Checking back in, I have now been on the road for just over 2 months and have been up to SO many different things. Hopping around the United States, a very meaningful High Holidays, and the exciting momentum we are taking into 5786. Shana Tova and Chag Sameach, L’chaim BBYO! As the travels continue, so do the conversations, and I’m excited to share more about some of the ones I’ve had on the road.

Coming out of a short Labor Day weekend break with family, I took an afternoon flight up to my nation's capital, Washington, D.C.  I was lucky to have some reunions with folks across Northern Region East in preparation for a very exciting visit to the House of Representatives! Alongside leaders from the Jewish Federations across North Carolina in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greensboro, I lobbied my own congress members on a mission organized by the Jewish Federations of North America. In those halls, I walked in representing each and every Aleph and BBG across the order, including those in and outside of NC and the United States. Engaging in conversations with representatives and their staff, I shared my experiences with antisemitism and the need to adopt legislation that better equips institutions, especially educational ones, to address the rising tide of antisemitism and protect Jewish students. Only time will tell whether these conversations bring a vote to the floor, but their impact will remain on each administration we reach.

Leaving D.C., I went on two ventures with a named focus on Aleph Engagement. I joined Hudson Valley in NY for their execs' LTI with all their chapter boards and Ohio Northern for a couple of chapter kickoffs. Throughout my time in both places, a common question was often asked: How do we strengthen AZA here? Well, unfortunately, there isn't a single universal question I can provide for you all, but I did learn something valuable in both places. I learned that a deep passion for building AZA, when combined with small, tangible actions, can have a greater impact than you might see in front of you. Sitting in circles discussing where their regions would go, we focused on building chapter identity, strengthening their membership base, and building a consistent balance of meaningful and strong programming. Safe to say, the future for Alephs in Westchester and Cleveland is bright!

Off to share some celebratory conversations, the international order had two MAJOR WINS over the past couple of weeks. First off, we exponentially grew applications to the ILN (International Leadership Network)!!! Nearly doubling applications from last year, more people than ever applied for educational opportunities, steering at IC, and opportunities to lead and coordinate international initiatives throughout the year. We are excited to soon produce a second round of opportunities as we keep pursuing our goal of more Jewish teens and more meaningful Jewish experiences. To follow that up, it is exciting to share that we launched registration for the International Convention back in the middle of September. In just 10 minutes (YES, 10 MINUTES), 3500 people signed up, and we were moving people to the waitlist for IC. This is record-breaking, this is powerful, and it is HUGE. A special shoutout to the International S’ganim Asher and Kayla, and the intense dedication of the Executive Body to move the movement towards this amazing milestone! As the philosophical group Black Eyed Peas once said, “Let’s get it started in here.”

Through the middle of September, I closed out 5785 out west in California with Pacific Western and Central Region West. My time in PWR was defined by high-energy chapter kickoffs and exciting prospects for the future across the region. Looking back, I remember vividly my time in Orange County with Avirah Tova BBYO at their chapter kickoff. Following a kickoff on the beach with sports games, spikeball, and food, we ended the night around a campfire and s'mores. Up on the street, a small anti-Israel demonstration had begun, prompting us to organize groups to walk back to our cars. As we sat there setting up walking groups, I noticed how undeterred each member of the chapter was. Although people were scared, they were empowered by the space that they were a part of. Each person was so proud to be at the event and proud to have BBYO. It is moments like that one that remind me that BBYO isn’t just a place where we meet Jewish teens and build community; it is a place where our existence actively combats the hate in the world. That event reminded me that our pride will always be stronger than their hate.

In the second half of my time in California, I spent around a week in the Bay Area with Central Region West. Up in CRW, we had an amazing time with so many different chapter events. Coming to CRW, I saw chapter pride at ANOTHER LEVEL. Weekly business meetings? Yes. Programming for Friday night? Yes. Programming on Saturday night? ALSO YES. When I asked the members how they had the capacity to attend so many BBYO events, they all gave me the same answer: "This is where I want to be." Each person I talked to spoke about how the culture was meaningful, the programs were always fun, and it always felt worthwhile to be there. Programs emphasized BBYO traditions and Jewish heritage, and created strong senses of siblinghood. Coming to CRW, I saw a different version of BBYO than I’d ever experienced.

Walking out of the High Holidays, we look forward to a new year full of so much hope. BBYO is thriving, and we are just getting started. Not only will the conversations continue to be fun, but they will also be meaningful. Momentum will continue to swing towards deepening each member's experience. Furthermore, with the recent release of the living hostages, our people look towards a brighter future full of rest, peace, and unity. I am excited to continue conversations about the important role we play as Jewish teens across the world in shaping Israel's vibrant democracy. To many more good talks!

If you want to follow along more closely, follow me on Instagram @azagodol to see #ReichOnTheRun. You can also follow my food journeys on Instagram @reichsratings!  I'll see you around as we keep pace!

Fraternally submitted with undying love,

Aleph Logan Bennett Reich, 101st Grand Aleph Godol