Wow. I can’t believe it’s been another MONTH since my last keeping pace. I’ve been on the road seeing all of y’all. It has been amazing to continue seeing the amazing work AZA & BBG are accomplishing across the country (and world!). I started my month at Rocky Mountains regional convention and went home for Yom Kippur. After some much needed family time, I hit the road for a 3-week marathon. From visit to visit, I saw some awesome things, so I thought I’d highlight them!
Hudson Valley - While in HVR, I attended their Yacht kickoff which was a joint program with Manhattan & Big Apple Region. With over 500 teens, it was CRAZY. The boat sailed throughout the NY area, giving us stunning views of the city at night, the statue of liberty, and more. What was even better? The teens. Everywhere I turned I saw teens meeting each other and getting ready to reunite at IC this Dallas. It was AWESOME to see.
Greater Atlanta - By far my longest visit (totalling 8 days), I got to see every single AZA chapter and their events. Meeting hundreds of teens at Wing Nights, Sukkah buildings, and more, it was awesome to see so many teens. I truly saw some Atlanta pride as they’re working hard to put some of the best programs on the map. And yes, I did go to a famous “Atlanta Wing Night.”
Lake Ontario - My first international visit! Besides my bag being destroyed upon arrival, the visit was AMAZING. I attended LOR’s first Invitational Convention which saw delegates from Red River & Vancouver. Going for a pre-summit, these delegates got a BBYO 101 on how they can help their communities as well as attend this amazing convention. It’s always cool to see how different communities do things, but seeing how a different country does them? Out of this world. In Niagara Falls, I saw over 150 teens filled with joy, comradery, and genuine love for being with each other. It was amazing to see that conventions are still an important part of people's BBYO experience.
MAR: St. Louis - While one of the shorter visits, I got to see their famous “Trick or Can” where the local St. Louis Alephs & BBGs go trick or treating, but instead of getting candy, they get cans to donate to the local food pantry. Getting well over 200 cans and $40 in donations (filling up a trunk), was amazing to see. After they got a bunch of cans, they celebrated and I got to talk to local members about their experience. It was amazing to see.
October Board of Directors Meeting - After being home for a few days, I flew up to Chicago for the October Board of Directors Meeting. What some people don’t know is that the Grand Aleph Godol & International N’siah are full fledged voting members on the board. While at the meeting, we presented updates on the movement, talked with the Board to inform them of what is happening, and how great our teens were. One of the most impactful parts were when Avi & I led a Community Agreements Conversation (what is led by teen leaders at the beginning of every regional/intl. Overnight experience) so they can provide feedback, critiques, and ideas for how to make it better. It was great to see the support and ideas from these amazing members of the board and I can’t wait for them to see this movement at IC in Dallas.
It’s been a great month and I can’t wait for many more to come.
Fraternally Submitted,
Aleph Levi Fox
98th Grand Aleph Godol
Levi Fox is the 98th Grand Aleph Godol from Lonestar Region.
All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.