'I Feel At Home' Says BBYO Teen

Logan Buren, a member of the Kentucky-Indiana-Ohio (KIO) region of BBYO from Louisville, recently wrote about his experiences with the B'nai Brith Youth Organization and what it means to him. "Logan's letter is such a nice tribute to the work that BBYO does, that we wanted to share it with everyone," said Amy Dicker, director of the KIO BBYO.

I Feel At Home
By Logan Buren
I can still remember telling myself that, "I'll never do BBYO, there's no way anybody could make me do it."

BBYO (B'nai B'rith Youth Organization) is a Jewish youth group all over the world involving more than 18,000 Jewish teens. BBYO is known as the largest and most effective provider of identity-building and leadership development programs for Jewish teens. Just look at where I am today and the person I've become; you'll know it makes its mark.

I can't start to imagine my life without BBYO. They are the only people in the world around whom I can truly be myself. It's the only place where I don't hold back what I feel or what I really believe. It's the only place where I feel at home.

The friendships that I've made have shaped me to be a much better person. The people are like no other. They are real; they're your brothers, your sisters and best friends. Everybody is your friend, nobody judges you, and nobody tells you how to live your life or focuses on the negative. For those weekends that I spent with my brothers and sisters, I was really me. I danced like nobody was watching - in reality over 150 of my best friend were, but it's the least of my worries.

Nothing can begin to compare to the powerful friendships I've made through BBYO. I can't imagine my life without those late night phone calls when I needed someone to talk with, near or far, just somebody who knows me better than anybody. A person that in the end always makes me feel at home. No matter the distance, just somebody I trust with everything and that is my best friend. These are the only friendships I know that will last a lifetime. They are the people I know I can call on 24 hours a day, seven days a week as long as I live with a loving hand, a brief hello or a stay at their houses when I come in town for the weekend.

You're always surrounded by the people you love and care about the most no matter where you are. BBYO hasn't just helped me to become a better Jew, but also to become a much better person. I have grown as an individual and opened my eyes to everybody and everything. I'm more open to new ideas and trying new things. I now understand why being Jewish is so important; it is now the most important aspect of my life. I love being Jewish and everything that comes with it, good or bad.

You may only speak to that person for that one weekend you're with them at the convention, and then not see them for months, but you slowly start right where you left. I could've not gone to that one bowling event, not listened to my friends, but where would I be today? Who would I be today? I wouldn't be the same person today.

This is my true family; these are the only friends I'll always call on no matter what. Wherever life's journey takes me, I will not go on it alone. These are the friends that will go along for the ride.

BBYO is worldwide, youth led organization dedicated to providing opportunities for Jewish teens in grades 9 though 12. Community Service, social and Judaic programs give teens the chance to develop a positive Jewish identity while developing leadership potential. Over 100 teens meet at the JCC each week to interact, socialize and plan upcoming programming.

For more information, call (614) 231-2791 ext. 378.