Origin & Impact

BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences.

For more than 95 years, BBYO‘s leadership programs, the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA, high school fraternity) and the B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG, high school sorority) have been providing exceptional leadership programs and identity enrichment experiences, shaping the confidence and character of more than 350,000 alumni who are among the most prominent figures in business, politics, academia, the arts, and Jewish communal life. Now, BBYO’s network of teens, alumni, parents, volunteers, and philanthropists serves as the Jewish community’s most valuable platform for delivering to the post Bar/Bat Mitzvah audience fun, meaningful, and affordable experiences that inspire a lasting connection to the Jewish people.

Core Values

Inclusivity
BBYO offers safe and welcoming opportunities for learning and growth to all Jewish teens, regardless of background, denominational affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, or socioeconomic status.

Jewish Values
BBYO encourages Jewish teens to find meaning in Judaism and to develop their own Jewish identities. Committed to a pluralistic experience, BBYO attempts to accommodate and provide a comfortable environment across the halachic (Jewish law) spectrum.

Active Leadership
BBYO’s leadership model, AZA and BBG, prides itself on fun and meaningful teen—led programming, its responsibility to the global Jewish community, an unwavering commitment to the State of Israel, and its dedication to tikkun olam—repairing the world.

Tradition
BBYO’s stakeholders define the organization and are the stewards of its brand. They must act in a way that represents and celebrates BBYO’s rich history and tradition.

History

With nearly a century of rich history, BBYO has brought leadership training, community service opportunities, Jewish education, a connection to Israel, and positive identity to thousands of Jewish teens. Today, BBYO reaches 70,000 Jewish teens in 700+ chapters across 50 countries around the world.

BBYO aspires to be a safe and welcoming community where teens develop their own personal Jewish identity. The teen-led programming is fun, with an emphasis on connectivity between young Jews across the globe. Teens emerge with precious friendships and practical leadership skills that will serve them well into the future. Committed to a pluralistic experience, BBYO welcomes all Jewish teens regardless of background, denominational affiliation, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or abilities.

To learn more, register for upcoming programs, or get involved, visit bbyo.ca/ottawa or contact ottawa@bbyo.ca

BBYO Ottawa Is Here!

BBYO—the world’s leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement—is building a vibrant new community in Ottawa for Jewish teens in Grades 6–12. Through meaningful social connections, leadership opportunities, and fun, engaging programs throughout the year, BBYO creates spaces where teens can connect, grow, and feel a true sense of belonging. From hangouts and holiday celebrations to leadership development and community service, BBYO empowers teens to lead and thrive.

Upcoming BBYO Ottawa EventsClick here.

Visiting During the Holidays? Check our Holiday Hours of Operation.

The SJCC is closed on Monday, October 13 for Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!