Vancouver Global Shabbat started off as any event would, with mingling and getting to know some new members and reconnecting with old friends. Then we transitioned into Shabbat and explained the meaning of Global Shabbat to those who weren’t familiar with it. For dinner, there was of course challah handmade by one of the board members; it was delicious and a great opportunity to catch up and get to know the new members who attended. The main theme of this event was coziness and warmth, because later in the evening, we were going to see a star show.

After dinner and saying the Shabbat blessings, we did Separates. Us BBGs focused on one part of the Menorah Pledge Principles—sisterhood. As part of sisterhood, we were given candles and asked to write on the back of them the name of someone we look up to or who is a role model in our lives. Then we lit our candles one after another until they were all lit and formed a circle.

As Vancouver is gaining more members, we also included a small introduction to what BBG is and a little bit about the history of BBYO. Then we went around and shared what BBYO means to us and how it has given us so many amazing things, such as being surrounded by Jewish teens our age, meeting incredible people from around the world, and having breathtaking experiences that have helped us grow into the people we are today.

As we got deeper into the program, we began to discuss our personal experiences with antisemitism after October 7th of last year. I felt a strong, deeper connection as we started to dive into the reality of what it means to be Jewish teens in a world like this. Before ending the program, we went around and shared who we look up to as role models in our lives. Overall, this program was really meaningful and helped strengthen our bonds in a community like Vancouver.

Later, after we ate dessert and mingled for a bit, it was time for one of the highlights of the night—the shuttle! We got settled in and began choosing songs. It got really fun when everyone started singing along and just enjoying being together. Here are some pictures I took on the shuttle!

Once we arrived at our destination, the planetarium, we hung out in the space exhibit for a little while until the show started. The show was about stars and how the Earth was formed. The best part was that we got to sit back and relax after a long week and look up at the stars.

Overall, Vancouver Global Shabbat was a great opportunity for me to relive the experiences I had this summer. I met some amazing people and had a calm, meaningful night that was celebrated all over the Order. Since Vancouver, as a region, has grown so much this year in numbers and members, I’m so excited to see what else we will accomplish. Finally, as a major highlight, we have our biggest group ever going to IC in all of Vancouver’s history! We can’t wait for IC and all it will bring for the future of this region!