There is a flame that keeps all of us going. It acts as our motivation, determination, and passion. 

In this week’s Torah Portion, Parsha Tzav, G-d provides detailed instructions about how to perform sacrifices. However, He focuses on keeping the fire on the altar lit and always burning. He explains to Aaron and his sons that the Torah says the fire must never go out. 

In BBYO, we have rituals that we do weekly, monthly, or annually. Each business meeting always has opening and closing ceremonies, every April 22 is BBG Founder’s Day, every May 3 is AZA and BBYO Founder’s Day, and each graduating class becomes a lifetime member. These traditions are what we Alephs and BBGs around the world are carrying on as the tradition those before set for us. Our Blue Books and Red Books are the true epitome of L’dor V'dor. 

Finding motivation can be hard, but we Alephs and BBGs continue pushing through every hardship until we find what lights our BBYO spark. That spark can be something small or something as big as IC. No matter what your spark is, once you have it, it will never leave your side. That spark will one day get bigger and bigger, forming a flame that drives you through your BBYO journey.

This flame can also inspire us. Take the step of running for an elected position or going on a BBYO Summer Program. Wherever each teen goes in their unique BBYO experience is up to them, but their Red or Blue Book follows us forever, acting as our motivation to keep pushing forward in the Movement and in the world.

The message of Tzav is that consistency is key to everything we do in life. Just like the fire continues to burn on the altar, we should ensure that our inner fire is burning every day to keep us motivated and strong.

Shabbat Shalom BBYO,

Riley Cutler

Pacific Western Region

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Simchat Torah Challenge Podcast Series

Interested in listening to this week's parsha? Check out Northern Region East's take on Parshat Tzav as a part of the Simchat Torah Challenge Podcast Series. The Simchat Torah Challenge is a yearlong journey where teens from around the Order are exploring the Torah, one parsha at a time. Teens are connecting with the text, sharing their thoughts, and exploring how it relates to their own lives.