Bnai Brith Youth Organization

The Bnai Brith Youth Organization (BBYO) is a pluralistic Jewish teen movement and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. Established to foster Jewish identity, leadership skills, and community among Jewish teenagers, BBYO operates through a network of local chapters resembling fraternities and sororities. The organization emphasizes inclusivity, Jewish tradition, and active teen leadership, seeking to connect Jewish youth across the globe.

History

BBYO traces its origins back to the founding of Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA) in 1924 in Omaha, Nebraska, as a Jewish fraternity for boys. Its female counterpart, B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG), was established in 1944. Initially independent organizations, AZA and BBG were later brought together under the umbrella of B’nai B’rith International, a Jewish service organization formed in 1843. On June 19, 2001, BBYO formally split from B’nai B’rith International to become its own incorporated nonprofit entity called B’nai B’rith Youth Organization Inc.

Historically, BBYO pursued a global approach to youth engagement, opening chapters not only across North America but also internationally, including in cities like Calgary, Cairo, and Damascus. The organization sought to serve Jewish teens "wherever they are," reflecting a vision of broad accessibility and pluralism. However, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, BBYO reduced its international presence to focus more on North America, partly due to shifting priorities and its independence from B’nai B’rith International. In recent years, BBYO has experienced renewed growth, recommitting to its original mission of inclusivity and meaningful Jewish experiences for teens worldwide.

Mission and Activities

BBYO aspires to create a safe and welcoming community for Jewish teenagers to develop personal Jewish identities. The organization’s programming is teen-led and designed to be engaging and fun, promoting connectivity among young Jews globally.

BBYO’s activities revolve around four core pillars:

• Inclusivity: Welcoming teens from diverse backgrounds within the Jewish community.
• Jewish Identity: Fostering a strong and meaningful connection to Jewish heritage and culture.
• Active Leadership: Encouraging teens to take on leadership roles within their chapters and communities.
• Tradition: Upholding Jewish customs and values through programs and events.

Local chapters operate similarly to fraternities and sororities. Male chapters are known as AZA chapters, whose members are called Alephs, while female chapters are called BBG chapters, with members called BBGs. Some communities also have co-ed chapters blending traditions from both groups.

Scope and Membership

BBYO serves tens of thousands of Jewish high school students worldwide, with over 700 chapters and approximately 70,000 active members at any given time. The organization’s influence extends internationally, connecting Jewish youth through social, educational, and leadership programming.

Organization

BBYO is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and functions independently following its separation from B’nai B’rith International. Its governance emphasizes teen leadership, supported by adult advisors, to ensure that programming remains relevant and youth-driven.

This overview presents BBYO as a longstanding, dynamic youth movement dedicated to cultivating Jewish identity, leadership, and community among teenagers globally, rooted in a rich history and a commitment to pluralism and inclusion[1][2][3][5].