About Us
Our Purpose.
BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. As expressed in our Movement's core values, BBYO welcomes Jewish teens in the 8th through 12th grades of all backgrounds, denominational affiliation, gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, including those with a range of intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities.
With a network of over 700 teen-led chapters across 56 countries around the world, Jewish teens engage their peers in activities focuses on community service, philanthropy, civic engagement, Israel education, and Jewish heritage, among other topics. BBYO reaches over 70,000 teens annually and serves as the Jewish community’s largest and most valuable platform for delivering fun, meaningful and affordable experiences that inspire a lasting connection to the Jewish people.
Union.
Our home chapter, #5102. Founded as 14th Street BBYO in 2017, we grew out of the YMCA into who we are today. Chartered in 2020 and now located at Brotherhood Synagogue, Manhattan Region's only downtown chapter is one of the most regionally and internationally engaged.
We meet for our programs on a bi-weekly basis on Thursdays, usually at 6:00 PM, and are typically 90 minutes. They take place in downtown Manhattan, normally at Brotherhood Synagogue or in local parks. Both members and prospects (any teen who has not joined BBYO) are able to attend.
Being a BBYO Chapter.
BBYO chapter = broader experience. In many communities around the world, Jewish teens find their home with BBYO chapters. BBYO chapters are coed units where teens of all genders have equal leadership opportunities and shared ownership over the priorities and goals of the chapters. Utilizing traditions from both AZA and BBG to build strong bonds and meaningful experiences, BBYO chapters are most commonly located in smaller Jewish communities, at partner institutions like synagogues and in BBYO regions outside North America. All BBYO chapter members are eligible for all council, regional, national and global leadership opportunities within AZA and BBG.