“Rejection is redirection”.

These are the words that my sister and sibling B’nai B’rith Girls, regional staff, and even international staff have told me throughout election season. However, at times it feels furthest from reality.

As teens across our Order declare their undying love for our sacred sisterhood and fraternity, thousands of teens are taking a leap of faith as they caucus for leadership opportunities in their home communities and beyond. The unfortunate reality is that even the most passionate and dedicated teens are not always gifted with the roles they aspire to. 

BBYO’s commitment to maintaining a fair and democratic governance system is a quality that keeps our Order honest and one I deeply admire and respect. This incredible organization has shaped, and will continue to shape, the person I am.

Our Order has given thousands of teens the opportunity to lead and take an active role in shaping our collective Jewish future. However, at times, the pain of losing an election is so sharp that it is difficult to see how the rejection from an unsuccessful election could truly become a positive force.

That is how I feel right now. As someone who has lost elections for chapter board, regional board, and even my caucus for International Board, I can confidently say that elections are not just about winning; they’re about finding yourself in the process, which is something I know others like me are doing right now. Every time an Aleph or BBG takes a leap of faith and runs for board, they are contributing to the legacies of Sam Beber and Anita Perlman.

From the moment I returned home from attending Perlman, thoughts of running for International Board consumed my every thought and action. I know all too well that losing an election is a pain no Aleph or BBG wants to endure. After being unsuccessful in my election to the high and honorable 82nd International Board of the B’nai B’rith Girls, I felt lost in our vast movement. I went from seeking out every leadership opportunity to struggling just to show up for my chapter. I struggled as I questioned why my unwavering dedication to our Order has gone unnoticed. Why I sought out every leadership opportunity I could, when in the end, it felt like it did not matter.

When the reality sank in that I was unsuccessful in my caucus to the International Board, I felt defeated. But then, things seemed to brighten; I began writing my speech and crafting a platform on the plane ride home from Philadelphia, preparing to run for Wisconsin Region’s 77th Regional N’siah. Unfortunately, by not allowing myself to properly grieve the loss of my International board candidacy and channeling all of my pain, sorrow, and anger into my regional N’siah candidacy, it only made the pain of being unsuccessful in that election ever more painful. 

On April 26th, when I walked into the election hall to soon elect Wisconsin’s 77th regional board, I felt terrified. I felt a rush of emotions. I believed that N’siah or S’ganit would soon be won by my close friend or me. However, the pain of hearing another BBG’s name called after three run-offs is a sensation I will never forget. I remember the weight of holding that sister's hand every time our N’siah asked if we had been successful, only to hear that we had not. Even as I clung to her hand when her name was finally called as the winner, she never let go.

That is the feeling I am desperately trying to return to: the true meaning of our sacred sisterhood. Even when the question, “Have we been successful in electing Wisconsin’s 77th Regional N’siah?” was answered with her name instead of mine, she held on. She held me tighter than the challenges our friendship would later endure. She never let go.

That is the power of our Order. Even though I am still struggling to view this loss as a redirection rather than a failure, my fellow BBG already knew the truth. She refused to let me drift into the darkness of my own mind. She held me, and I know she will help me find my place in our region as we lead side-by-side. That, to me, is what sisterhood is all about.

To each and every B’nai B’rith Girl and Aleph in our Order, it’s okay to feel lost, and it’s okay to be angry that the 'redirection' doesn't feel like a gift yet; but as long as we are holding onto each other, the brotherhood and sisterhood that unites us all will always be the map that leads us back to ourselves.

Respectfully submitted with an undying and everlasting love for our sisterhood, my heart, Eden BBG #2458, my home, Wisconsin Region #64, the International Order of the B’nai B’rith Girls, and each and every one of you. I forever remain, Melanie Jordan Franklin, damn proud to serve as Wisconsin region’s 77th Regional S’ganit, and an even prouder B’nai B’rith Girl.