Havdalah has always been my personal favorite moment of convention or summer camp, but the power felt when you’re in the room with 4,000 other Jewish teens from all around the world is an incredible feeling. This Saturday night, we ended our Shabbat with a beautiful Havdalah in which we all sang our favorite BBYO tunes of Havdalah prayers with our arms wrapped around our new friends. 

It was amazing to see the four teens lead such a heartfelt moment for the international order, and I was especially proud of Pacific Western Region’s very own Blake Ablin, who I know, alongside his team, had put his all into making this Saturday at IC 2024 so special for delegates. 

It was really nice to have a community-wide Jewish moment, reminding us why we have united here together. While I had an amazing night after Havdalah between the State of the Movement, block party, and, of course, everyone’s yearly favorite, the concert community moments that unite us here are extra special this year because of all that is happening in the world. It is so crucial that we continue to practice and celebrate our Judaism, and I can proudly say that is just what we were doing here in IC 2024! 

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