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Ritual and Tradition

Since 1924, we've been opening and closing our meetings the same way, reciting the same words during inductions, and singing spirit songs that have stood the test of time. These moments enhance the brotherhood and sisterhood in our chapters and are part of what makes our Movement so special.

Group of diverse young people smiling at a community event

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Our ritual moments are what make us feel like a movement. You can enter a room in San Francisco or Buenos Aires and expect to hear the same words to open or close a meeting. It's important that every Aleph and BBG learns how to open a meeting, lead a good-and-welfare, give life, and sing our spirit songs. These rituals have been kept alive for more than a century. It's on every generation to teach the next what these moments look and feel like.

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The Spirit of AZA and BBG

At conventions, summer programs, chapter overnights, and more, you'll often hear the pep-songs of our Orders. These spirit songs ignite the brotherhood and sisterhood between Alephs and BBGs. Learn the lyrics, sing loudly, and have a lot of fun!

Heads up: you may lose your voice for a few days after one of our spirit circles.

Up You Men

Identity, Identity

We Pledge to Thee

BBG Pep Song

This Is Our Order

 

Explore the Movement Calendar

There are important dates to keep in mind when prioritizing ritual and tradition. These dates include hands-on training opportunities, Movement mobilization moments, registration dates, and Jewish holidays.

The Henry Monsky Chapter Excellence Award of the Aleph Zadik Aleph

This is the most prestigious honor an AZA chapter can earn. It requires that the chapter represent top quality in all areas of chapter operations—a growing membership, diverse and rich programming, healthy chapter organization, and consistent contributions to and participation in the initiatives and programs led by the International Order.

The Miriam Albert Chapter Excellence Award of the B'nai B'rith Girls

This is the most prestigious honor a BBG chapter can earn. It requires that the chapter represent top quality in all areas of chapter operations—a growing membership, diverse and rich programming, healthy chapter organization, and consistent contributions and participation in the initiatives and programs led by the International Order.

The Maurice Bisgyer Chapter Excellence Award for BBYO Chapters

This is the most prestigious honor a BBYO chapter can earn. It requires that the chapter represent top quality in all areas of chapter operations—a growing membership, diverse and rich programming, healthy chapter organization, and consistent contributions and participation in the initiatives and programs led by the International Order.

More Ritual and Tradition Tools

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AZA & BBG History Timeline

Use this timeline to understand the development of AZA & BBG into what they are today.

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Calendar Checklist

Review common events to inform your calendar planning on a Chapter or Regional Level.

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Celebrating Our Seniors

Ideas for communities to show appreciation and gratitude to graduating seniors. 

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Get to Know BBYO: Ritual & Tradition

Get to know what makes AZA & BBG so special: the rituals that are decades old and the traditions we build around them.

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Good and Welfare Guidelines

Learn how to build brotherhood or sisterhood in your chapter and create a culture of praise and celebration by facilitating Good and Welfare sessions at the end of meetings and programs.

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Planning AZA, BBG, or BBYO Separates

Use these three steps to plan a meaningful separates experience.