HOWDY AZA & BBG!

Levi Fox, your 98th Grand Aleph Godol, coming at you with the first of many Keeping Pace articles. I’ll be posting one article every month while on the road to keep y’all updated on what is going on and what’s new across the Order. With that being said, let’s kick it off with June!

Well… I lied. Since I was elected back at IC 2021 in Baltimore, I'll put in everything. Ever since then, I’ve been hard at work with my co, Avi Gorodetski, professional staff across the order getting the knowledge to run the order, and learning so much. Over the past few months, I’ve been given the opportunity and perspective of an order of this magnitude. From traveling to DC (twice for presidential transitions and our inaugural board retreat) and Nashville, Tennessee to meet our Board of Directors, it’s been amazing. Meeting these world-class staff who are the engine of teen leaders everywhere has been amazing as well as the people behind the scenes most teens will never meet.

While that was a brief summary from February to June 1st, now let's get into June. Personally, I graduated high school. As well as beginning the International Board's transitions into their new roles, it’s been busy. Sure, being on Zoom meetings isn’t fun, but what we do during them is what matters. While I can’t say I was attentive all the time on every call, getting to work to strengthen the base of our order has been eye-opeing. 

While getting ready for an amazing BBYO Summer this year, I want to remind everyone that’s heading out for a life-changing experience of some aspects that will help you squeeze every opportunity while attending. Don’t worry, I’ll be honest. 

1. Take a risk - If you’re going to CLTC or Kallah or reading this from ILTC, your time is limited at camp. CLTC - you’ve got 12 days. Kallah - 20. ILTC - Just a few more. When you get on those busses to camp (or even planes if you’re heading on Passport like me), cherish the moments you have. Before you know it, you’ll be heading back home wondering where the time went. Therefore, do something try. Try something different. Conquer that rock climbing fear you have. Work on your public speaking by leading a Kabalat Shabbat service. Sit at a new table at lunch and meet new friends. 
2. It’s okay to relax - I know I just said you don’t have a lot of time for summer experiences, but also, you do. It’s okay to lay in your bed during chofesh and relax. It’s difficult being social 24/7. As much as summer is about meeting new people, it’s also about learning about yourself. Take a break. Enjoy your time. Take a stroll and enjoy the silence. When you’re ready, get back in and keep making those memories. 
3. Meet new people - This organization spans over 60 countries. All 6 inhabited continents. From South Africa to Cincinnati. Singapore to London. BBYO is everywhere and you bet you’ll meet new places from all over the world. Go make friends. Don’t sit at a table with people from your home community that you’ll see every week or at regional conventions. Summer experiences are the few times a year members of BBYO get to meet other members of BBYO from different communities. 
4. Cherish the little things - The little laughs. The nights you stay up to 2 AM talking with your bunkmates. The hours of chofesh on Shabbat. Those are the times you’ll remember in 30 years. You’ll remember the genuine connections you made with people. 
5. Be yourself - This is self-explanatory. Be genuine. Be happy. Be yourself. 
6. Smile - Be happy. You’re embarking on programs that began decades ago. Enjoy the time you have. Laugh with your friends. You’ll be with your friends soon.

With that, I leave you all to an amazing summer. I’ll be back next month with an update from Israel as I embark on ILSI. If you’re going, DM me on @AZAGodol or text/WhatsApp me at +1 (832) 799-8376! Meh, even if you’re not going on ILSI, reach out — I’d love to talk to you!

Fraternally Submitted,

Aleph Levi Fox

98th Grand Aleph Godol