All in the Family
by Laura Breen Galante
Teenagers Layla Gold and Xander Greenwald have been friends since before they could walk, and now they are teaming up to help steer BBYO – a Jewish teen leadership organization that has been around for more than a century.
Layla (daughter of Tayler and Jaime Gold) is president (N’siah) of the North Florida Region of BBG (B’nai B’rith Girls), while Xander (son of Jeff and Michelle Greenwald) is president (Godol) of the North Florida Region of AZA (Aleph Zadik Aleph). BBG and AZA both fall under the umbrella of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO).
“It’s come full circle,” says Xander, a 17-year-old who attends Trinity Preparatory School. “It’s really cool to think that 16 years ago we were together in strollers. And now I have the chance to work with her.”
BBYO is an international organization with 725 chapters spanning 67 countries. Its aim is to connect Jewish teens and encourage them to find meaning in Judaism and develop their own Jewish identities.
a legacy of leadership
The Gold and Greenwald families have deep roots in BBYO, spanning three generations. Layla and Xander are friends in large part because their dads met through the organization. Jeff was Tayler’s advisor when Tayler served as chapter president three times in the 1990s. Jeff and Michelle also met through BBYO.
“It;s in our blood; it’s in our family,” says Michelle, who served as chapter president, as did her mother and both of her brothers.
Tayler echoes Michelle’s sentiments, saying, “BBYO became my home throughout high school. Beyond the friendships, as I look back, I’m so grateful for the leadership skills and personal growth I gained along the way.”
Now, Layla and Xander are proudly following in their parents’ footsteps.
“Tradition is a huge part of Judaism,” says Layla, “and I think that by Xander and I serving on the boards, we are able to continue our families’ tradition. I feel like I'm honoring the legacy of my family.”
BBYO features programs fostering patriotism, Judaism, filial love, charity, conduct, purity, and fraternity. The organizaition hosts a Global Shabbat and gives back through J-Serve, an international day of Jewish youth service, in which all chapters participate. The group is committed to pluralistic Judaism and aspires to involve teens to immerse themselves in more meaningful Jewish experiences.
“Because of BBYO, I’ve learned a lot more about my Judaism,” says Layla. “I grew up going to synagogue, but it was just that specific way of being Jewish. Through BBYO, we’ve learned different ways that we can express our Judaism.”
Layla, a 16-year-old who attends Lake Brantley High School, served as treasurer (Gizborit), vice president of membership (Morah) and vice president of programming (S’ganit) at her Orlando chapter and regional vice president of communications (Mazkirah) before running for regional president. She decided to serve at the regional level after attending the summer Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC) in Pennsylvania, which focuses on uniting Jewish teens and developing leadership skills.
After Xander served as his Orlando Chapter president, vice president of programming (S’gan), vice president of membership (Moreh), and vice president of communications (Masker), he too wished to serve at the regional level.
“It’s really cool to think that 16 years ago we were together in strollers. And now I have the chance to work with her.”
Fostering community
“I love BBYO and all the community and friendships that it’s given me,” says Xander. “Being able to do that for the entire region is something that I really want to do.”
Xander and Layla will partner to plan and manage events and conventions for the North Florida Region’s six chapters and will lead separate boards for their regional organizations, as well as keep in touch with their counterparts at the chapter level.
Their Involvement with BBYO has impacted Layla and Xander in many ways, from boosting their confidence to expanding their friend groups across the world.
“BBYO has really made me a vocal leader,” says Xander. “If you looked at me two or three years ago, I was very quiet and reserved, but being in BBYO and holding these leadership positions has taught me not to be scared to put my opinion out there.”
Layla agrees, adding, “Before starting BBYO, I would have never stood up in front of a room to speak, but now I feel confident in my leadership. I’ve learned a lot about myself.”
Just as their families did before them, Layla and Xander are continuing the tradition of tikkun olam – repairing the world – which means so much to their parents.
“We really are very proud of Xander, and we’ve seen the connection he’s made to Judaism outside of what we’ve shared as a family,” says Michelle. “Being Jewish can sometimes be very isolating when you’re in a small community, so when you see just how many other Jewish people there are out there and see the world from a broader perspective, it’s very exciting.”
Adds Tayler, “Seeing Layla so involved in BBYO, I know she’s making lifelong connections across the country. But even more than that, watching her develop a strong sense of Judaism and leadership reminds me of all the incredible experiences that make BBYO so special.”