Every teen is included and
BBYO teens are accepting, un-judging, and make everyone feel at home.
V is for…
Vivian Brown BBG- a chapter in Canton.
W is for…
Worldwide - In addition to the United States, BBYO has affiliates in
Bulgaria, Canada, England, France, Ireland and Israel.
X is for…
“X-tra” curricular- BBYO can be what ever you want it to be. It can be a
“once in a while thing” or your main social life.
Y is for…
Youth-led- All chapters, program, meetings, events, and conventions, are
planned and run by youth.
Youth- Movement- BBYO is known as a Youth Movement, which means
that it is a political, religious, social reform campaign consisting chiefly of young
people. At IC 2009 BBYO was official changed from being a “Youth Organization,
to a Youth Movement”.
*BBYO now stands for BBYO inc. NOT the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization.
(Because it is now a Youth Movement!)
Z is for…
“Z” end!
I hope you have enjoyed this A-Z guide of BBYO.
If you have any other questions about BBYO, do not
hesitate to contact me!
Sammi Broad
Smb197@ameritech.net
216-440-2411