Growing up in a small Jewish community means learning early what it feels like to stand out. There weren’t many Jewish teens where I live. Sometimes, I was the only one. I loved my Jewish identity, but it often felt like something I carried quietly, something I had to explain instead of share.

Then I found BBYO, and for the first time, I didn’t feel small anymore. BBYO isn’t just a youth group, it’s a lifeline. It’s what keeps Jewish identity visible and active, even when our numbers are few. It gives Jewish teens a place to belong, a reason to gather, and a voice that carries far beyond our town or city.

When your chapter is small, every person counts. You’re not just a member, you’re a leader, an organizer, and a builder. You learn to make things happen, not to wait for someone else to do it. You learn how to lead by doing, by showing up, and by believing that even a few dedicated people can make a huge difference. And that’s the truth I’ve learned through BBYO, small chapters can have a big impact. Every event we plan, every Shabbat dinner we host, every new member we bring in, it all matters. It’s not just about keeping our community alive, it’s about keeping it thriving. Even if there are only a few of us, the energy, pride, and love for our Jewish identity are something powerful.

When I first attended a BBYO convention, surrounded by hundreds of Jewish teens from all over, it hit me, this is what connection feels like. I realized that even though my chapter back home might be small, it’s part of something enormous. BBYO connects us all, across borders, languages, and communities, through shared values and a shared passion for Jewish life. That feeling of unity gives strength to the smallest chapters. Because when you come back home after a convention or an international program, you bring that energy with you. You bring new ideas, new friends, and a renewed sense of pride. You bring proof that your community matters.

BBYO teaches us that leadership doesn’t depend on numbers, it depends on heart. It’s about stepping up, showing up, and keeping the flame of Jewish life burning, no matter how small the spark might seem. So yes, my community may be small, but thanks to BBYO, I’ve learned that being small doesn’t mean being powerless. It means being personal, passionate, and connected. We may be few, but together, we are strong. Because in BBYO, it’s not about the size of your chapter, it’s about the size of your impact. Small chapters, big impact. That’s the power of BBYO.

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