Clarke Central High School sophomore Claire Murthy, Riverwood International Charter School senior Lindsay Greenwald and Social Media Coordinator Liya Taylor, a sophomore, (from left to right) pose at the Greater Atlanta Region Fall 2024 Chapter Leadership Training Initiative on Aug. 11, 2024. At the start of the 2024-25 school year, Taylor founded Athens’ B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) chapter as the N’siah, or president, with Murthy as the S’ganit, or vice president. “I’ve gained leadership skills, learned to organize events and discovered the importance of advocating for Jewish representation,” Taylor wrote. Photo courtesy of Laura Pollock
Social Media Coordinator Liya Taylor reflects on the impact starting a B’nai B’rith Youth Organization chapter in Athens has had on her.
Growing up in Athens, I often felt like I was one of the only Jewish kids in the community. While I was never ashamed of who I was, it sometimes felt isolating, especially when most of my peers celebrated different holidays, such as Easter, and had traditions I couldn’t relate to.
I longed for a space where I could be the “normal.” Where I could connect with other Jewish teens, celebrate our traditions and simply be myself without feeling like an outsider.
Athens B’nai B’rith Youth Organization members play board games together at their Friendsgiving potluck on Nov. 21, 2024. BBYO was established on April 22, 1944 by Sam Beber and aims to build the identity of Jewish teens around the world. “BBYO has shown me that I’m not alone. I’ve connected not only with Jewish teens in Athens but with a global network of Jewish youth who share the same traditions, holidays and pride as me,” Athens BBYO founder and Social Media Coordinator Liya Taylor wrote. Photo by Liya Taylor
This is why I started an Athens B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) chapter at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year — a decision that not only brought other Jewish teens together, but also helped me embrace my Jewish identity.
BBYO is an international Jewish youth organization that provides teens with a place to lead, connect and celebrate their heritage. It offers social events, leadership opportunities and community service projects to help members strengthen their Jewish identity. The Athens chapter is the 13th to be founded within the Greater Atlanta Region of BBYO.
Starting this chapter was no small task.
Athens isn’t known for having a huge Jewish population, so finding enough interested members was a challenge. With the help of friends, family and Congregation Children of Israel synagogue members, I slowly gathered together enough eager Jewish teens.
A timeline shows the events Athens B’nai B’rith Youth Organization has held since being founded at the start of the 2024-25 school year. Social Media Coordinator Liya Taylor created Athens BBYO with the help of Clarke Central High School sophomore Claire Murthy. “Starting this chapter was no small task. Athens isn’t known for having a huge Jewish population so finding enough interested members was a challenge,” Taylor wrote. “With the help of friends, family and synagogue members, I slowly but surely gathered together enough eager Jewish teens.” Photos courtesy of and timeline by Liya Taylor
Over the past few months, I’ve deepened my connection to my Jewish identity in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Instead of feeling like an observer of my own heritage, I’ve become an active participant, shaping what Jewish life looks like for myself and others. I’ve gained leadership skills, learned to organize events and discovered the importance of being proud of my identity.
Most importantly, BBYO has shown me that I’m not alone. I’ve connected with both Jewish teens in Athens and a global network of Jewish youth who share the same traditions, holidays and pride as me.
I longed for a space where I could be the “normal.” Where I could connect with other Jewish teens, celebrate our traditions and simply be myself without feeling like an outsider.
What started as a longing for connection has turned into something bigger – it’s become a community that will continue to thrive after I graduate high school. In founding this chapter, I have not just given myself and my peers a place to belong, but I’ve also helped create a lasting place where Jewish teens in Athens will always have a home.
