“Lighting the way to a better day, come what may”: these words echo in the hearts of every B’nai B’rith Girl, reminding us of the strength our movement inspires upon thousands of Jewish teens.

As we step into the 82nd year of the B’nai B’rith Girls, we as BBGs are all connected to each and every one of our sister and sibling BBGs. We are all united by our ability to inspire one another to make this year our strongest yet. I feel inspired to grow my friendships with my sister and sibling BBGs across the Order and to show up more fully for the movement that has shaped who I am. This movement has shown me the power of being a part of a true Jewish community, and I strive to help others fall in love with this movement the way I have.

I invite you all to reflect on how you too can guide those around you to help make this our strongest year yet. I truly believe that together we can strengthen the power of our sisterhood and all deepen our love for this Order. 

This year, I am choosing to be courageous even when it is scary. Throughout my time in this beautiful movement, one obstacle has followed me the entire time: my fear of failure. I often found myself stuck in a cycle of hesitation. I was too afraid to try the things that scared me because of the risk of not reaching my goals. But this year, I am determined to change my mindset. This year, I want to meet that fear with confidence from the support of my fellow BBGs. This year, I want to push past my fears of failure and others’ opinions, and accept the hard challenges the way I have always wanted to. I hope that this year I can grow not only as a leader, but as a sister to every teen in this Order and inspire those around me to do the same.

These are my top 3 goals for the new year, my BBG New Year’s Resolutions: 

1. Be confident in my ideas and abilities as a leader.

Now, I know this is easier said than done, but I truly believe that we are our own worst critics. This year, I want to strive to be confident in the choices I chose to make as a leader and the initiatives I create. I think that every BBG across the order has incredible ideas that will strengthen their home communities, and we all just need the confidence to share them.

2. Never stop learning.

Our movement is constantly growing and evolving as teens continue to learn more to elevate their communities. I want to prioritize my personal commitment to lifelong learning and never stop trying to be the best self I can be. Every member across our movement is constantly learning and evolving what our sisterhood looks like to them. When we dedicate ourselves to never stop learning we have the power to grow our regions stronger than ever before.

3. Be a friend to all.

Something that I have learned throughout my time in BBYO is that everyone needs a friend. Whether it’s at a convention or school, everyone is happier when they have a friend standing by their side. This year, I want to be more welcoming to new faces and strengthen my relationships with familiar ones. I believe that every BBG across the order can be that familiar face in a crowded room, making our sisterhood stronger than ever.