This week we read the Torah portion of Naso. In this Parsha we read of the priestly blessing. This beautiful blessing was given to Aaron, the first High Priest and his sons, the priests who served alongside him. This blessing, which provided that generation with the key to a flourishing Jewish future, continues to play an integral role in our lives as well. The Birkat Kohanim or Priestly blessing is recited weekly by many parents across the world as the Shabbat meal commences. This blessing for the children of the Jewish community embodies the hope that our youth brings us in times of need and gives us a shining light when we might struggle to find one. The blessing is as follows:

May G-d bless you and keep you

May G-d shine His countenance (face) upon you and be gracious to you

May G-d raise up His countenance (face) toward you and grant you peace

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So, as we approach the end of our terms as International Presidents, we see in this week a moment to reflect on the light that our youth—all of you—has brought to us. This is our blessing to you:

May you carry with you the traditions emboldened by our Movements for 96 and 76 years.

May you forever find friendship in the Alephs and BBGs that surround you every day.

May you seek guidance from those who inspire you and be the one who inspires others to seek guidance from you.

May you continue to have a safe place to practice your Judaism and celebrate your ancestral roots.

May you see it as your responsibility to be a constant friendly smile to the people in your life.

May you seize every moment and make it your own—go on summer programs, go to that convention, go to every chapter event you can.

May you always continue to be the light for every Aleph and BBG, just like you have been for us.

AZA, BBG, and BBYO, it’s been an absolute honor to serve you all this year as your presidents and we are so excited to see where you take this Movement next.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ben Cohen & Maya Zucker

96th Grand Aleph Godol & 76th Anita M. Perlman International N’siah