In March of 2020, the Coronavirus sent many countries into lockdown. The virus caused BBYO regions all over the world to shut down and turn to Zoom as a virtual outlet. Every region experienced setbacks but also thrived when adapting to this change.

Specifically, in the Greater Jersey Hudson River Region (GJHRR), a committee of BBYO members from both Northern and Central New Jersey has been working towards a huge virtual convention. This convention is brand new to the region this year and will serve as a “revamped” Regional Judaism Institute (RJI) that has been executed in past years in the spring. It will be held on Zoom from November 13th to 15th. The convention GJHRR decided to run is one that many may be familiar with already -- Kallah!

International Kallah is typically run over the summer and serves as an opportunity for members to step out of their classrooms and find their Jewish identities as well as making Judaism individualized and fun for themselves! GJHRR decided to take this amazing program and run it as a regional convention this year. The convention will use the theme, “Back to Your Roots,” to focus on all aspects of Jewish enrichment through art, music, social media, sports, and more. By participating in creative services and programming, attendees will take a journey through their personal ancestry and the history of their people.

Though this event is virtual due to the pandemic, GJHRR didn’t want to take the experience of convention away. With all of the changes in teens’ lives over the past seven months, GJHRR is excited to offer an experience that may look different, but will still contain all of the same BBYO traditions. Programs will be interactive and original, and there will be special guests throughout the weekend!

The steering committee is made up of BBYO members from both Northern and Central who are in grades 9-12. The committee’s chair is Sami Rosenblum, Yachad BBG’s chapter S’ganit. Sami and her committee have been working tirelessly for the past few months to get everything prepared. With the convention coming up in just one week, there are a few last-minute touches to be added before it’s complete. Everyone in GJHRR can be assured that this convention is going to be the best one yet!

GJHRR is so excited to be hosting a weekend filled with opportunities to connect and take a journey through participants’ ancestry and the history of our people through this unique virtual convention experience!