B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO)

For almost 100 years, B’nai B’rith (BBYO) has empowered teens to lead its governance and programming, developing some of the finest leaders in Jewish Community Centers, Federations, Hillels, and summer camps. Following Covid-19, a Mandel Foundation grant supported the 2022 International Convention to be the “comeback” experience that teens deserved following the pandemic’s disruption. An overwhelmingly positive response from attendees inspired the Foundation to approve funding for the conventions in 2023, 2024 and 2025 with hopes it will foster a new era of growth and engagement. The International Convention can be a lifechanging experience for teens to reflect on what it means to be Jewish, develop lifelong relationships and gain a sense of belonging that strengthens their Jewish identity.