Throughout the school year, we all have BBYO. It is an amazing way that we all stay in touch with our Jewish heritage and Judaism itself, but what about over the summer? Like I and SO many this summer, we have gone on summer programs, but what else have members done over the summer? I heard from so many teens about the ways that they stayed connected to Judaism. From summer camp to staying in touch with BBYO friends all over the world to continuing to have Shabbat dinners, there are so many ways that we’ve stayed connected!

For many teens, they went to Jewish summer camps!! Teens at camp had Shabbat services, said the Hamotzi and the Kiddush, and had Shabbat dinner! Staying with friends who are also Jewish helped teens feel a strong sense of community and belonging, which allowed them to feel connected to Judaism in a new community and also build lasting friendships!

As well as camp, many teens traveled and continued to connect to Judaism then! From traveling to Florida, New York, Alaska, and even Paris and Italy, as well as so many more on passport trips, teens lit the candles and ate a Shabbat dinner from all over the world! From visiting Kosher delis in NYC to going to Shabbat services with friends and family all over the world, every teen has different traditions to do, and each is so special! For others, staying connected to Judaism over the summer meant keeping in touch with their BBYO friends! I got texts and calls all the time from friends all over the world. I've met friends on summer programs, IC, and from my region and chapter, and even if not talking about Jewish-related topics, Judaism is a key component in what connects us as a people, and being around others who share your beliefs is a great way to stay connected at any time.

Staying in touch with your own Jewish heritage is so important, and a way that many teens stayed connected this summer is through BBYO summer programs! This year, I attended ILTC and had the best time ever! Summer programs such as CLTC, ILTC, and Kallah are just some of the amazing programs offered, and here’s how I stayed connected at ILTC! 

First, obviously, just being around so many Jewish teens at the biggest ILTC ever is super connecting in itself. From so many countries and US states, every teen there was different. From the prayers, they sang to the languages they spoke, and over the course of ILTC, I have become friends with people all over the world! Next, at ILTC, there were so many different opportunities for prayer throughout the weeks. Every day, there was morning, afternoon, and evening prayer (Shacharit, Mincha, and Ma’ariv) around the lit Perlman tree with our amazing song leaders Eric and Tema and our equally amazing Rabbis, Rabbi Meir and Rabbi Brandon! These prayers, for many, aren’t done in their own communities, and being able to have that every day at ILTC was really a way for a meaningful change in the environment, which is something I've never done before. 

Overall, there are so many traditions I’ve incorporated into my own life that I gained over the summer and shared with others!

Summer is such a connecting time for Judaism for BBYO members all over, and even when BBYO isn’t active in our region, there are so many ways to stay in touch with Judaism! With summer ending and international order communities starting up again, I can’t wait to see what’s in store!