Imagine being so filled with anticipation that you just want to burst. Being so close to seeing friends I had not seen in months, yet not quite being there with them. This is exactly what I felt during the days leading up to BBYO International Convention 2018.
About 4,000 teens, hundreds of staff members and multiple famous speakers attended the convention at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, FL. The convention included a trip to the fully rented Universal, multiple sightseeing trips, or elections for the 94th Grand board and the 74th International board. BBYO participants from all over the country and the world headed over to Orlando for this unforgettable weekend, Feb. 15-19, 2018.
The convention is a reunion of friends brought together by their shared love of Judaism and the culture around the globe. Everyone is welcome to this convention, no matter who they are.
The slogan of the convention was “Together We Will.” Inspiring speakers including Scott Rogowsky, Aly Raisman, Josh Peck, Abby Wambach, and dozens more shared their stories.
“IC 2018 was an incredible experience reminding us, the Jewish youth, all that we are capable of in shaping the future” — Zach Denn [12].
Additionally, some famous musicians took to the stage, including Fetty Wap, Daya, Steve Aoki and the AJR Brothers.
Rabbi Tannenbaum, Yavneh’s Judaic principal, attended the convention, taught classes and lead services.
The staff had to resort to closing the doors to some programs or speakers. For example, Josh Peck had such a great number of fans that the room was quickly filled, and his speech had to move to a new room to include more people.
Without even meeting everyone, it was as if everyone there was related. Our Judaism is a connection and bond between all of us and it cannot be broken. This convention proves that the Jews are strong and have a bright future ahead.
