The Torah portion Bechukotai begins at the end of the book of Leviticus, and serves as both a conclusion and a reflection. It lays out a vision of what it looks like for the Israelites to live in relationship with God, grounded in responsibility, accountability, and commitment to something greater than themselves.

Among the many commandments in this parsha, one idea that stands out to me is tithing—the practice of setting aside one tenth of what you have to give back. In biblical times, this meant giving crops, produce, or livestock as an offering. While that might feel distant from our lives today, the underlying message is still incredibly relevant: what we have is not just for us. We are meant to share it, use it for good, and contribute to our communities. 

Tithing is not just about obligation—it’s about intention. It’s about recognizing that even a small portion of what we have can make a meaningful difference when we choose to give it. This idea feels especially connected to our experiences in BBYO.

As a movement, BBYO is built on showing up for one another and for the world around us. We see it in the big moments, like International Convention, where even something as simple as buying from the Shuk can support meaningful causes. But we also see it in the everyday actions that define our chapters and communities.

Think about J-Serve, when thousands of teens across the movement come together for a shared day of service. Whether it’s preparing meals, cleaning up local spaces, supporting younger children, or organizing drives for those in need, each action might seem small on its own. But together, they create something powerful.

That’s what tithing can look like in our lives. Not necessarily giving exactly one tenth, but choosing to give something of ourselves—our time, our energy, our care—even when it would be easier not to. It’s about stepping up, not because we are required to, but because we feel responsible for each other.

In BBYO, we don’t just talk about values—we live them. We lead programs, support our peers, and create spaces where people feel seen and valued. Every time we do that, we are giving something of ourselves to the community. Bechukotai reminds us that our actions matter, and that the strength of a community comes from what each person is willing to contribute.

So as we move forward, the question becomes: what is our “one tenth”? What can we give—whether it’s time, effort, leadership, or kindness—that helps strengthen the communities we care about?

Maybe it’s stepping up to lead something new, checking in on a friend, or putting extra intention into the spaces we’re part of. Maybe it’s going beyond what’s expected and choosing to give just a little bit more.

Because in the end, it’s not really about the number. It’s about the mindset. A mindset of showing up, giving back, and recognizing that we each have something valuable to offer. That’s what makes our BBYO community so special—and that’s what Bechukotai challenges us to continue building.

Shabbat Shalom,

Sophia Loew

Greater Jersey Region

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Simchat Torah Challenge Podcast Series

Interested in listening to this week's parsha? Check out Great Midwest Region's take on Parshat Behar and Mexico BBYO's take on Parshat Bechukotai as a part of the Simchat Torah Challenge Podcast Series. The Simchat Torah Challenge is a yearlong journey where teens from around the Order are exploring the Torah, one parsha at a time. Teens are connecting with the text, sharing their thoughts, and exploring how it relates to their own lives.