Jewish teens from 38 countries participated in 155 unique Shabbat experiences from Dec. 13-14 as part of BBYO’s annual “Global Shabbat” initiative. The teen-led, movement-wide program celebrates the joy of Shabbat in joining communities across the globe with simultaneous Friday-night, Saturday-morning and Havdalah services featuring song leaders, speakers and inspired community gatherings.
This year’s theme—“From Strength to Strength”—was selected by teen leaders to symbolize the resilience, unity and enduring strength of Jewish peoplehood. Against the backdrop of rising antisemitism, BBYO teens embraced the theme as an opportunity to celebrate Jewish joy, tradition and solidarity. Programs ranged from traditional Shabbat observances to innovative gatherings reflecting the diverse practices of young Jewish people worldwide.
For the first time, several emerging communities joined in, reflecting BBYO’s expanding reach and the strength of Jewish unity worldwide. Highlights included BBYO Japan in Tokyo, BBYO Taiwan in Taipei and BBYO Australia, where teens in Sydney celebrated its inaugural Global Shabbat alongside established programs in Melbourne and Canberra.
“Global Shabbat is not only an event that we all celebrate, but it’s a moment that is felt throughout our movement,” shared Sophia Good, Global Shabbat Coordinator and a member of BBYO’s Rocky Mountain Region. “It’s a time when we unite as a global community, celebrating the strength of our bonds and fostering a deeper connection to Jewish tradition and one another.”
Teens in Maccabi Tzair Israel and JDC’s Active Jewish Teens in Ukraine hosted meaningful programs, demonstrating their resilience and deep commitment to Jewish peoplehood. Likewise, with support from BBYO, communities with limited resources—such as Namatumba, Uganda and Havana, Cuba—were able to celebrate, highlighting the movement’s inclusivity and far-reaching impact.
‘Global Shabbat’ 2024 Highlights
- Northern Region East: D.C.—“Rising Above Antisemitism” connected teens with the heroic acts of the Maccabees through a Shabbat service, Chanukah-themed games and a festive Shabbat dinner.
- Poland—“Global Shabbat Tapuzim” brought teens together for a communal Shabbat dinner, letter-writing to peers worldwide and a collaborative Havdalah with Hillel, concluding with a candle-making workshop to foster creativity and connection.
- Rocky Mountain Region—“Resilience Global Shabbat” centered on building strength and character. Teens decorated menorahs, with each candle symbolizing a unique characteristic of resilience, following a community Havdalah service.
- Maccabi Tzair Modi’in, Israel—“Global Shabbat Modi’in” featured a charitable initiative where proceeds supported lone soldiers, followed by a kiddush led by the chapter.
- Cincinnati—“Global Shabbat with Rep. Greg Landsman” allowed teens to hear reflections on Jewish identity and public service while sharing a community Havdalah and meal.
- Northern Region East: Baltimore—“Time Capsule Global Shabbat” invited teens to design Havdalah boxes filled with personal items and letters to their future selves, fostering reflection on Jewish identity.
- Evergreen Region—“Portland BBYO Global Shabbat” brought together families and teens for a celebration featuring Judaica painting, song sessions and conversations on the significance of Shabbat.
- Central Europe—“Shabbat Crime Dinner” transformed the Shabbat experience into an engaging, interactive mystery night where teens collaborated to solve a “crime” over dinner and community activities.
“In planning for Global Shabbat 2024, our coordinators, led by our International Sh’lichim (Vice Presidents of Jewish Enrichment), chose ‘From Strength to Strength’ to honor Jewish peoplehood following a challenging year,” said Jess Zimmerman, manager of content operations, Jewish enrichment at BBYO. “Rather than focusing on adversity, our teens showcased the beauty of our movement and rallied together to create moments of joy, connection and unity.”
