Ideologies

Pluralism

Our people share a common space and live as a kehillah (community). We believe that we must acknowledge our diversity and adopt a form of pluralism based on the following:

 

Contraction – we create space for diversity
Companionship – we find friendship in diversity
Education – we learn from diversity
Celebration – we embrace diversity

​

Peer Leadership

BBYO’s international leadership model prides itself on fun and meaningful teen-led programming. Our members are empowered and trained to be effective, inpiring leaders. 

​

Activism 

Rooted in Jewish obligation and BBYO tradition, our teens practice Tikkun Olam – repairing the world around us. By implementing their own campaigns at the local, regional and international level, teens gain invaluable experiences in the areas of community service, philanthropy, and advocacy, cultivating important skills to become effective change makers and contributing members of the greater Jewish community.

​

Zionism 

We share a commitment to the expression of Jewish peoplehood in the modern day State of Israel. Our teens develop an understanding and appreciation of Jewish and Israeli texts, history and culture in the formation of our participant’s National Jewish identity.

​

Judaism 

Jewish values, traditions and practices run through everything we do. BBYO encourages teens to find meaning in Judaism and to develop their own Jewish identities.

The first BBYO chapter established in the UK and Ireland was Leeds, in 1940. Today, BBYO is the world's largest Jewish youth movement, with over 35,000 members and more than 1000 chapters across the globe.

​

Throughout BBYO's 90 year history, the organisation has brought leadership training, community service opportunities, Jewish education, a connection to Israel, and positive identity to thousands of Jewish youth. Although the structure may differ depending upon the needs and design of the Jewish population, the basis is the same; BBYO provides fun and meaningful Jewish experiences for Jewish teens everywhere.

BBYO has always been the world's leading pluralistic Jewish youth movement. As the first and the most dynamically inclusive organisation of its kind, every Jewish teen, of all backgrounds, anywhere in the world, will find an experience that provides the foundation for a meaningful Jewish life.