Who lights your BBG flame? A question I cannot answer, because of what it means. This falls back onto one, maybe two people, but that’s not true. At least for me, it’s not.  A flame is a light of hope, peace, protection, and love. Like in the Olympics, a flame can symbolize unity; the unity of the Movement that is called the B’nai B’rith Girls. The people who light my BBG flame must symbolize all these and more. 

There are my hometown friends, who have seen me at my highest and lowest. They show protection and love even when I don’t realize it. They are always there for me, from losing chapter board to winning an International Award. My hometown friends have helped me gain confidence, trust, and skills I didn’t know I needed. Skills like social, reading the room, when to talk and when to listen, and many more. Without them, I would still be the weird, quiet girl in the back corner of every room.

They helped me gain confidence, but it was my BBYO friend who showed me who I am. I am someone who wants to lead with honor and courage all the time. Had I never gone on CLTC and soon Full Pearlman, I would have never found who I am today. I’m forever grateful to the family I’ve built with friends from all over the order. 

Finally, it’s my real family. If it wasn’t for my mom convincing me to run for board or my dad helping me become more involved, BBYO and BBG would not mean what it does today. They have helped me to grow as a leader even when I didn’t see it myself. My family has been there for every loss and every win. 

So, to answer the question, there are 3 groups of people that light my BBG flame. Within those groups are the people that make me laugh and cry all at once. I’m forever grateful to them for helping me become who I am today. Thank you.