Being surrounded by new people, old friends, and laughs, freshman Ariel Hoffman indulges in her religion through the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO). This program is for Jewish teens, ranging from eighth to 12th grade. 

Hoffman is part of the chapter in the South Bay called Shemesh BBYO. Different chapters differ through their location and areas of California, and based on people’s ideas in meetings. Hoffman and her friends meet up to bond with activities like lighting candles for Shabbat (the Jewish day of rest) followed by an Adam Sandler movie night, a Friendsgiving celebration, a beach party and more while also learning more about their religion.

“My friend Lia was a part of it, and they [members already in BBYO] invited her to come,” Hoffman said. “She thought it was really fun and she said I should join too because they needed more people.”

Lia Caldwell, another freshman at RUHS, and member of BBYO, recalls forming a strong bond with Hoffman when coming together at a Jewish sleep-away camp their moms had coordinated when they were younger.

“I know we both love being Jewish and our Judaism part of ourselves, and I knew she would love [BBYO] because we both loved camp, and it is similar to camp, just here in our city,” Caldwell said.

With the title of Gizborit, Hoffman acts as the treasurer of the group, managing money and selling merchandise to raise profits.

“We have zero dollars, so it’s hard to raise money because we don’t have that many members to actually show up and participate,” Hoffman said. “I make us hoodies and T-shirts, and make sure we have enough money so we can buy stuff.”

Through BBYO, Hoffman’s friend Caldwell has the title of Sh’lica, bringing in more of the religious aspect to their group meetings, and community service as well.

“[BBYO] is an organization to reinforce our culture for those of us living outside of Israel to meet each other in hopes of lifelong relationships,” Caldwell said. “[BBYO] is run much like college sororities and fraternities which include leadership roles and responsibilities because the organization is run by teens for teens with the guidance of adults.”

Hoffman and Caldwell’s chapter is made up of people outside of Redondo Union as well, so they both have positive feelings towards being able to see their friends who they don’t always get to see. 

“[One of my favorite parts is] being with my friends and inviting new people to come and getting to see how they immediately click,” Hoffman said. “You really get to embrace Judaism and talk about it with other people who are Jewish.”

BBYO is a way to learn and be excited about Judaism, but it also gives people like Caldwell and Hoffman chances to make connections with other Jewish teens, and look forward to building that community as well. 

“I’ve met so many amazing friends through BBYO and I just have so much fun that when I meet someone else that’s Jewish, I’m always pushing them to join,” Caldwell said. “I love it so much because it’s not just Judaism, it’s not all about that. We’re also just a group of teens that are in the South Bay, that are just doing really fun activities.”

While going through the process of voting for chair positions, Hoffman was also able to practice skills that would help her with her academics.

“I’ve gotten better at being a public speaker, and maybe a little bit of math because of the money,” Hoffman said.

Caldwell loves having Hoffman in the group with her, and she describes her making things fun and creative, while also excelling at her current position.

“Ariel has been really passionate about BBYO ever since I brought her in. And one thing Ariel’s always loved to do is online art. And I’ve seen all of her artwork, and I’ve always known that she’s been really good at this,” Caldwell said. “So when elections came around, [and] they just happened, she really wanted a spot on board. She was going out for another position, [and] she lost to someone else. But someone nominated her for the job that she has, and that was her second option because she loves designing stuff on her iPad with her pen. She’s really good at that stuff so she knew she’d be really good at merch.”

When in BBYO, Hoffman loves the fact she can learn about her Jewish culture, and also do it with friends she has made through the program.

“It gives me a better understanding of history, and my identity,” Hoffman said. “I’m hoping as I get older to be able to get more teens to join, [and] to build the community and help them better understand their religion.”