Greater Jersey Hudson River Region Parent Handbook ... - BBYO

Greater Jersey Hudson River Region
Parent Handbook
2012-2013
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DeaR BBYO PaRent,
January 2013
Kislev 5773
Welcome to BBYO! Whether this is your first teen entering the world of BBYO, or you are a “veteran”
parent, every year and every term is new, so we welcome you to this wonderful adventure. As parents
and past advisors of BBYO, we understand how hard it may be to keep track of your teens extracurricular
actives. Each chapter meets about once every two weeks in their respective communities and the region
(also know as GJHRR) holds weekend events about every 6-8 weeks. The GJHRR is split up into two different
“councils”. Northern Council and Central Council at times may operate independently of each other
and at other times, come together during regional conventions.
As our teens become caught up in this exciting world of new friends, great programs and educational
and social action opportunities, they often forget that their involvement impacts their entire family. Driving
to programs and meetings, hosting events and just plain keeping up with their new “language” can
be overwhelming. Therefore we have put together the attached Parent Handbook which should answer
most of the questions you may have about the BBYO experience.
BBYO used to be a subsidiary of B’nai B’rith International, but just over 10 years ago, BBYO became independent.
BBYO prides itself on being a youth-led organization – teens are the ones leading chapter
meetings, running programs, planning fund raisers, and creating the events that will become a part of
their weekly calendar.
We hope that you enjoy this journey. We know that as a direct result of their involvement in BBYO, our
teens have made lifelong friends, developed a passion for the Jewish community and gained valuable
leadership skills. As parents, it has been wonderful to watch and participate (to the extent that they let
us) alongside our children and to see the wonderful adults they have become.
Please feel free to call any of us, or the professional staff in the regional office, should you have any questions.
Once again, we welcome you to the BBYO family and look forward to getting to know all of you
throughout the years.
B’Shalom,
Judi Youngman
Senior Executive Regional Director
jyoungman@bbyo.org
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GJHRR Professional Staff
BBYO staff supports and trains advisors, works with the council board, coordinates major events such as conventions
and dances, and ensures the safety and well-being of teens in the program.
Judi Youngman - Senior Executive Regional Director - jyoungman@bbyo.org - (201 )410-5379
Simeon Pearlstein - Program Associate - spearlstein@bbyo.org - (201) 378-3142
Jen Cahn - Teen Connect Program Coordinator - jcahn@bbyo.org - (551) 804-9532
GJHRR Volunteer advisors
BBYO chapter advisors are volunteers that are the day to day support system for your teens. Chapter advisors work
with your teens to help plan meetings, community service projects, and fund raisers. They are role models and
mentors that provide your teen with an outlet to expressive themselves as they wish.
CentRaL COUnCIL aDVISORS
East Brunswick AZA East Brunswick BBG
Scott Wolf - scwolf@comcast.net Karen Botzenhart - krub@comcast.net
Tikvah BBG (Manalapan) MS Manalapan AZA
Gab Chapman - gchaps208@gmail.com Fabian Burstyn - fabian.burstyn@amtrustgroup.com
Marlboro AZA Ruach BBG (Marlboro) Yad B Yad BBG (Marlboro)
Marc Franco - FrancoM6@aol.com Marni Goldman - am102498@aol.com Judy Franco - FrancoM6@aol.com
Andrew Schaen - andrewschaen@gmail.com
Shore AZA Shore BBG
Andrew Kaplan - sirkaplan@sirkaplan.com Amy Leitner - iteachall@aol.com
T’sahal BBYO (Scotch Plains) Chaverim BBYO (Basking Ridge)
Ronnie Goland - goland@comcast.net Craig Grosswald - craig.b.grosswald@us.pwc.com
Marcia Grosswald - njgrossy@gmail.com
nORtHeRn COUnCIL aDVISORS
Pascack Valley AZA Pascack Valley BBG
Jeff Press - jdpress27@gmail.com Erica Mazon - ebmazon@gmail.com
Ellen Zlotolow - ekzlots@gmail.com
Wayne AZA Wayne BBG
Michael Green - mhgreen@optonline.net Samantha Leone - samanthaleone2@gmail.com
Nicole Lawrence - nlawrence329@gmail.com
Palisades AZA Palisades BBG
Jeff Matican - jsm2ski@aol.com Rebecca Pearlstein - rebecca.pearlstein@gmail.com
Livingston AZA Livingston BBG
John Kempner - jkempner@verizon.net Claudia Minde - cminde@tbanj.org
R’ut BBYO Wise BBYO Randolph BBYO
Jennifer Cahn - buffalosadie@yahoo.com Laura Freeman - ljfassoc@aol.com

GJHRR Council Board Members
Since the GJHRR is split up into two different regions, both councils have their own teen governing boards. Teens
are elected to these positions by thier peers. Both AZA and BBG both have their own boards as well.
CentRaL COUnCIL aZa BOaRD
Matthew Goldman - Godol - (732) 492-2574 - gjhrrccag@gmail.com
Alexander Gilbert - S’gan - (908) 692-7045 - AlexGilb53@gmail.com
Jesse Finver - Moreh - (908) 797-6853 - jessefinver@yahoo.com
Adam Nachman - MazGiz- (732) 586-0716 - adam08816@gmail.com
Travis Knopf - Shaliach - (908) 642-8122 - travis9512@gmail.com
CentRaL COUnCIL BBG BOaRD
Tracey Katz - N’siah - (908) 967-0297 - tracey.r.katz@gmail.com
Emily Dubin - S’ganit - (908) 415-8169 - emilyarielle5@aol.com
Sammi Faust - Morah - (732) 789-5655 - sammifaust@ymail.com
Julia Cohen - Mazkirah - (732) 598-2383 - lovetodance37@yahoo.com
Alyssa Hartstein - Sh’licha - (908) 463-5871 - arhartstein@gmail.com
nORtHeRn COUnCIL aZa BOaRD
Max Litke - Godol - (201) 925-6976 - maxlitke@gmail.com
Joshua Remer - S’gan - (201) 450-2206 - joshremer03@gmail.com
Howard Goldberg - Moreh - (201) 953-2214 - howard.goldberg9@gmail.com
Zachary Hubert - MazGiz - (973) 830-7091 - zacharyhubert9@gmail.com
Noah Kasmanoff - Shaliach - (201) 783-6583 - Nkaz123@yahoo.com
nORtHeRn COUnCIL BBG BOaRD
Paige Zlotolow - N’siah - (201) 543-7835 - pjzlots@gmail.com
Emily Friedlander - Morah - (201) 661-1771 - frieds16@gmail.com
Marlee Hirsch - Mazkirah - (551) 427-9826 - marleemail00@aol.com
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BBYO Policies & expectations
Teens are required to sign a Code of Conduct when they enter into their experience with BBYO. The Code of Conduct
includes, but is not limited to, the following policies:
• All BBYO events must provide Kosher food. Only Kosher-certified meat allowed; dairy or pareve food does not
need to be Kosher-certified.
• For multiple-night overnights, teens cannot drive themselves.
• For any council or regional overnights, teens cannot drive themselves.
• Teens must inform host parents or the advisor in advance, if they plan to leave an event early.
• Once teens leave an event – including a sleepover - they cannot return.
• Teens may not use alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes while at a BBYO event. If a teen is caught using any of these
substances, he/she will be suspended from the program for a period of time, and their chapter board position
can be terminated.
• Teens are not permitted to endanger themselves or others.
• BBYO does not tolerate hate speech, inappropriate language, and intimidations (actualized or threats).
Most likely, there will be a time in your teen’s BBYO experience where they will ride in a car driven by a teen. Each
family has its own rules regarding this, but BBYO stands by the following driving policy:
Teens riding in cars driven by other teens must get permission from their parents to ride with a teen driver.
There may only be the number of passengers in the car as there are number of seatbelts – and everyone must wear
a seatbelt at all times.
Teen drivers must follow traffic laws and state laws regarding driving peers.
Aside from these conduct policies, BBYO also sets expectations for members to maintain proper decorum. BBYO
members are expected to:
• Be active and present when at a program
• Be respectful of others
• Respect the space in which the program is taking place
• Foster an environment of tolerance and inclusivity, and
• Set positive examples for others.
Helpful Links
www.b-linked.org – BBYO’s online database where teens can register for events, renew membership, or learn more
about upcoming programs. Teens can sign up for conventions using their account.
www.bbyo.org – BBYO, Inc.’s website for the International organization. The website is full of information on national
and international programming, as well as summer programs, Judaic resources, and opportunities for making donations.
www.passport.bbyo.org – BBYO’s Passport to the World website, with information on and links to register for International
programs in Israel, Central America and Europe.
BBYO’s Customer Service Department can be reached at customer_service@bbyo.org.
a Brief Introduction to the BBYO alphabet
ALEPH - A member of AZA.
AZA Aleph Zadik Aleph - The male 9th – 12th grade branch of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization. AZA stands for
Ahava, Zedakah, & Achdoos; Harmony, Benevolence, & Brotherly Love (fraternity), the motto of B’nai B’rith.
BBG B’nai B’rith Girls - The female 9th – 12th grade branch of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization.
BBYO B’nai B’rith Youth Organization - The overall youth organization that incorporates BBG and AZA. BBYO is the
world’s oldest and largest Jewish youth organization.
CLTC Chapter Leadership Training Conference - A two-week summer program to train BBYO teens (mostly those
who have completed 9th grade) in the responsibilities of chapter leadership.

Fold - Programming guidelines for AZA and BBG chapters.
GAG (Grand Aleph Godol) - The International AZA President.
IC (International Convention) - BBYO’s annual international gathering of BBYO members worldwide.
ILTC (International Leadership Training Conference)- A two-week summer program for council leaders designed
to further advance their leadership skills using real life experiences.
ILSI International Leadership Seminar in Israel - BBYO’s highest-level Israel and leadership program.
(International) N’siah - The International BBG President.
ISF (International Service Fund) - The charitable arm of BBYO’s teen community. Chapters conduct annual fundraisers
to support philanthropic efforts voted on by the international BBYO community. Currently, our area teens raise
money to support Jewish life overseas through the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.
MIT (Member in Training) - A new member of B’nai B’rith Girls. A member is called a MIT until she has undergone
training and taken a test related to the history traditions and rituals of the organization.
MOTL (March of the Living) - A two-week annual program that takes members to Poland and Israel to study the Holocaust
and Israel’s independence. Occurs in the spring, coinciding with Yom HaShoah and Yom HaAtzma’ut.
RLTI (Regional Leadership Training Institute) - Held the same weekend as NMW. Designed for 10-12th graders, this
program builds on leadership skills.
Your teens will teach you the rest, and before you know it you’ll once again speak the same language as your teen!
Chapter Positions
Title AZA BBG
President Godol N’siah
Runs meetings and coordinates Chapter functions. Represents chapter on the Council level.
Programming VP S’gan S’ganit
Assists/oversees Chapter program planning. Runs meetings in president’s absence.
Membership VP Moreh Morah
Recruits new members. Educates new members about BBYO. Focuses on member retention.
Community Service, and Social Action VP Shaliach Sh’licha
Promotes Judaic programming, community service opportunities and social action projects.
Corresponding Secretary Mazkir Mazkirah
In charge of chapter communications including phone calls & emails.
Recording Secretary Mazkir Katvanit
Takes minutes at meetings.
Treasurer Gizbor Gizborit
Responsible for fundraising and philanthropy projects.
Past President Kohane Godol Madricha
Advises president. Acts as a role model.
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Chapter Meetings
Chapter meetings happen on different days and different times depending on the chapter. Most chapters will have
a designated day of the week and time so that teens can make BBYO a mainstay in their week. Chapter meetings are
held in a variety of places ranging of local schools, members homes, and/or temples and synagogue. The chapters
meeting will include a business portion where the teens will go over upcoming events, past events, other things going
on around the region, as well as current events in the United States and Israel.
CHaPteR/COUnCIL MeetInG aGenDa FORMat
• Opening Rituals
• Role Call
Council Meetings: Each president rises when recognized by the chair of the meeting and states how many
members are present from their chapter and how many are voting.
Chapter Meetings: Each member goes around and states their name and whether or not they have a vote.
To qualify for voting, the Aleph or BBG must be a fully paid, registered member in good standing.
• Minutes: Review minutes of past meeting.
• Old Business: Includes a review of old amendments to the constitution from previous meeting, updates on recent
events, and any business carried over from prior meeting.
• Officer Reports: each executive board officer and chairperson has an opportunity to share new projects and how
the rest of the chapter can get involved.
• New Business: Includes voting on new additions to the chapter, constitution amendments, upcoming programs
and paraphernalia, etc.
• Announcements:
Council Meetings: An open opportunity for chapters to publicize and make general announcements about
upcoming programs or provide feedback on previous chapter programs.
Chapter Meetings: An open opportunity for members of the chapter who do not hold board positions to
make general announcements to publicize programs and/or events both in and out of BBYO.
• Closing Rituals
CHaPteR eVentS
Regularly Scheduled Programming
Chapters will regularly have an event or program planned to follow each business meeting. Sometimes, chapters will
have meetings together for a change of pace. Chapters may also choose to plan events outside of meetings for extra
bonding or team building time.
BBG is based on six folds of programming - Jewish Heritage, Community Service, Social Action, Recreation, Creativity
and Sisterhood. Mind, Body, Attitude (MBA) is also an area of programming that is widely accepted as an unofficial
seventh fold.
Similarly, AZA is based on five folds - Athletics, Community Service/Social Action, Education, Judaic and Social.
Weekly chapter programs are built and developed around these areas of programming. Other chapter programming
can include bake sales and fundraisers at local restaurants.
additional and Year-end Programming
Occasionally, at sleepovers, teens will take part in a program called “Brotherhood” or “Sisterhood”. “Brotherhood”
or “Sisterhood” is an opportunity for teens to express themselves and confide in their chapter members
about things that are going on in their lives. There are often candles involved, and teens take this program quite
seriously. “Brotherhood” or “Sisterhood” can take up to several hours.
At the end of each programming term, defined by 12 months (May - May), the president of the chapter gives their
State of the Chapter address (States). The president speaks about how the chapter has been for the past few
months, as well as reviews how the board functioned as leaders of the chapter during their term.
At the end of a teen’s BBYO experience, the teen may take part in a ceremony called “Gold Life.” Goldlife is a ceremony
for graduating seniors who have served in chapter leadership roles to reflect upon one’s time in BBYO and

how their experiences can positively relate to younger members. (Each teen’s ceremony can take up to four or five
hours or could last all night, so do not be surprised if your teen is tired after this program.)
Chapter elections
Chapter elections occur once a year. BBYO terms are twelve months, with elections taking place in the spring.
Most chapters do not allow teens to discuss the elections prior to them taking place, and the elections themselves
can be quite competitive. If your teen decides to run for a position, it can be an emotional – but definitely
worthwhile – experience.
eLeCtIOnS PROCeSS
• Declarations/Caucusing – This varies with each chapter; it often includes a call to the chapter n’siah/godol to let
them know you are running.
• Nominations – Any member of the body may raise their hand and nominate one of their peers for the position at
hand. Nominees get a shorter speech time at the election.
• Drop-Downs – When a person is not elected to a particular office, they have the opportunity to “drop down” to
another position.
Scholarships
We know that BBYO programs are not inexpensive, and attendance at multiple events can definitely add up. Our
hope is that every Jewish teen can enjoy and take advantage of all that BBYO has to offer. To that end, we have
a scholarship application process for every convention, as well as for summer opportunities, March of the Living,
and International Convention. For more information regarding scholarships, feel free to be in touch directly
with the office.
Guidelines for Hosting an event in your Home
So, you have volunteered to host a BBYO event… But, what do you do? What do you provide? Should you disappear?
What rules do you follow?
aS tHe HOSt PaRent FOR a BBYO aCtIVItY, YOU HaVe tHe FOLLOwInG RIGHtS anD ReSPOnSIBILItIeS:
1. There is no such thing as an ‘unofficial’ BBYO event – therefore, any event at your house under the auspices of BBYO
must follow BBYO’s Code of Conduct. You will be contacted by the Advisor once your house is confirmed so he she
can speak with you about the program expectations.
2. Regardless of what your child tells you, you are expected to remain at home and attend the program. Advisors are
very uncomfortable being responsible for homes that are not theirs – and it is not reasonable to ask them to be solely
responsible. Your presence, in addition to the Advisor’s presence, ensures supervision and safety for the program.
3. This is your house. Your rules apply. If the activity is to be limited to a specific part of the house, tell the Advisor
and the teens planning the program.
4. Normally, you will only be expected to have soft drinks and snacks available. M&M’s, potato chips, cookies, etc. are
the usual fare. But, be careful – these are teens and salsa may end up on your carpets. Along with drinks and snacks,
be sure to have paper cups and napkins. Typically, the teens will assign items to members to bring – but, check to be
sure. If you feel like you are providing above and beyond, please speak to the chapter for reimbursements.
5. You have every right to ask the chapter to clean up their mess before they leave. Once they do it a couple of times,
it will be part of their regular routine.
6. If the Advisor is present at the event, he or she is supposed to stay at your house until the last member leaves. If
you feel comfortable about having the teens at your house after the program, you can tell the Advisor that he/she is
welcome to leave as soon as the program is over and that you will be responsible until all members are gone.
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7. You should be informed by the Advisor or chapter leadership in advance of the event if no advisor will be present
at the event. If no Advisor will be present, it is critical that you remain accessible to teens at all times during the
program.
8 Teens must inform host parents or the advisor in advance if they plan to leave an event early. Once teens leave an
event, they cannot return.
9. If you are hosting “an overnight” (a sleepover by the chapter), you need to know the following:
a. As owners of the home, you also are expected to be home for the entirety of the program.
b. Once a member comes into your home for the overnight, he/she cannot leave.
c. The members should not be going out to their cars, congregating in your front yard, or going in and out
of the house for no apparent reason. They may go swimming in your pool, play basketball on your court, or
visit in your backyard – as you see fit.
an average Year in BBYO
BBYO is a large time commitment. While we encourage
active participation, we want to make sure that BBYO does not take away from teens’ school studies or their other
commitments. With nearly 1,000 BBYO members in GJHRR, there are opportunities for everyone! The BBYO experience
should be tailored to fit your teen’s needs and wants. There is no program that “everyone” goes to, so teens
need not feel pressure to attend every event.
CaLenDaR HIGHLIGHtS:
Kick Off Dance
Open to all area teens, dances are a great way to meet new people & show chapter spirit.
MIT/AIT
New members introduction in to AZA and BBG. Learn about where the journey started.
Spirit Weekend
A weekend where chapters bond and compete against each other in songs, skits, and banner presentations.
AZAA Athletics Basketball (Winter)
Chapters create teams and play against one another until a champion is determined.
BBGG
A year round focus on improving girls minds, bodies, and attitudes through programing like yoga and Zumba.
Life Convention
The last convention of the year, where council elections take place and Gold Life speeches are presented.
BBYO Summer experiences
BBYO is built around a school-year calendar, however there are plenty of opportunities to take part in BBYO summer
programs both domestically and internationally. Below is a list of BBYO summer programs.
Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC) recommended for entering 10th or 11th graders
CLTC is designed to teach teens essential leadership skills in a group dynamic. It connects AZA/BBG peers throughout
North America and helps them build a solid network of long-lasting relationships.
International Leadership Training Conference (ILTC) recommended for entering 11th or 12th grade leaders ILTC
explores the concepts of leadership and what it means to be a Jewish leader. Important values in the Jewish tradition
are taught while inspiring participants to look within themselves to discover how their Judaism informs the decisions
they make around their daily challenges.

International Kallah recommended for entering 11th or 12th graders. Kallah offers a deep Judaic experience in which
participants are given the opportunity to explore their own Jewish identity and engage in spirituality, culture and religion.
The Kallah experience strives to provide exposure to some of the core principles, values and tenets of Jewish life.
International Leadership Seminar Israel (ILSI) recommended for entering 11th or 12th grade leaders. BBYO’s
leadership and enrichment program in Israel challenges participants with the big questions. What is the
contemporary meaning of Jewish tradition? How is the Zionist movement relevant in the 21st century? What is the
future of the Jewish State, and how can we play a part in shaping it?
Impact Boston recommended for entering 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. At Impact Boston at Brandeis University, participants
go beyond volunteering, to explore the issues that underlie some of society’s biggest challenges and go
behind the scenes with people at the forefront of social action and real, sustainable change.
Impact DC recommended for entering 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. Participants spend the summer in downtown
Washington, DC in leadership training with other teens passionate about politics, community service, and activism.
Participants meet experts, participate in hands-on service projects and develop skills to pioneer change and impact
the issues they care about.
Impact Israel recommended for teens who have been to Israel before. Impact: Israel is a three-week service learning
program designed primarily for teens looking to return to Israel for a deeper, community-based experience. The
heart of Impact: Israel is a service learning experience.
Ambassador to Bulgaria recommended for entering 11th or 12th grade leaders. Participants become part of a closeknit
group of teens instilling hope in a Jewish community with a remarkable past. This 10-day Ambassador to Bulgaria
experience includes community service projects, building lasting friendships with local Jewish teens from Eastern
Europe, and touring a beautiful land that is one of Europe’s best kept secrets.
Eco-Quest Costa Rica recommended for entering 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. Participants join teens from around
the world and head for the cloud forests of Costa Rica to explore a country rich in bio-diversity, culture and plenty of
adventure. Eco-Quest Costa Rica is a two-week teen travel experience that combines outdoor touring, a Costa Rican
approach to sustainable living, and opportunities for peer-to-peer connections with local teens.
Euro-Quest Western recommended for entering 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. Participants travel to the grand capitals
of Western Europe – Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, and London. Euro-Quest Western is a two-week teen travel experience
that visits world-famous sites like Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum, Buckingham
Palace, the Champs-Elysees, and the canals of Amsterdam.
Euro-Quest Mediterranean recommended for entering 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. Participants travel along the
breathtakingly beautiful Mediterranean coast of Italy to the source of Western Civilization. Euro-Quest Mediterranean
is a two-week teen travel experience that visits world-famous sites like the Coliseum, the Sistine Chapel, the leaning
Tower of Pisa, the canals of Venice, the Vatican, and Michelangelo’s David sculpture.
Euro-Quest Continental recommended for entering 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. Participants combine the Euro-Quest
Mediterranean and Western experiences for a complete summer of European continental journeying in Italy, Slovenia,
Holland, Belgium, France and England and get the full flavor of Europe on this four-week transcontinental program.
Euro-Israel Journey Poland recommended for entering 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. Euro-Israel Journey Poland is a
week-long mission of remembrance and understanding in Poland followed by the core three-week Israel Journey experience.
Participants confront the tragic destruction of the Holocaust and then travel on to celebrate the renewal
of the Jewish People in the Land of Israel.
Euro-Israel Journey Central recommended for entering 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. This program includes a weeklong
tour of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest in Europe followed by the core three-week Israel Journey experience.
Participants cruise the Danube River, visit Prague Castle, and explore Budapest Labyrinth and then travel on to Israel
for a once-in-a-lifetime journey in the Land of Milk & Honey.
Euro-Israel Journey Spain recommended for entering 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. This program is a week-long exploration
of southern Spain followed by the core three-week Israel Journey experience. Participants re-trace Sephardic
Jewish history, climb the Rock of Gibraltar, and soak up the sun on Spain’s “Costa Del Sol” and then travel on to Israel
for a once-in-a-lifetime journey in the Land of Milk & Honey.
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Trek West USA recommended for entering 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. Trek West USA is a three-week teen travel experience
in the great American West - California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Participants see a totally new side of
America – from San Francisco, Los Angeles and Vegas to the breathtaking national parks of Zion, Bryce, Yosemite,
and the Grand Canyon.
Israel Journey recommended for entering 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. Participants join teens from around the world
on a once-in-a-lifetime summer in Israel. The Israel Journey is a three-week cross-country experience – from the
Golan Heights in the north to the tropical Red Sea in the far south…and everything in between. Along the way, they
walk in the footsteps of Jewish history, experience the vibrancy of modern Israeli culture, and connect with Israel’s
colorful society.
Guide to Using B-Linked