Hi everyone,

It’s Marc Altman here, Perlman’s Director of Sustainability and Engagement, with an update from a recent trip to BBYO’s International Convention in Atlanta, GA.

To start off the IC, BBYO worked with the Jim Joseph, Marcus, Schusterman and Singer Foundations to convene the Summit on Jewish Teens.  This 24-hour symposium brought leaders in Jewish teen engagement together with the teens that we’re all trying to engage.  Through presentations, panel discussions, and informal conversations, the 250 participants enjoyed a packed schedule of thought-provoking interactions and experiences.

A few of my personal highlights included:

  • Witnessing 2,200 Jewish teens from around the country enthusiastically kicking off IC.  The energy was amazing!
  • Hearing first-hand opinions from dozens of Jewish teens on all sorts of topics: How Judaism fits into their lives, how they expect to face the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at college next year, how important BBYO is to them.
  • Hearing Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ reactions to the thoughts shared by Jewish teens in different panel discussions.

You can learn more about the IC here or here.  Overall, it was wonderful to see so many passionate members of the Jewish community getting together to celebrate Jewish teens.  The energy, enthusiasm, and excitement about the next generation’s potential was awe-inspiring.  I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in the years ahead!

Marc.

BBYO'S International Convention