The Charlotte Jewish News- February 2026- Page 14
Jewish Teen Leadership in Action: Meet Charlotte’ s BBYO Chapter Presidents
By Zack Tabachnikoff
When people think about youth programs, they often imagine adults planning the coordination and teens simply showing up. In BBYO, the opposite rings true. Across Charlotte, four high school students – Ethan, Amitai, Zoey, and Taylor – serve as chapter godolim and N’ siot( presidents), leading 200 Jewish teens through weekly programs, community-building experiences, and meaningful Jewish engagement. While balancing school, sports, and other extracurricular commitments, these teens are gaining real-world leadership experience
BBYO Chapter Leadership
By Phil Brodsky
At the close of 2025, North Carolina Hillel( NC Hillel) was recognized as a“ Great Place to Work” at the Hillel International Global Assembly, a distinction awarded to only one Hillel among hundreds represented at the annual conference.
The recognition was announced at the annual gathering of the world’ s largest Jewish campus organization, held Dec. 8 – 11 in Boston and attended by more than 1,200 campus leaders, supporters, and students. The award recognizes those campus Hillels that excel in supporting, developing, and retaining Jewish professionals.
The honor comes at a significant moment for Jewish life on college campuses across North Carolina. NC Hillel has grown to its largest staff to date, with 13 full-time employees serving students across the University of North Carolina system, that many adults do not encounter until later in life.
Each chapter president directs an executive board of six to eight teen leaders, overseeing teams responsible for programming, membership, Judaics, communications, and organization. Together, these boards plan and run weekly chapter programs designed to engage teens consistently throughout the year. From social events and Jewish holiday programming to leadership development and community service, these teens shape the experiences of their peers.
Beyond programming, these chapter presidents also oversee
including campuses in Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Greensboro, Asheville, Wilmington, Raleigh, Boone, and Greenville.
“ That recognition is a testament to the exceptional work happening at North Carolina Hillel,” said Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International.“ They are creating vibrant Jewish student communities that foster Jewish joy, meaning and belonging. Their work is shaping both Jewish students today and Jewish leaders for the future.”
That growth has taken place amid heightened challenges for Jewish communities on campus, including difficult campus climates and an on-campus tragedy in 2023. According to the organization, a focus on faculty care, transparency and connection has strengthened internal culture, helping teams support students consistently across the state.
“ When staff feel supported
their own chapter budgets, collectively managing thousands of dollars, much of which is supported through fundraising and chapter initiatives. They learn how to budget responsibly, allocate funds strategically, and ensure their chapters remain accessible and sustainable. These tangible skills extend far beyond their BBYO duties and position them well for future academic and professional pursuits.
What makes this leadership especially impressive is that it does not exist in isolation. Ethan, Amitai, Zoey, and Taylor are not only leading within BBYO; they are also involved in other clubs, sports teams, and leadership roles within their schools and throughout the broader community. Their ability to balance these commitments while remaining deeply engaged in Jewish life speaks to their dedication and maturity.
Ethan, the Godol of Hank Greenberg AZA, balances his leadership in BBYO with involvement in Providence Jewish Culture Club and flag football. Reflecting on his experience, Ethan shares that his role has been one of the most impactful ones of his high school career. Through BBYO, he has gained meaningful leadership skills, learned how to guide and inspire his peers, and takes pride in helping shape an engaging chapter community. BBYO has played a significant role in nourishing Ethan’ s Jewish identity, opening opportunities to connect more deeply with Jewish life while growing as a confident and responsible leader. He values the experiences and relationships BBYO has brought into his life and looks forward to continuing to grow as a leader within the organization.
Amitai, the president of MBA, shared that serving as Mickey Barack Aberman AZA’ s Godol has been one of the most meaningful parts of his Jewish journey. In addition to his BBYO work, he is the president and founder of his school’ s Jewish club, CTeen, a football player at South Mecklenburg High School, as well as an active member of Friendship Circle, Best Buddies, and NHS. MBA AZA has been the most impactful endeavor in his life and has given him the opportunity to meet incredible peers and experience a brotherhood unlike any other.
Zoey, alongside her commitments to club volleyball, WHOS club, and NHS, has served as Ohavim BBG’ s Nsiah. Throughout her term, she brought energy and care into chapter programming, ensuring events were both meaningful and fun. She prioritized connecting with new members, helping them feel welcome and supported from day one. She also played a vital role in strengthening fundraising efforts, encouraging others to get involved. Through her dedication and passion, her leadership helped the chapter grow not only in size but in spirit.
Taylor is actively engaged in leadership, service, and academic enrichment. As Nsiah of Chai Chaverim, Taylor has helped guide one of the chapter’ s most and empowered, they can bring their best selves to students, modeling resilience, empathy and community,” said Hannah Spinrad, executive director of NC Hillel.“ We’ ve seen engagement increase because students sense the strength and care of the team behind them. This recognition reflects how investing in people creates ripples of connection and impact across the Hillel movement.”
In recent years, NC Hillel has expanded its reach and programming, including the hiring of its first statewide rabbi and selection as one of 13 Hillels nationwide chosen to pilot Hillel International’ s Campus Impact Advisor Program.
Jewish Federation of Greater successful years – leading fundraising efforts, raising the highest total of any Charlotte chapter for Giving BBYO Day, fostering a highly engaged new member class, and delivering consistent programming. Reflecting on this role, Taylor shares that BBYO is an important part of her life, and she genuinely loves leading the chapter. This commitment is reflected in her work as President and Founder of the Jewish Culture Club at Charlotte Country Day. In addition, Taylor volunteers at a hospital, is a Think- Neuro research intern, a National Honor Society member, a leader in other school clubs, and a manager at a local business, demonstrating responsibility, initiative, and community impact.
At its core, BBYO is more than events or weekend conventions; it is about empowering Jewish teens to take ownership of their community. Through leadership roles like chapter president, teens learn how to lead teams, communicate effectively, manage responsibility, and inspire others. As Charlotte’ s Jewish community looks toward the future, it is leaders like Ethan, Amitai, Zoey, and Taylor who give us confidence that the next generation is prepared, enthusiastic, and proud to lead.
If your teen is interested in learning more about BBYO, please contact to Zack Tabachnikoff at Ztabachnikoff @ bbyo. org.
North Carolina Hillel Recognized as“ Great Place to Work” at International Conference
Charlotte is among NC Hillel’ s largest funders, supporting its work to foster Jewish connection, learning and community for college students across North Carolina. and university campuses worldwide and is the largest Jewish student organization globally.