BBYO Global Shabbat is an annual initiative where BBYO chapters and regions worldwide come together to celebrate Shabbat as a community. It typically occurs on a designated weekend in December and focuses on unity, spirituality, and a shared cultural experience.

Each year, Global Shabbat has a specific theme that shapes the programming and discussions. It serves as an opportunity to reflect on Jewish values, connect with peers, and showcase BBYO's global reach. Events range from traditional Shabbat services to creative interpretations that reflect the diversity and individuality of BBYO communities.

But in Texas, we do things a little differently…

This past weekend, Lonestar's Global Shabbat also served as our Installation ceremony for the 41st regional board, and it was a beautiful ceremony all in all. October 7th victims and hostages were honored with a beautiful arrangement of flowers and candles, but the true beauty came from Global Shabbat. Upon being installed, the Austin Global Shabbat Committee led us into the evening celebration. Here is a bit about it.

After a Shabbat service by the Global Shabbat Committee, Global Shabbat consisted mainly of BBYO members talking about why BBYO means so much to them and sharing anecdotes about how BBYO has shaped them. Here are some key points:

• BBYO gives Jewish teens a place to be themselves and explore their Jewish identity.
• BBYO makes a difference in every teen's life, whether they know it or not.
• Leadership positions in BBYO allow teens to explore what makes them comfortable and can sometimes even push teens out of their comfort zone and into a new person they never knew they could be.
• BBYO empowers teens to step up and make change in their community.
• BBYO gives teens countless connections, from someone in your neighborhood to another teen across the world.

Global Shabbat can be viewed as a small program that the international Order does together as a Movement initiative, but the power and unity the program provides affects teens in a way that can't be seen with the human eye. My first Global Shabbat changed my life for the better, making me feel seen and appreciated, and every Global Shabbat I've been to since has made a change in a teen who was in the same shoes I wore 3 years ago.